Mark Wahlberg brings Netflix blockbuster to Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is having its Hollywood moment as Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg films Netflix’s upcoming movie The Big Fix at some of the state’s iconic heritage sites and landmarks.
The Hollywood production, which is filming in Penang over a two-week schedule, has transformed several locations on the island into movie sets, including Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion, Lorong Ikan in George Town, and Penang City Stadium.
Penang state executive councillor for tourism and creative economy Wong Hon Wai said the decision by a major Netflix production starring Wahlberg to film in the state marked another significant milestone for Penang.
“A production of this calibre brings invaluable international exposure to Penang through one of the world’s largest streaming platforms,” he said in a statement today.
Wong met the film’s production team during a courtesy visit to Penang City Stadium, one of the filming locations, before touring the set.
Inspired by a true story and based on a book by Brett Forrest, The Big Fix centres on a former Interpol officer working within FIFA who uncovers a global football match-fixing scandal linked to organised crime.
Filming is taking place at several football stadiums in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, including Penang City Stadium. Production will continue at other locations across Penang over the coming week.
The production is supported under the Film in Malaysia Incentive (Fimi) programme and endorsed by the Penang State Executive Council for Tourism and Creative Economy and the Penang Island City Council.
Wong said the state government had worked closely with Penang Global Tourism, the production team and relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth filming experience.
“International productions not only create economic opportunities for local businesses, hotels, transport providers and the creative industry, but also strengthen Penang’s position as a film tourism destination by inspiring audiences worldwide to visit the places they see on screen,” he said.
The latest production builds on Penang’s growing success in attracting international filmmakers. Earlier this year, the state also served as a filming location for Sandiwara, an 11-minute short film directed by Sean Baker for fashion house Self-Portrait, starring Academy Award-winning Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
“Together, these productions reflect growing international confidence in Penang’s filming ecosystem and the state government’s commitment to growing the tourism and creative economy,” Wong said.
He added that the state government would continue working with Penang Global Tourism and industry partners to attract more international productions that create economic value, develop local creative talent and showcase Penang to the world.
Among those present at Penang City Stadium were The Big Fix producer Bennett Walsh, Biscuit Films producer Bill Donovan, Malaysia location manager Guy Sahibjahn, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, and Muhammad Muashraf from the Penang Island City Council.
Production on The Big Fix is expected to wrap later this month, with Netflix yet to announce a release date.
