The story is about a american-croatian film production series, The Islander II, a sequel of the fantasy and adventure film often referred to as a croatian version of The Hunger Games series. The filming was done in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Royal Hotels & Resort has been selected as the host for the film crew for over one month due to its high sanitary & safety standards.
The plot takes place in the post-apocalyptic world and explores the relationship between a man and a dying nature. Movie production includes notable names within the film industry from the United States and Great Britain, such as Joey Ansah (The Bourne Ultimatum, Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist & The Old Guard), James Cosmo (Brave Heart), Caroline Goodall (Schindler’s List; Hook 1991, Cliffhanger 1993, Disclosure 1994, White Squall 1996 and The Princess Diaries 2001) and Marco Ilso (portrayal of Hvitserk on the History Channel series Vikings Viking).
The medieval town of Dubrovnik , with its impressive city walls, has been transformed into a mythical city of Argos by using special effects and a video game post-production geo-mapping technology.
Dubrovnik has previously drawn the high-profile Hollywood productions, such as The Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
The Eyes of the International Film Industry on Dubrovnik
„We are happy that big international productions, such as The Game of Thrones, Star Wars & Robin Hood, all had great experiences previously filming in Dubrovnik, Croatia. We have received an enormous support from the international film community which has closely watched what we were doing on the set. The entire industry needed a positive piece of news, especially now. Several high-profile productions have been stopped due to Covid-19 infections breaking onto the set, such as Batman & The Matrix“, said Neb Chupin, the executive producer.
Covid-19 Conditions on the Movie Set
In certain instances, there were close to 200 people working on the movie set. The production had to follow a rigid security protocol by using the „isolated bubble“ working station concept.
All production processes in The Islander II were strictly divided into separate departments: costume design, visual effects, camera crew, creative personnel, actors & extras. Each department has been working within its own isolated unit. Cross-departmental interactions were minimal. Only a few people had interacted and things were mapped out to the extent where each person on the set knew where they would have to move, whom to contact, when to contact and for how long. The use of masks and protective body shields on the set was mandatory. Most of the costumes used on the screen were purposefully designed to also provide protection from the virus.
Over 250 Covid-19 tests were administered on the movie production set.
Caroline Goodall, a cult British film star has added that se felt amazing. “Everyone has been amazing. We were in the most beautiful place in the world, which is Dubrovnik. I am in St. John’s fortress which I normally wouldn’t be able to get into. Due to the pandemic, we were able to film here. I feel really honored. They have treated us very well. This was my second movie that I have been fortunate to pick up on after the start of the pandemic. I felt very good. Everyone has been fantastic and has treated us well. It was good to be back“.
Set in a dynamic, post-apocalyptic future, the Islander series is a critique of the modern world. Issues such as neglecting nature, while championing the struggle for power in order to surmount, manipulate and build walls between people, are the critical questions that movie has tackled. These ideas trickle down through a plot in which lighting strikes a young boy Neb. Visions of the future hunt him ever since. Neb is from Fig Island, part of the “New World”. Many islands and one large mainland called “Argos” comprise this new world.
Visitors from the U.K and the U.S. in Dubrovnik
Massive walls surround “Argos” and protect it from the power of the ocean and controlled by THE THREE, a powerful group of 300-year old founders of mysterious origin.
The Islander II project has generated notable number of overnights & local expenditure in Dubrovnik, especially during the travelling hiatus caused by the Covid-19 crisis.
„Over one half of all international guests in Dubrovnik come from the U.K. and the U.S., which Royal Resort views as a big honor, but also recognizes that it is our duty to live up to this amazing level of trust by our dear British and American guests.
Some of our physical and service attributes were extremely helpful during the Covid-19 crisis, such as the spacious outdoor areas of our dining venues, and the fact that our venues are multiple and separated, yet all within a walking distance from each other. Guests can easily maneuver between hotel properties, 9 swimming pools and 5 restaurants. The seaside promenade is also great in that it connect the complex with the old town of Dubrovnik. The Resort is the only local property with offers of such characteristics in Dubrovnik“, says Tom Zovko, the general manager of Royal Hotels & Resort.
We are excited about 2021. season and a new opportunity to welcome our friends and guests from the United Kingdom & the United States“, adds Zovko.
During 2019., close to 2 million travellers from the United Kingdom & the United States have visited Croatia.
