World Location Scouting Round-Up!

January 27, 2013By Aladdin3477Production News

Director Matt Busch and partner/producer Lin Zy have returned from location scouting for Aladdin 3477, a trip that literally took them around the world.  The duo traveled for nearly a month by jet, plane, boat, car, bus, trolly, foot, elephant, rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, and tuk tuk.

The travels began through many parts of India, visiting small and large cities, as well as historic palaces.  Continuing into Thailand, the scenery was also vast- from modern urban cities to rural jungles to see pristine temples.  Cambodia brought exotic archeological temples of its own, as well as unique villages built on (or into) the water front.  The scouting was completed through several parts of China, where city-living is years ahead of the western world.

The epic journeys served three completely different purposes.  Busch elaborates, “First, we were location scouting like you would for any big scale movie. There were definitely some ideal places that we’d like to return to with at least some of the major cast and crew.”  (Most of the actual principal photography for Aladdin 3477 isn’t expected to begin until the summer of 2014.)

The second purpose of the trip, according to Busch, was simply inspiration for the script, a continuing work in progress. “Before the travels, there were locations in the story that I wasn’t completely sold on.  Now, all of the locations are locked in a way that makes perfect sense.  I know where Aladdin’s adventure begins.  I know where the Jinn of Wisdom‘s resting place is.  I know which country the Princess is from…”

All of the locations are now locked in a way that makes perfect sense.  I know where Aladdin’s adventure begins.  I know where the Jinn of Wisdom’s resting place is.  I know which country the Princess is from…”

The inspiration ended up being more than Busch could have anticipated.  With writing a story that takes place 1,500 years into the future, one would think it’s far enough that anything goes, in terms of foreign culture.  “To actually be in these places was a tremendous help with my vision for Aladdin 3477.  Cultures will evolve, but having this ground work is a great place to build the story on top of.”

The third purpose of the journey was to shoot background plates for the actual movie.  The idea is to have key establishing shots and locations that can be composited with digital and practical effects.  Some of these background plates will be instrumental in the way the live-action footage is shot next year.  Other shots are stand alone, but getting started on compositing, visual effects and test shots this far in advance will only help develop the overall look, better establishing cohesive aesthetics.

In terms of the movie, what can Busch and Lin Zy share about Aladdin 3477 that they couldn’t share before scouting locations around the world?  Other than some select juicy photos that spring the imagination, some key story developments have solidified with the script.  Without giving too much away, Busch is happy to reveal a tidbit for each of the major countries, and how the specific locations will relate to the overall Aladdin 3477 storyline.

It wasn’t until after the journey, that Busch made a huge change to where Aladdin 3477 takes place, 1,500 years into the future.  “Aladdin’s adventure will begin in Hong Kong, where he lives.” comments Busch.  “The modern city as it stands now is really the feel I was looking for.”  This decision may seem odd, knowing that the original Aladdin take comes from the Arabian Nights collection, and that the Disney version takes place in the Middle East.  However, many people don’t realize that the original Aladdin tale actually does take place in the streets of China.

India was a vision Busch has from the beginning, and the scouting there firmed in his mind what he wants to see.  “From the get-go, India was where I was envisioning much of this adventure taking place.  The grand temples and mosques are so exotic, and after having been there, incomparable.  Simply put, Aladdin will fall in love with Kamala, the Princess of India.”  Historic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonder of the World will also be serve as a key locale in Aladdin 3477.

From the get-go, India was where I was envisioning much of this adventure taking place.  Simply put, Aladdin will fall in love with Kamala, the Princess of India.”

The archeological temples of Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, Cambodia, will provide plenty of mystery and intrigue to the story.  In real life, these temples were once lived in by a civilization that eventually deserted it- only to be rediscovered hundreds of years later.  For Aladdin 3477, this incredible local will be where the Jinn of Wisdom is summoned!

The final major locations in Aladdin 3477 will take place in various parts of Thailand, though Busch is not as specific on details.  Busch quips, “Let’s just say that Aladdin has some low friends in high places… or is it the other way around?”  We’ll all know in a few years, when the movie is released.

While Busch is hesitant to share much more on the Aladdin 3477 story than the above, he has shared a gallery of photos that you can see here!  Some of these images are locations that have inspired where the story is going, some are behind-the-scenes of Busch and Lin Zy at work, and some are actual location shots that will be used with final compositing.

Click the button below to get a first-hand look at the epic location scouting for Aladdin 3477!

LOCATION SCOUTING Gallery!

You can also see exclusive photos and other material at the Aladdin 3477 Facebook Page, so be sure to go there and “Like” it, if you haven’t already!