'Avengers' keep Seoul residents in dark
Mapo Bridge is blocked on both sides for the filming of scenes for “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Sunday, in this photo provided by a citizen to Yonhap News Agency. Cars on the bridge are props for the film. / Yonhap
By Park Si-soo
If a murder took place on Mapo Bridge, Sunday, few would have noticed it.
For 12 hours, Sunday, the two-way, 10-lane bridge belonged to the makers of the superhero film, “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
On the southern end, security staff in black suits and shades stood guard, blocking any attempt to take a snapshot of the bridge.
“Don’t shoot!” a security guard yelled. He pointed to a notice in red. “Taking photos of the bridge is prohibited until 5:30 p.m.”
Of course, even a cannon-sized zoom lens couldn’t capture what exactly was happening toward the center of the bridge. Yonhap News Agency provided some photos, most of which showed cars in line for filming. It posted a poor resolution of one with a better view, citing it was sent by a citizen.
YTN, the cable news channel, repeatedly showed the footage of Captain America being dragged behind a truck.
However awkward it may sound, the right to know for Seoul residents is possibly an issue.
They tolerated the inconvenience caused by the cordoning-off of the bridge and relinquished the rights to “their property” temporarily. As such, they are entitled to some courtesy from “their guests”: keeping them informed of what’s going on.
Of course, the makers may brandish a contract signed by the government, which is with good reason eager to use the filming to promote Seoul worldwide. But bear in mind: it’s a contract by power of general attorney.
The public has been kept in the dark except for filming schedules involving traffic control.
Not even which cast members will take part in the Korean filming is known.
What has been confirmed is that Chris Evans and Korean actress Soo Hyun have some scenes to be recorded in Korea.
Scarlett Johansson won’t be here because she is pregnant.
Scenes filmed in Korea will account for nearly 20 minutes of the movie.
But it’s hard to distinguish fact from fiction because there is so little of the former.
The last outdoor shooting is scheduled on April 9 at Kaywon University of Art and Design in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province.
The Walt Disney Company Korea that oversees all affairs with regard to the domestic filming is staying tight-lipped, arguing that any leak of information prior to the release will deal a severe blow to the film’s marketability.
“Seoul is not the only place reserved for shooting. Similar work is being done in South Africa and many other countries. We are imposing equally strict secrecy rules at all shooting sites,” said Kim Jean, marketing supervisor of the company.
It has warned that any leak of critical scenes will lead to the editing out all scenes recorded in Korea. Last week, the company said those who upload a video clip showing the shooting of a scene for more than three seconds on the Internet will be subject to a lawsuit. The company went a step further last Friday, warning local media outlets that they will face strong legal action should they conduct any act “disturbing” its business.
But there are many people questioning how long the secrecy rule will be able to remain intact. They said the biggest challenge will come during the outdoor shooting in Gangnam, one of the most bustling entertainment districts in Seoul. Tens of thousands of people are expected to observe the shooting there on April 9.
Police plan to close all the lanes heading toward Kyobo Tower intersection, but not lanes on the other side of the road.