Cape's big Hollywood kiss

More than 7000 filming permits were issued in Cape Town in the past year, showing that the city is a popular choice for international filmmakers, despite stiff global competition.

Garreth Bloor, the city councillor responsible for tourism and the marketing of the city, said the film industry had contributed about R5-billion to the local economy and created more than 35 000 jobs in the past three years.

Filming of the fourth series of the hit television series Homeland is under way in Cape Town, and actor-director Sean Penn is expected to begin shooting The Last Face in the city next month.

It will feature his girlfriend, South African actress Charlize Theron, and Spanish heart-throb Javier Bardem.

Cape Town is also the location for the filming of the hit international TV show Black Sails.

Hollywood blockbusters Mad Max: Fury Road and Safe House, starring Denzel Washington, were shot in the city.

"Reach out and touch the stars in Cape Town - it's quite possible given the number of celebrities spotted around the city recently at famous restaurants and hotels," said Bloor.

"Filming of Homeland across the city is creating much excitement among locals, especially for those chosen as extras."

Bloor said more than 11500 locations and almost 12000 other shooting sites had been booked between July 1 last year and June 23 this year.

He said the city's Darling Street bank building, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, which is often used to depict an airport hall, and the Arts Cape Theatre were particularly favoured by film directors.

The theatre was recently used to represent a US embassy in Homeland.

Nico Dekker, CEO of Cape Town Film Studios, echoed Bloor's sentiments.

He said Cape Town had become a popular destination for international filmmakers, ahead of Durban and Johannesburg.

"That is without a shadow of doubt. It has to do with the diversity of locations and the attractiveness of the city, which is incredible," said Dekker.