The Kissing Booth franchise, a cornerstone of Netflix’s young adult romance offerings, is inextricably linked in the minds of many with California sunshine and high school drama. Yet, a significant portion of the trilogy, particularly the second and third installments, was filmed in South Africa. The principal reason for this decision wasn’t cinematic aesthetics or narrative necessity, but rather a pragmatic one driven by economic incentives and tax breaks offered by the South African government.
The Allure of Incentives: Why South Africa Beckoned
The South African government, actively seeking to attract foreign film productions and boost its local economy, offers a robust film incentive program. This program provides significant financial rebates to international productions that choose to film within its borders and utilize local talent. These incentives often come in the form of cash rebates on qualifying production expenditures, effectively reducing the overall cost of filmmaking.
While the specifics of the incentives offered to the Kissing Booth production haven’t been publicly disclosed, it’s clear that the potential savings were substantial enough to outweigh the logistical challenges of relocating the production from its initial California setting. By taking advantage of these incentives, Netflix could allocate resources more effectively across its broader content portfolio, making the decision a sound business one.
The Role of Local Talent and Infrastructure
Beyond the financial incentives, South Africa boasts a growing and increasingly skilled film industry infrastructure. The country offers a wide range of experienced crew members, from camera operators and sound technicians to set designers and makeup artists. This availability of skilled labor further reduces production costs, as there’s less need to import talent from abroad.
Furthermore, South Africa possesses diverse and adaptable locations, capable of standing in for various settings. While the country clearly doesn’t look exactly like Southern California, careful location scouting and set dressing allowed the production team to convincingly create the illusion of an American high school environment. This flexibility was crucial in ensuring the film maintained its visual identity while benefiting from South Africa’s cost advantages.
FAQs: Unpacking the South African Connection
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the complexities and nuances of filming The Kissing Booth in South Africa:
Q1: Did all of the Kissing Booth movies film scenes in South Africa?
No, only the second and third films (The Kissing Booth 2 and The Kissing Booth 3) filmed significant portions in South Africa. The first film (The Kissing Booth) was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Q2: What specific locations in South Africa were used for filming?
Filming took place in various locations, primarily in and around Cape Town. Specific locations included areas that were dressed and filmed to resemble California high schools, beaches, and residential neighborhoods. Details regarding exact street addresses or private residences are usually kept confidential.
Q3: How much money did the Kissing Booth production save by filming in South Africa?
The exact amount saved is not publicly available, but it is estimated to be a significant percentage of the overall production budget, likely in the millions of dollars. This saving comes from tax rebates and lower labor costs.
Q4: Did the South African actors and crew members get credit for their work on the films?
Yes, the Kissing Booth production utilized numerous South African actors, crew members, and production staff. They received credit for their contributions in the film’s end credits and through various industry databases.
Q5: Were there any specific challenges faced while filming in South Africa?
Logistical challenges likely included managing international travel, navigating different time zones, and adapting to the local culture and environment. Additionally, maintaining consistency in the film’s aesthetic to match the California setting would have required careful planning and execution.
Q6: How did filming in South Africa impact the local film industry?
The Kissing Booth production brought economic benefits to the South African film industry by creating jobs, generating revenue for local businesses, and providing opportunities for local talent to gain experience on a large-scale production.
Q7: Did the South African setting influence the storyline or characters in any way?
While the setting wasn’t explicitly integrated into the main storyline, filming in South Africa likely provided the cast and crew with unique experiences and perspectives that may have subtly influenced their performances and creative decisions. The narrative, however, remained rooted in a generic American high school context.
Q8: Are other Netflix productions also filmed in South Africa?
Yes, Netflix has filmed several other productions in South Africa, including Blood & Water, Queen Sono, and various documentaries and reality shows. This reflects Netflix’s growing investment in the South African film industry.
Q9: What are the main reasons for South Africa being a popular filming location?
Beyond financial incentives, South Africa offers a combination of diverse landscapes, skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and favorable exchange rates. These factors make it an attractive and cost-effective location for international film productions.
Q10: How does the South African film incentive program work?
The South African film incentive program typically offers cash rebates to qualifying productions based on their expenditures within the country. The exact percentage and eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific program and the size of the production. Detailed information is available from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) of South Africa.
Q11: What is the future of filming in South Africa for international productions?
The future of filming in South Africa appears bright, with continued investment from both the government and international studios. The country is poised to become an increasingly important hub for film and television production, offering a competitive and dynamic environment for filmmakers. The continued appeal of cost-effective production coupled with growing infrastructure will likely ensure sustained growth.
Q12: Could the Kissing Booth series have achieved the same success if it was entirely filmed in California?
The Kissing Booth‘s success is primarily attributed to its target audience appeal, engaging storyline (for its demographic), and effective marketing by Netflix. While filming in South Africa impacted the production budget, it’s unlikely to have significantly altered the overall success of the franchise. The key ingredients for its popularity remained consistent regardless of the filming location.