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Thursday, August 28, 2008 - Web posted at 7:55:45 AM GMT Swakop is IT, says television producer ADAM HARTMANSWAKOPMUND is the ideal location for the television miniseries 'The Prisoner' and most of its scenes will be filmed there, says the show's producer. |
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"It's the perfect place. We've been around the world to find the right stage for the movie, and Swakopmund was it," award-winning producer Trevor Hopkins told The Namibian. He said it is the variety of architecture, people and the surrounding environment, as well as the "relaxed, somewhat mysterious atmosphere" that made Swakopmund the ideal location for the six-part miniseries. 'The Prisoner' is a remake of the 1960s cult thriller series of the same name. It is about a man trapped in a mysterious and surreal place known as The Village, with no memory of how he arrived there. The man, played by Jim Caviezel, discovers that the inhabitants of The Village are identified by number instead of by name, and all off them suffer from amnesia. The Village is controlled by the sinister and charismatic Number Two, played by Ian McKellen, who recently portrayed Gandalf the wizard in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The remake focuses contemporary concerns such as liberty, security and surveillance, while at the same time retaining the key elements of paranoia, action and socio-political commentary seen in the original series. "We don't want to copy the original, but there is certainly acknowledgement thereof. Fans of the first [series] will definitely recognise the original elements," Hopkins said. Creators and designers have been working around the clock on the 102 sets in and around town, with several areas and streets being closed to the public during production. The main set is based at the Esplanade Amphitheatre next to the Swakopmund State House and Magistrate's Court. Many other sets resembling temples have been set up in various locations, and some offices and shops have received face-lifts in keeping with the look of Swakopmund. "We don't want the audience to know where we are shooting - it's the mystery of The Village - although much of what people will see is part and parcel of Swakopmund," Hopkins said. "It is sure though that many fans will come to Swakopmund after they have seen the series and found out where The Village is. The tourism spin-offs are unlimited." Hopkins said the production will take about two months. Although the 20 main actors are all foreigners, many of the 200 other roles will be filled by Namibians. "Swakopmund has been a location for many movies, and you really have an industry here that can be developed," Hopkins said. "It's a matter of training, enthusiasm and experience - the potential is enormous." |
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