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Anthony Hopkins at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
Keep your eyes peeled—an Oscar-winning actor is coming to film in the Okanagan.
Sir Anthony Hopkins has been confirmed for Go With Me, a film that will be entirely filmed in the Okanagan and will feature other, yet-to-be announced A-list stars.
According to Jon Summerland for the Okanagan Film Commission, the film will predominately shoot in the northern Okanagan around Enderby and Lumby. However, they're looking into the south Okanagan for a particular location, so shooting could be split between the north and the south.
Summerland says the film will have a “healthy budget”, though he's not allowed to disclose exactly how much. “It will leave quite a bit of money in the Okanagan, by hiring crew, using local talent, using local hotels and accommodation, and eating in restaurants.” Apparently, the film crew will be hired from all regions of the Okangan. “They want to employ as many Okanagan people as they can,” says Summerland. The film crew will also be building sets, which doesn't often happen in the Okanagan.
Preparation will begin October 6, and shooting is scheduled to begin November 10. While Hopkins is confirmed for the film, Summerland says that other big actors are currently in negotiations for the film. He can't yet release that information, and the names that he knows could change anyway with issues in scheduling.
Summerland says that this film is the first of its calibre to be entirely filmed in the Okanagan. Although other big stars have come to the Okanagan, including George Clooney, Steve Martin, and Jack Nicholson, their films were only shot partly in the Okanagan.
The Okanagan Film Commission has been involved since the beginning of this project, breaking down the scripts and sending out scouts for locations. The producer of this particular film was born and raised in the Okanagan and apparently sends the Okanagan Film Commission five scripts a year. However, according to Summerland, “unless it fits, it's not coming. It's up to us to make it fit, so we've worked tirelessly. My scout is out right now looking for more locations.”
Okanagan residents may want to keep a sharp lookout to see if they can spot any stars in the upcoming months.
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