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The Guadalupe Dunes, seen here from a blimp's-eye view in this recent photo, previously has been a setting for scenes in such movies as “Hidalgo” (2004) and “G.I. Jane” (1997). //Staff file
The Central Coast is about to invaded by pirates, at least briefly, for a blockbuster movie series hinged on the shenanigans of one Capt. Jack Sparrow.
Parts of the third installment of the highly successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies will be filmed at the Guadalupe Dunes, according to Martine White, Santa Barbara County Film Commissioner.
White said the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean III” is expected to take place in late fall, and will last one to three days.
It is unknown whether the shooting will bring the film's stars - Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley - to the area, and White emphasized that even though the dunes have already been scouted by the director and department heads, a sudden script change could result in the scene being cut from the film.
“It's never definite until they actually come and begin shooting,” said White.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney Pictures is doing its part to keep the shoot under wraps. The film's publicist, Michael Singer, said the filmmakers have had a “closed-up policy” since production began in 2005, and he cannot release any information about filming.
Guadalupe's mayor said he has been hearing rumors that “Pirates” would film here for about a year now.
“I'm excited,” said Mayor Lupe Alvarez. “I think it has the potential of helping Guadalupe Beach like ‘Sideways' did for the (Santa Ynez) Valley.”
Alvarez also hopes the filming lasts longer than the expected few days.
The Guadalupe Dunes have been host to many films in the past, including Cecil B. DeMille's silent 1923 classic “The Ten Commandments;” the 1926 film “The Son of the Sheik,” which starred Rudolph Valentino, and its 1921 predecessor “The Sheik;” the 1930 film “Morocco,” starring Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich; and 1935's “The Last Outpost,” starring Cary Grant.
More recently, the Dunes provided dramatic sets for “Hidalgo” (2004) and “G.I. Jane” (1997). Guadalupe's downtown also acted as a backdrop to 1998's “Rocky and Bullwinkle” and the 2000 film “Cowboy Up.”
“Pirates III” is expected to be released in May 2007. Meanwhile, its filmmakers can live off the loot they garnered from “Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest,” which has raked in more than $344 million domestically since its June premiere.
Emily Welly can be reached at 739-2220 or ewelly@santamaria
times.com.
July 29, 2006
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