Just days before it was set to begin shooting, Oscar-winning “Cold War” and “Ida” director Pawel Pawlikowski’s new film “The Island” has been halted according to Deadline.
Filming was to begin on location in Spain this month, with Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix and Oscar nominee Rooney Mara set to star. Both have reportedly returned home, and the project is being put on hold until further notice.
The trade indicates that the threat of a potential SAG-AFTRA strike – on top of the ongoing WGA strike and any potential DGA action – has spooked bond companies.
So, the filmmakers were reportedly told on the eve of the shoot that the movie couldn’t be insured. Talent, financiers and producers remain fully committed to the project, but it’s unclear when it can start again.
As studios self-bond, they’re unlikely to be impacted. As the trade indicates, it’s quite possible very few “independent films of scale” will be able to be made in the coming weeks and possibly months due to the uncertainty.
“The Island” is a true story-inspired tale about an American couple in the 1930s who escape to a deserted island where they live off the land.
A millionaire passing by on his yacht turns the couple into a tabloid newspaper sensation, leading to a self-styled countess appearing with two lovers and planning to build a luxury hotel on the island.
As battle lines are quickly drawn, psychological warfare ensues between the countess and the American couple as sexual infidelity, betrayal and eventually murder take place among the island interlopers.
Tanya Seghatchian and John Woodward are producing for FilmNation, WME Independent, Vision Distribution and Wildside.
SAG-AFTRA’s contract negotiations with the AMPTP begin on June 7th with the current contract expiring on June 30th.
