THE producer of “Survivor Japan” prefers to shoot its next episode on Anatahan in the Northern Islands, according to acting Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente.
“They’re already on island, but I don’t think the shooting will be on Saipan. They’re are looking for a more challenging location. Actually, they’re asking for Anatahan. We said that’s seven hours by helicopter,” Benavente said in an interview.
Benavente said Rota would be another option for the filming of the popular Japan TV series.
The TV show’s producer earlier said it wanted to shoot its third episode in the Northern Marianas.
In a letter to Eric Plinske, director of Northern Marianas College’s Small Business Development Center, Hiromi Goto said the CNMI was suggested as the next location for the show.
Goto is the associate producer of “Survivor Japan,” which recently finished its filming of the show’s second episode in Palau.
The Japanese TV series is watched by 23 million viewers, its producers said.
Plinske said filming the TV series in the CNMI would surely benefit the tourism industry.
“It would be an outstanding opportunity for Northern Marianas to get free exposure to millions of Japanese,” Plinske said.
The Babauta administration has approved the film production.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta earlier gave assurance that he would support any move to revive the film industry in the commonwealth.
