{"id":3140,"date":"2016-12-14T12:40:44","date_gmt":"2016-12-14T10:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=3140"},"modified":"2016-12-14T12:40:44","modified_gmt":"2016-12-14T10:40:44","slug":"ghost-in-the-shell-first-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2016\/12\/14\/ghost-in-the-shell-first-look\/","title":{"rendered":"Ghost In The Shell – First Look"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have announced that production is underway on \u201cGHOST IN THE SHELL,\u201d starring Scarlett Johansson (\u201cAVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON,\u201d \u201cLUCY\u201d) and directed by Rupert Sanders (\u201cSNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN\u201d). The film is shooting in Wellington, New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Paramount Pictures will release the film in the U.S. on March 31, 2017.<\/p>\n

The film, which is based on the famous\u00a0Kodansha Comics\u00a0manga series of the same name,\u00a0written and illustrated by\u00a0Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad (\u201cTHE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1 & 2,\u201d \u201cIRON MAN\u201d), Ari Arad (\u201cGHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE\u201d), and Steven Paul (\u201cGHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE\u201d). Michael Costigan (\u201cPROMETHEUS\u201d) Tetsu Fujimura (\u201cTEKKEN\u201d), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese “GHOST IN THE SHELL\u201d film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver\u00a0(\u201cEDGE OF TOMORROW,\u201d \u201c300\u201d)\u00a0will executive produce.<\/p>\n

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Scarlett Johansson plays The Major in Ghost in the Shell from Paramount Pictures and Storyteller Distribution Co. in theaters March 31, 2017.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, \u201cGHOST IN THE SHELL\u201d follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic\u2019s advancements in cyber technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot \u2018GHOST IN THE SHELL,\u2019\u201d said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. \u201cThe city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film. The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Scarlett Johansson plays The Major in Ghost in the Shell from Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures in theaters March 31, 2017.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have entered into a marketing agreement with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) which recognizes the significant economic, cultural and industry development benefits the production will bring to New Zealand.\u00a0 The collaboration will further promote New Zealand\u2019s growing screen industry, develop local talent and showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe production will broaden the perceptions of the diversity of New Zealand\u2019s locations by showcasing a science fiction urban setting in New Zealand,\u201d says Dave Gibson NZFC Chief Executive.<\/p>\n

Tourism New Zealand\u2019s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said: \u201cTourism New Zealand is thrilled to be working with Paramount Pictures for the first time on \u2018GHOST IN THE SHELL.\u2019 Film tourism is an important element in Tourism New Zealand\u2019s work to inspire people to visit New Zealand and we look forward to this new opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cast of \u201cGHOST IN THE SHELL\u201d includes Beat Takeshi Kitano (\u201cMERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE,\u201d \u201cBATTLE ROYALE\u201d series) as Daisuke Aramaki, Juliette Binoche (\u201cTHE ENGLISH PATIENT,\u201d \u201cCHOCOLAT\u201d) as Dr. Ouelet, Michael Pitt (\u201cHannibal,\u201d \u201cBoardwalk Empire\u201d) as Kuze, Pilou Asb\u00e6k (\u201cBEN-HUR,\u201d \u201cLUCY\u201d) as Batou, and Kaori Momoi (\u201cMEMOIRS OF A GEISHA,\u201d \u201cHONG KONG CONFIDENTIAL\u201d). The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han (\u201cINDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE\u201d), Danusia Samal (\u201cTyrant\u201d), Lasarus Ratuere (\u201cTerra Nova\u201d), Yutaka Izumihara (\u201cUNBROKEN\u201d) and Tuwanda Manyimo (\u201cTHE ROVER\u201d).<\/p>\n

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Director Rupert Sanders on the set of Ghost in the Shell from Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures in theaters March 31, 2017.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The film\u2019s crew includes Cinematographer Jess Hall (\u201cTHE SPECTACULAR NOW\u201d), Editor Neil Smith (\u201cSNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN\u201d), Production Designer Jan Roelfs (\u201cFAST & FURIOUS 6\u201d), and Costume Designers Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller (\u201cTHE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY \u2013 PARTS 1& 2\u201d).<\/p>\n