Nicolas Cage film a welcome boost to the region’s profile

Local authorities have welcomed news of Nicolas Cage’s latest movie being filmed in Yallingup as a valuable cash injection as well as another way to tell the Margaret River region’s story to international audiences. The City of Busselton had issued permits for the venture which has set up near Rabbits surf break employing crews from Melbourne as well as some local creatives. Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said residents had embraced the movie Go, filmed in the region and later premiering at CinefestOz, and hoped Cage’s film The Surfer would be the same. “The City has been working with film crews to accommodate the production of a new movie,” he told the Times. “We have long supported filming in our region, with a variety of stunning landscapes to boast. “What’s also exciting is the community will again have opportunity to participate. “Filming will generate more business and jobs in the region, with food, accommodation and other services for cast and crews,” Cr Henley said. “The City will take this opportunity to again showcase the region for all that it is.” Vasse MLA Libby Mettam also said the movie was another “fantastic opportunity” to showcase the region and its surfing to international markets. “This has wide-reaching economic benefits bringing more visitors, which further supports tourism and investment in this region,” she said. While the action seemed contained to Cape Naturaliste, the wider benefits to the region were acknowledged by Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Paula Cristoffanini. “Our local communities are very conscious of the very special environment and riches of our region and well understand that others would also appreciate its unique beauty,” she said. “Our hope is that stories about the place we love are told authentically and include local voices.” The 59-year-old Hollywood star landed in Perth on Monday before making his way to Yallingup to get started on the production of the psychological thriller. The actor was staying at Taj Burrow’s palatial Yallingup home near set locations, which includes local beaches. The Times understands Cage’s arrival in WA was overdue, with rumours the actor was delayed due to a bout of COVID-19. The production has hired local creatives and water safety experts including famed set photographer David Dare Parker and Water Safety Australia operator Perry Hatchett. The Times understands local surfers had also played their parts in the waves, and while no Margaret River students were cast, some youngsters had scored a break in the film. Reports indicated much of the surfing action for the film was already wrapped before Cage’s arrival with his family this week. Cage brought his young family along for the ride, his 28-year-old wife Riko Shibata and daughter August, who were also spotted in Busselton shopping for Asian groceries on Tuesday.