Maui’s film industry soars in 2021: John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Guy Fieri, HBO, Hallmark and more

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Maui actor Branscombe Richmond and Maui County film commissioner Tracy Bennett with “Paradise City” star John Travolta. Photo: Maui Film Bureau, Alan Fukuyama

Maui Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett, State Film Commissioner and Mayor Michael Victorino worked to bring major productions back to Maui County after the lockdown over a year ago, approving the filming with restrictions in August.

“We’ve achieved almost $ 40 million in sales since last August,” Bennett said.

Besides the appeal of its natural beauty, one of the perks of film production in Maui is the Film, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit, which is equivalent to a 25% credit. production costs incurred, higher than the rate on O ‘ahu, according to the Hawai’i Film Office.

There are a few conditions to the tax credit, such as productions meeting an on-island spending requirement of $ 200,000, making reasonable efforts to hire local talent and crews, and donating “0.1% from Hawai’i Spend or $ 1,000 productions, whichever is greater, “to local industry, according to their website.

“It gave us the opportunity here on the neighboring islands to expand our business,” Bennett said. “As everyone knows, O’ahu’s gets the majority because it’s more populated, more infrastructure, more people, more crew, more equipment. So that we have three major productions and a few smaller ones since August – we have been very successful. “

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The film industry has had an impact on Maui’s economy, hiring hundreds of local artists, crews, extras and hotel employees, supporting restaurant businesses, ice cream companies, Lowes and Home Depot, as well as donations to Maui Public Schools.

HBO’s “Island of Temptation” and “The White Lotus”

The writer / director of “The White Lotus” directs Kekoa Kekumano and Brittany O’Grady on Wailea Beach. Photo: Maui Film Bureau
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Two major television productions, “Temptation Island” and “The White Lotus” were filmed during the lockdown.

One of the first productions to make it to Maui was the reality TV show “Temptation Island”, which made its third appearance on Maui.

The crew were on-site at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort for six weeks in July and had 100% access inside and outside the resort while tourists were away, according to Bennett. About 100 local teams were hired for this production, which put 75 Andaz employees back to work.

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“Island of Temptation” also donated tents to Kīhei schools so that students can have a safe place to study during the pandemic.

Its crew underwent nearly 9,000 tests and found no positive results.

“[That] sort of proved that, as long as we put the proper protocols in place, we can be successful in bringing back film and television production, ”Bennett noted.

“Temptation Island” has already released season three and plans to return to Maui for a fourth season, but not to a hotel this time around, Bennett said.

“Productions buying back hotels are unlikely to happen anymore,” he said. “We were able to take advantage of the situation that allowed them to create their own bubble and their own COVID-free environment when there were no tourists around. We were able to get two which is really great for Maui and Hawai’i.

The writer / director of “The White Lotus” directs Kekoa Kekumano and Brittany O’Grady on Wailea Beach. Photo: Maui Film Bureau

On the heels of “Temptation Island” came “The White Lotus,” a six-episode HBO limited series filmed in October, November, December and again in February – skipping January due to two COVID-19 tests. positive.

“[‘The White Lotus’] was a very big budget project, ”Bennett said. The miniseries bought out the Four Seasons and hired about 125 people – 60 extras and 65 Four Season employees – before the state opened.

HBO also donated approximately $ 22,000 to Kalama Intermediate’s immersive program.

“The White Lotus” premieres July 11 on HBO.

“City of paradise”

Bruce Willis and Blake Jenner in a scene from “Paradise City” at the Kihei Boat Ramp. Photo: Maui Film Bureau

“Paradise City,” an independent film starring John Travolta and Bruce Willis – who starred together again for the first time since Pulp Fiction 27 years ago – wrapped up filming a few weeks ago.

Maui County Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett and Mayor Mike Victorino discuss the Maui shoot with “Paradise City” star Bruce Willis and executive producer Steven Eads. Photo: Maui Film Bureau, Alan Fukuyama

Local Maui resident Branscombe Richmond served as production supervisor and actor in the film.

“We are fortunate to be touring Maui County,” said Richmond.

The action thriller has been shot at various locations across Valley Island, including Kīhei Boat, Mākena State Park, South Kīhei Road, Makani Olu Ranch, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Fleetwood’s on Front St. and The King Kamehameha Golf Club.

“Usually on a big action movie like [‘Paradise City’], it takes about three months of preparation – and they did it in two weeks, ”Bennett said. “There were some restrictions on this one due to the short notice where they couldn’t film exactly where they wanted or what they wanted so they were constantly rewriting the script.”

The “Paradise City” executive producer plans to take another trip to Maui to shoot another movie with Bruce Willis – possibly later this summer.

“Aloha with Love”, “Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives”, “One Million Dolla” and more

“Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” welcomes Guy Fieri with professional surfer Matt Meola and musician Lukas Nelson. Photo: Maui Film Bureau

Actor, production service provider and producer Branscombe Richmond has presented three smaller films in recent months, featuring a majority of local crews.

“We have the talent here, the infrastructure and we provide jobs for these kids – who studied film in their high school instead of moving to the mainland – to have the opportunity to stay here and pursue their dreams.” Richmond said.

One of them, “One Million Dolla,” a film written and directed by Stephen Schaffer, will be released on streaming platforms later this summer, according to Richmond.

Another that Richmond has overseen is the Hallmark movie “Aloha with Love,” which stars two of Hallmark’s lovers, Trevor Donovan and Tiffany Smith.

“Aloha with Love” had about 80% crew in Maui, according to Bennett, and ended a few months ago.

Richmond has spoken of a third film he could not comment on at this time.

FIND ‘OHANA (L to R) KEA PEAHU as PILI, BRANSCOMBE RICHMOND as KIMO in FIND’ OHANA. Cr. COLLEEN E. HAYES / NETFLIX © 2021

Richmond said he enjoys making family films with cultural inclusion, recalling the Netflix release he starred in this year called “Finding ‘Ohana”.

In an interview with Maui Now, Richmond said he cherished a phone call he received from an Uber driver in Waimānalo on O’ahu about five days ago. The driver explained that his passengers, a Colombian family visiting the islands, said they “experienced ‘Aloha’ in the movie ‘Finding’ Ohana ‘.”

“When you have the opportunity to make someone’s day… that’s what I was so grateful to be able to experience,” said Richmond.

Guy Fieri returned to Maui with his son to shoot two programs simultaneously, Food Network’s “Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives” and a new show featuring him and his son.

“Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” welcomes Guy Fieri with Fleetwood owner Mick Fleetwood. Photo: Maui Film Bureau

Fieri and his crews filmed all over the island, from beaches to food trucks and restaurants. According to Bennett, some of the places he landed were Fleetwood’s on Front St., Maui Fresh Streetery, and Fat Daddy’s.

For future films, another project would be coming to Maui – “Maneater” – a film starring country singer Trace Adkins, according to Bennett. Another production crew for a zombie show is slated to arrive in August.

Bennett said he is aware of two other films that are gearing up to arrive in Maui under nondisclosure agreements.

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