Fourth installment of $2bn franchise being shot in the UAE to be called 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol'
Dubai’s efforts to be taken seriously as a venue for film production have received a shot in the arm as filming begins on the fourth installment of the $2 billion Hollywood franchise “Mission Impossible” this week.
The film is to be called "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", producer and lead actor Tom Cruise told a press conference at the emirate’s Armani Hotel on Thursday. "All I wanted is not to have a number ... I always thought we should have a title aside from 'Mission Impossible'," he said.
As a producer, Cruise said it was hard to find places that appeared fresh on screen but that Dubai offered exactly that opportunity.
"Dubai is very cinematic. We are looking forward to present that on film," he said.
"Dubai is a city I always wanted to shoot in. It's a very challenging film and people here have been extraordinary in helping us get this project going. I would like to thank Sheikh Mohammed," he added, referring to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shooting is expected to take place all around the city and definitely in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Vital action scenes would be shot at the iconic tower and the Armani Hotel, which occupies eight floors of the building. Filming began on Thursday.
The cast include Jeremy Renner, nominated for an Oscar for his role in the 2009 war film "The Hurt Locker". Other actors include Simon Pegg and Paula Patton.
