Many thanks to @Uskeus for tweeting the link!
Elnuevodia.com has posted an article on their visit to the Replicas set. The article is in Spanish and has three photos with it that do not show up at the link above. I have grabbed a screen capture the digital paper and will post it below. Highlights from the article are below:
- Producer, Luis Riefkohl worked in Puerto Rico for almost a year getting ready for the production.
- The project almost died five times. Much of the money for the project came from England and was affected by the Brexit fiasco which cost the production about 15% of its budget. They signed off on the financial loan papers the day before Obama signed PROMISE. Apparently another problem was caused by the signing of the Moratorium Act during the three days of the interim loadm period. Zika also caused a problem. While it’s not mentioned specifically in this article, they had a problem finding a leading lady that was willing to film in Puerto Rico due to the virus.
- The 38 day Replicas shoot began on August 10.
- The story was adapted with Puerto Rico as the backdrop. It was a requirement for the financing of the project. It was easy as a result of all the research laboratories in Puerto Rico.
- In the old building of Baxter in Carolina, they created an approximately 100,00 sq. ft. film studio. There were five sets for filming: a high tech laboratory where Will Foster works, the second floor and basement of the Foster family residence, an area with a blue screen where special effects were created and a paint shop that had an oven.
- As the producer and financier of the film, Riefkohl directed resources into the infrastructure, i.e. the sound stages in the Baxter bldg. which will allow it to be used for other productions. That have begun to get inquiries from other productions to use the new facility.
- Alberto Bacó, Secretary of Economic Development and Trade, visited all of the sets of major movies that have filmed on the island to see if something could become permanent. Note: Looks like they hit pay dirt with Replicas.
- The budge for Replicas was $37M of which $31M represented an economic boost for Puerto Rico. You can read the article for the details.
- Director Jeffrey Nachmanoff mentioned that although the film is science fiction it is also emotional. He said that everyone knows that Keanu Reeves is known for his roles in action and sci-fi films. This film gaveh im the opportunity to show his worry and vulnerability.
- The director highlighted the talent of the local production team and elieves that there is great potential for more movies to be filmed on the island.
- Nachmanoff said this was the first time he filmed in PR and would definitely return. The biggest challenge for him was the heat. He did not fear getting Zika but he has filmed in areas with malaria and there are earthquakes in So. California.
- Co-producer James Dodson has filmed around the world and was impressed with the infrastructure, production equipment, experienced technicians and locations on the island.
- Some of the post-production work will take place on the island.
- They are hoping for a November release date.
