In the past, films like “Havana” with Robert Redford or Michael Mann’s “Miami Vice” substituted locations in the Dominican Republic or Uruguay for Cuba because years of tension between the two countries meant that U.S.-based companies were barred from spending U.S. dollars in Cuba. That changed after a trade embargo was lifted in 2015, lightening travel restrictions and leading the U.S. to open an embassy in the country. Experts like Kavulich said that a major Hollywood film will have no trouble securing approvals because allowing filming of a “Fast and “Furious” sequel would be viewed as a chance to strengthen relations.
“The Cuban government is supportive and the U.S. government is supportive,” he said. “Licenses for television and motion picture productions are bilateral issues and they will receive bilateral support.”
The location would be one of several backdrops for the newest “Fast and Furious” film. Right now the studio is hoping to start production this spring in Atlanta and New York. The plan would be to have one of the film’s major set pieces take place in Cuba.
Several hurdles still need to be overcome, including ensuring that the country is capable of handling a big-budget shoot that a film of this nature requires, but insiders are hopeful that any reservations will be swept aside by the time production begins this spring. There are a number of advantages to shooting in Cuba beyond popular interest in the island country. Cuba has a variety of settings that could appeal to filmmakers — from beaches to tropical mountains — as well as highways, railways and something of a transportation infrastructure. The country also has a native entertainment industry and does boast soundstages and trained professionals. Food is cheap and labor is substantially less expensive than it would be in the U.S.
The major disadvantage is a lack of internet. Verizon and Sprint have offered roaming in the country, but a production of this scale would need to bring in a satellite-based wireless internet system.
Though Cuba and the West engaged in saber rattling for years, low points in relations, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Bay of Pigs Invasion, have passed into history for a rising generation. Cuban citizens are even relatively well versed in American pop culture. Hollywood films are shown on television and more recent productions are routinely pirated and sold on USB drives.
“In general people like Americans and are very welcoming,” said Richard Feinberg, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of “Open for Business: Building Cuba’s Economy.” “From the Cuban point of view, these kinds of films would bring in money and attract positive publicity.”
The next “Fast and Furious” film debuts on April 17, 2017. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson are on board to return in starring roles, while “Straight Outta Compton’s” F. Gary Gray will take over the director’s chair.
Article Appeared @http://variety.com/2016/film/news/fast-and-furious-8-wants-to-shoot-in-cuba-exclusive-1201672531/