Atlantis’ Shoots at 8,600 Feet, Colombia
The decision to film the sequel to the shark thriller “The Black Demon” in Colombia was a strategic one for the producers. Mucho Mas Media, led by Javier Chapa, had already established a successful working relationship with local production company Jaguar Bite after shooting three previous films in the country.
The first film they shot in Colombia, “The Long Game,” was set in Texas, followed by “Rosario” in New York, and “Jenni” in Long Beach, California. According to Chapa, this track record speaks volumes about the positive experiences they had working in Colombia.
The collaboration with Jaguar Bite began when the film’s production designer, Carlos Osorio, a Colombian native, introduced the team to the production company. The partnership quickly blossomed, leading to a strong bond of trust and friendship between the two teams. This close relationship and mutual respect were key factors in the decision to continue working together.
The sequel, titled “The Black Demon: Atlantis,” takes the story to a fortress-like prison island in the Pacific Ocean where the megalodon returns with a vengeance. Jerry Simms, played by Jack Kesy, is an undercover DEA agent who must navigate the dangerous prison environment to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths. As chaos ensues and ancient powers come into play, Jerry must rely on unlikely allies to survive the terror unleashed by the legendary Black Demon.
The production of “The Black Demon: Atlantis” involved extensive planning and a 27-day shoot in Bogotá, Colombia. The team built elaborate sets in a warehouse and utilized practical locations to create the dark and brutalist aesthetic of the prison island. Director Carmen Cabana, a Colombian-born cinematographer, made her feature directorial debut with the film, bringing her expertise in horror and thriller genres to the project.
Despite the challenges of filming in a water tank and dealing with stunt work and special effects, the production team managed to overcome obstacles and ensure the safety of the cast and crew. Altitude sickness was a minor issue, easily remedied with coca tea and acclimatization to the high altitude of Bogotá.
The decision to film in Colombia was not only a cost-effective one but also a testament to the talent and dedication of the local crews and craftspeople. The success of the shoot was attributed to the skilled workforce and the efficient production planning and safety measures implemented by Jaguar Bite.
Overall, filming “The Black Demon: Atlantis” in Colombia was a rewarding experience for the production team, highlighting the country’s potential as a filming destination for future projects. The success of the collaboration between Mucho Mas Media and Jaguar Bite reaffirms the value of partnerships built on trust, creativity, and a shared passion for filmmaking. In the world of filmmaking, sometimes the key to success lies in sticking to what works. This sentiment is echoed by the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” a familiar phrase in Texas where tradition and reliability are highly valued. This philosophy is being applied to the upcoming film set in Colombia, where the filmmakers are determined to capture the unique textures and atmospheres that make the location so special.
According to director Miguel Chapa, Colombia offers a rich tapestry of real atmospheres that cannot be replicated. In a film like this, where building a vivid and immersive world is crucial, the authenticity of the setting plays a vital role. It’s not just about a shark in the water; it’s about the prison, the mythology, the danger – an entire environment that needs to feel alive on screen.
The producers working alongside Chapa include Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, and Caleb Ward, while Robert Muñoz, Kristopher Wynne, Beltrán, and Solano serve as executive producers. Together, they are committed to bringing this vision to life on the big screen.
Highland Film Group is in charge of handling worldwide sales for the film, with plans for a theatrical release followed by a streaming platform debut. The original film found success on Prime Video, where it quickly rose to the number one spot in its first week of release.
As the team continues to work on bringing this project to fruition, they are mindful of the importance of preserving what makes it special. By staying true to the essence of the story and the unique setting of Colombia, they aim to create a film that captures the imagination of audiences worldwide. With a blend of tradition and innovation, this film promises to be a cinematic experience like no other.
