PENANG has attracted another international film production, with Netflix’s upcoming Hollywood film The Big Fix, starring internationally acclaimed actor Mark Wahlberg, currently being filmed in the state over a two-week production schedule.
During a courtesy meeting, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai met with the film’s producer Bennett Walsh, Biscuit Films producer Bill Donovan, and Malaysia location manager Guy Sahibjahn at City Stadium, one of the film’s shooting locations.
Others present were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and Penang Island City Council’s Muhammad Muashraf.
Following the meeting, Wong was given a tour of the filming set at the stadium.
“The decision by a major Netflix production starring Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg to film in Penang is another significant milestone for the state’s tourism and creative economy.
“Mark Wahlberg is widely known for films such as The Departed, The Fighter, Ted, Lone Survivor and the Transformers franchise. A production of this calibre brings invaluable international exposure to Penang through one of the world’s largest streaming platforms,” Wong said.
For the past three days, filming has taken place at several iconic locations across Penang Island, including Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion, Lorong Ikan in George Town and City Stadium, showcasing the state’s rich heritage, multicultural identity and unique cityscape to a global audience.
As The Big Fix centres on the world of football, filming is also taking place at several football stadiums in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, including City Stadium. There will be other filming locations across Penang over the coming week.
The filming of The Big Fix is supported through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme and endorsed by the Office of the Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE) and MBPP as part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to position Penang as a preferred destination for international film and television productions. PETACE has worked closely with Penang Global Tourism (PGT), MBPP, the production team and relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth filming experience throughout their time in Penang.
“International productions not only create economic opportunities for local businesses, hotels, transport providers and the creative industry, but also strengthen Penang’s position as a film tourism destination by inspiring audiences worldwide to visit the places they see on screen,” Wong added.
This latest production builds on Penang’s growing success in attracting international filmmakers. Earlier this year, Penang also served as a filming location for Sandiwara, starring Academy Award-winning Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. Together, these productions reflect growing international confidence in Penang’s filming ecosystem and the state government’s commitment to growing the tourism and creative economy.
Pix courtesy of PETACE