Johannesburg, where the super hero movie Avengers: Age of Ultron was filmed last year, will now also be the host of the movie’s premiere on 22 April. Shooting the movie in the city confirmed the status of Johannesburg as a leading filmmakers’ destination with investments that will benefit the city’s economy.
“Johannesburg is a premier global, all year round business, filming and leisure destination for local, national and international audiences as well as the gateway to Africa. It is a world-class African city offering world class facilities and skills,” says Ruby Mathang, the city’s MMC for Economic Development.
Various roads in the central business district were closed when the movie was shot between 14 and 24 February last year by Walt Disney International.
Mathang congratulated the film community of Johannesburg for delivering such excellent service to the producers of The Avengers during filming that showed that the City of Johannesburg is home to world class film professionals.
“We have the infrastructure and technical expertise that international filmmakers can rely on to efficiently and cost-effectively produce their films, as well as a historical past and a future that inspires many script writers to develop captivating stories and use our city to create fascinating visuals,” he said.
As well as excellent infrastructure, ideal weather for filming throughout the year and a diversity of accessible locations, Johannesburg is also an affordable destination. Mathang expressed the city’s commitment to creating an environment in which the private sector can thrive and confidently invest in the film sector. The film industry is important for economic growth in the city, as well as its reputation as a world class African city and business hub.
The latest in the Avengers series starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, James Spader and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, opens in South African theatres on 24 April. South African audiences can look out for the Johannesburg skyline as well as amazing inner-city action in key sequences when earth’s mightiest heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.
“The value of film to the City is significant, with the Gauteng film industry contributing some R2.5 billion ($ 360 million USD) to the economy of the province. Therefore this film is important to Joburg from both an economic, revenue-generating perspective, as well as a branding and marketing angle,” says Mathang.
