Filming for Fast & Furious 7 will resume in Abu Dhabi next month.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Universal Pictures today confirmed the news after months of delays due to the sudden death of the film’s star, Paul Walker, last year.
From April 12-18, the capital will host the film’s crew as well as its stars, including the actor and producer Vin Diesel, and actors Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, who will join the crew in Abu Dhabi to continue production.
Fast & Furious 7 is the latest major Hollywood production to be filmed in Abu Dhabi, attracted by a production incentive in the form of ADFC’s 30 per cent rebate for production spending in the emirate. Twofour54 intaj will serve as the UAE producer of the film.
The next chapter in the highest-grossing movie franchises started last November, when a visual effects crew captured helicopter shots, stunt footage and a variety of visual effects scenes at some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks, including Jumeirah at Etihad towers.
“We look forward to welcoming the stars and crew of Fast & Furious 7 in April,” said Noura Al Kaabi, chief executive, twofour54. “This is a great opportunity to not only generate international exposure for Abu Dhabi, but to also provide young Emiratis with work experience, which could help them to become the region’s future filmmakers.”
Fast & Furious 7 is scheduled for release in April 2015.
artslife@thenational.ae