Neverland meets Newfoundland in new Disney production set to film in August

Newfoundland and Labrador is heading to Hollywood once again, this time as part of Walt Disney Pictures' latest chapter in the tales of Neverlandin its new live-action moviePeter Pan & Wendy.

The film is directed by David Lowery,produced by Jim Whitaker and stars Jude Law, Ever Anderson, Alexander Molony, Yara Shahidi, Alan Tudyk andJim Gaffigan,among others.

Government officials made the announcement on Tuesday of a deal through the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporationand Walt Disney Pictures.

"This certainly is an exciting day for the film industry in Newfoundland and Labrador," saidTourism and Arts Minister Steve Crocker. "The opportunity we are seeing as this industry continues to grow is evidence of this announcement this morning."

The agreement in placeto film a portion of the movie in N.L.isa 30 per cent rebate on eligible production spending, up to$3 million.Crocker said it'sestimated the eligible total spending in the province will be approximately $9 million.

A cast and crew of about 150 people including local technicians, artistsand film workers will be involved in the productionthroughoutAugust in several locations on the island. COVID-19 protocols will be implemented and followed at all locations, according to the department.

Crocker said in 2020-21 production activity in N.L. equalledover $50 million and supported more than 500 full-time equivalent jobs. Several more film projects are in the planning stages for the next year, he said,addingup to about $90 million in production activity.

The NLFDC provides investments to the industry through two programs: the equity investment program and the Newfoundland and Labrador film and video tax credit.

"This Disney production will provide various opportunities for skillenhancements for existing local film workers and recruitment ofnew labour tothis growing industry," Crocker said.

"Film and television productions also help highlight this province's tourism assets."

Action in August

Dorian Rowe, executive director and film commissionerof the NLFDC, told reporters on Tuesday the movie is in production with filming underway in British Columbia. He said the dates and locations for shooting in Newfoundland arestill to be determined, with elements such as weather to account for, but noted it will take place over the first two weeks in August.

"They initially saw pictures on the internet then contacted us for the film commission. Then many, many conversations later they decided to come," Rowe said.

Rowe said locations are being looked at around Trinity, Bonavista and theCape Shore areas, but nothing is set in stone.

Crocker said the provincial government's rebate deal puts N.L. on a level playing field with other competingjurisdictions.

"If you do research around what other jurisdictions in Canada and aroundthe world are doing, California has all kinds of these subsidies and programs to keep that industry there," he said.

"It's an industry that's out there looking for this type of program and we're more than happy to be there and start being competitive and attract these shows."

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador