Woody Allen’s shoot begins with controversy
by Vitor Pinto
Woody Allen has already begun filming his announced "love letter to Barcelona" in the city's beachfront neighbourhood, La Barceloneta. The first scenes were shot yesterday morning, with Scarlett Johanssen in the role of a tourist visiting the Catalonian capital.
The US actress is working for the third time with Allen, this time sharing the set with newcomers to the director's universe: Javier Bardem and Pénelope Cruz.
Despite the local enthusiasm felt in the last couple of weeks, the production of Midnight Barcelona (working title) is not so peaceful.
According to Spanish daily El Mundo, Alberto Fernández, president of the Popular Party (PP) municipal group, will ask Barcelona Mayor Jordi Hereu to publicly announce the exact amount the city is investing in the film. In addition, he will also ask for the invoices of previous trips to New York, for meetings with the director.
Last week, Hereu said that the investment was under €1m. Produced by Mediapro, the film is also supported by the Ministry of Culture, which will cover 15% of the film budget if its garners over 300,000 admissions.
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