THE CNMI is always willing to accommodate producers who want to film movies or commercials in the commonwealth, according to Gov. Juan N. Babauta.
“Absolutely, we’ll do that,” Babauta said yesterday when asked if he would endorse the filming of episode 3 of “Survivor Japan” on Saipan.
The show is the Japanese version of the popular U.S. series, “Survivor.”
Earlier, Small Business Development Center Director Eric Plinske said that a Japanese firm wanted to film the TV show’s latest episode on Saipan.
Plinske said the producer asked for a formal invitation from the governor and the Marianas Visiting Authority to film the show on the island.
In a letter to Plinske, Hiromi Goto, associate producer of “Survivor Japan,” said Saipan was suggested to become the next location for the show.
The film outfit recently finished its filming of the show’s second episode in Palau.
Plinke said filming of the TV series would benefit the tourism industry since it is watched by some 23 million people in Japan.
“It would be an outstanding opportunity for Northern Marianas to get free exposure in Japan,” Plinske said.
Babauta said his administration supports any move that will boost tourism and the local film industry.
