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Just asking …
If Hollywood filmmakers are seeking hefty discounts and insider tax incentives to shoot projects in Hawaii – vs. other tropical sites such as Mexico or the Caribbean – shouldn’t state regulators consider new mandatory requirements to ensure mutually beneficial perks?
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One consideration might be to require, when possible, at least a secondary role for union actors from Hawaii to gain an edge to audition for a part on camera. Instead of a Maori from New Zealand to play someone local, why not a genuine local?
So often, shows are cast before setting shop on our shores, while we have a stable of eager performers hungry for work. Local behind-the-scenes techies are regularly hired; why not on camera participants, too? Then, it might be a win-win situation. The attitude that we don’t have talent here is so untrue.
The last and only TV show to hire fresh island faces for secondary leads was the original “Hawaii Five-0,” giving Al Harrington and Zulu a huge opportunity to strut their stuff. The only current islander (though now a Los Angeles resident) is Anthony Ruivivar, who plays the husband of lead agent Vanessa Lachery in “NCIS: Hawaii.” His role is recurring, but limited. Technically, Amy Hill of the rebooted “Magnum P.I.” (she plays Tutui) is not a local, but now sorta is, since she has bought a condo, which makes her a part-time resident but she lives and talks like one us anyway.
The query: Don’t you think Hawaii-based shows, notably TV, should hire more resident actors? …
Hi Wayne,
Yes you are so right. More locals should be in these shows. Sure miss Five-0 and hope all is OK with Magnum PI retuning for more episodes. Just hope they don’t put these shows on Peacock as I am not able to get that channel. I lost my soap “Days of our Lives” and “Dancing with the Stars”. Jut have to read up on a website for “Days” and check GMA the next day to see who got booted off the night before.AUWE!
Aloha Dolores .