Shark movie The Reef won't bite tourism: Producer
PRODUCERS of a movie which depicts a killer great white shark stalking people on a coral reef have dismissed claims the film could be damaging to Queensland's tourism industry.
The Reef, a $3.5 million production which is being filmed at Bowen and Hervey Bay, is slated for release in Australia late next year.
The psychological thriller, which has the tag line "pray that you drown first", is billed as being based on a true story.
It follows a turbulent year for Great Barrier Reef tour operators, who have been struggling to keep afloat amid a tourism downturn.
The film is being supported by the State Government but Far Northern tourism bosses yesterday said the film would cause further hurt for the industry.
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Despite the film’s title, the Australian film crew and cast, and the shooting locations, line producer for The Reef Tiare Tomaszewski said the movie could be set anywhere in the world.
"We are filming it in Queensland and I don’t think it would have any negative impacts on the Reef (tourism industry)," Ms Tomaszewski said.
"It’s not a film that is based in Queensland, it is shot in Queensland.
"We’re a small Australian genre film and we hope that we have a lot of international sales and if we specify too much where we are (set), people won’t respond to it that well."
News of the upcoming film has prompted fierce debate among cairns.com.au readers, with more than 70 comments reacting to claims it would harm Cairns' tourism industry.
Port Douglas underwater filmmaker and diver Ben Cropp said it was "disappointing" an Australian film production was linking great white sharks with any coral reef setting.
"If you’re talking about any type of reef, sure, but great whites, basically, like temperate waters, not tropical," Mr Cropp said.
"If they’re trying to make out there’s coral there, it’s rubbish.
"It’s like saying someone in Brisbane is attacked by a rogue crocodile."
The Reef tells the story of four friends who are forced to swim to a nearby island after their yacht capsizes on a reef.
The group is stalked by a killer great white shark.
Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said there was no evidence to suggest horror movies discouraged people from visiting a particular destination or participating in any activities.
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Staying afloat: New horror film The Reef will not impact negatively on Great Barrier Reef tourism, the film's producer says.
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