Avengers 2 pact signed in Korea

The MOU was executed between Marvel Studios LLC, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), KOFIC, Seoul Film Commission (SFC), Gyeonggi Film Commission (GFC) and Goyang Industry Promotion Agency (GIPA).

According to KOFIC, Marvel set up Assembled Production II Korea for this shoot and the company applied to and was selected to get the governmental organization’s locations incentive support. For the 15-day shoot, they will get up to 30% back on production costs spent in Korea, with a cap at KW2bn ($1.87m).

Directed by Joss Whedon, the Avengers sequel is due to start shooting March 30 at Mapo Grand Bridge – one of the many that span the Han River flowing through the middle of Seoul and which was recently seen getting blown up in Korean film The Terror: Live.

Other locations in Seoul include Cheongdam Grand Bridge, Gangnam Boulevard, and the Sangam Digital Media City (DMC) district. All of these locations are important areas of transportation and commerce and the Korean signatories have agreed to cooperate to smooth the way with local administrative bodies and the citizenry. The film will also shoot on a road near Kaywon University of Art and Design in Uiwang City in Gyeonggi Province outside Seoul.

Korean actress Soohyun, also known as Claudia Kim, will join the cast which includes Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.

KOFIC also expects more than 120 local film professionals to participate on the shoot. They estimate the economic benefit to the Korean industry will be about KW25.1bn ($23.47m).

Marvel’s side of the bargain includes portraying South Korea as “a high-tech, modern country” and avoiding portraying it in “any negative manner”, preparing and providing the Korean counterparts with behind-the-scene footage and possibly other promotional material - all towards cooperating to promote Korea as a tourist destination.