As the city is abuzz with the sighting of Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg in various parts of town, Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai also made his acquaintance with the production crew of the film “The Big Fix”.
He met up with the producers of movie which is currently being filmed on the island over a two-week production schedule.
“The courtesy meeting was attended by Bennett Walsh, producer of The Big Fix; Bill Donovan, producer of Biscuit Films; Guy Sahibjahn, Malaysia location manager; Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism (PGT); and Muhammad Muashraf from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at Penang City Stadium, which is also one of the film’s shooting locations.
“Following the meeting, I was given a tour of the filming set at Penang City 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.
“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 Penang 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 Penang City Stadium. There will be other filming locations across Penang over the coming week,” said Wong in a press statement.
He also added that 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.
“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,” added Wong.