Plettenberg Bay has over the past few years become a popular destination for the film industry, becoming a backdrop for many films, music videos and documentaries.
Plettenberg Bay’s popular Robberg Beach became the backdrop for an international reality television series. Photo: Ewald Stander
Plett is once again the backdrop of a multi-million rand film endeavour.
Residents and visitors to the popular Robberg 5 beach may have wondered why access has been blocked over the past two weeks, but light has been shed on the situation.
According to Plett Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth, a film crew started filming an international reality series along a 100m stretch of beach on 12 November.
They wrapped things up on Tuesday 23 November.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the economy of Plettenberg Bay. The economic contribution of this particular project is in excess of R18,4-million with no less than 4 800 bed nights booked and an additional 20+ local businesses benefitting from sales and service,” Butterworth said.
During the filming, however, vehicles were not permitted through the entrance gates into the parking area, as those spaces were reserved for emergency and food services that had been licenced and appointed to provide assistance to the filming crew and actors.
Location management also activated a stop-and-go system for individuals who may have wandered along the shoreline or others who were curious about the filming.
Plettenberg Bay has over the past few years become a popular destination for the film industry, becoming a backdrop for many films, music videos and documentaries.
Experts say it is the area’s untouched natural beauty and the “film-friendly” attitude of locals and authorities that make Plettenberg Bay a popular choice.
A veteran of the film, television and theatre industry and member of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Film Office, Patrick Walton, previously said filmmakers look for the perfect backdrop when they decide on a film location and Plett ticks all the boxes.
He said locals and authorities had also so far been “film-friendly”, which adds to the area’s appeal.
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