Hollywood chooses the Canary Islands for its next European Location

The Guardian Newspaper reports that the Canary Islands is set to follow in the footsteps of Greece and other European locations such as Lanzarote to host Hollywoods next blockbuster expectations from such interest is bound to lift property prices in the region as it attracts interest from around the world and Hollywood Stars………

To most, the year-round sunshine and relaxed atmosphere makes them the perfect holiday destination, rather than the ideal setting for a grim prison colony drama. But authorities in the Canary Islands appear only too happy to see them transformed into the location for a remake of the classic film Papillon to attract Hollywood glamour - and cash.

Thirty-five years after the 1973 classic, in which Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman starred in the story of two men struggling to escape from a prison island, filming on a remake is to begin next year in the Canary Islands. Branko Lustig, the Los Angeles producer behind Schindler's List and Gladiator, is to shoot the new version of the film, which was nominated for Oscars for the on-screen chemistry between its stars.

The film told the real-life story of Henri "Papillon" Charrière, who was condemned to life on Devil's Island, off French Guiana, for a crime he did not commit and staged countless failed escape attempts before finally making it to freedom.
Robert Downey Jr has been tipped to take McQueen's part as Papillon, while Philip Seymour Hoffman has been fancied to take Dustin Hoffman's role of Louis Dega, who plots with Papillon to escape.

Lustig, who is to team up with Spanish partners Atlantia Canarias in the £45m production, will be the latest big name from the silver screen who is helping to transform the Canary Islands into the new location of choice for film-makers. Until now the islands have been more popular with holiday or documentary film-makers. But earlier this year Spain's Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodóvar shot some scenes from his next film Broken Embraces in Lanzarote, putting the volcanic island on the cinematic map.

Almodóvar was captivated by the "sombre, monochrome beauty" of its black lava beaches and cactus deserts. Writing in his blog, he said: "The volcanic origin of the island makes being there an emotional interior journey.
"When I first visited Lanzarote I found the landscape profoundly disturbing. I had never seen colours so dramatically dark. And I, so fond of brilliant, clashing colours, was fascinated by the subtle obscurity of the place. Black had never formed part of my palette," he said.
Almodóvar shot scenes at Gulf beach and the cactus garden at Guatiza, a former quarry for volcanic rock. The plot for Broken Embraces, starring Penélope Cruz, is said to be based partly on Hollywood film noir, though the director has refused to reveal more.
Lustig, who visited Tenerife for talks with the local government, which is to part-finance the Papillon remake, said: "The authorities here are not doing this because they like films but because they like money. We will film their streets, their people and export the image of the Canaries. Making films is the best way to make money."
Other parts of Spain have, until now, been better known as film locations. The desert in Almería was the setting for many of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns, while the gothic architecture of Barcelona has served as a backdrop to a number of films, including Woody Allen's next movie, Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Some Tinseltown glamour may have the "Notting Hill effect", lifting property prices that have fallen on the islands, like other parts of Spain

The Spanish Government Initiatives to reduce its dependency on Oil

The Spanish Government intends for all its citizens to reduce their dependency on Oil by announcing how it will be supporting households and home owners in Spain and the Canary Islands over the coming months.

The Spanish government is working towards reducing Spain and the Canary Islands dependency on imported fossil fuels over the next few years. Free energy-saving light bulbs, a 20 per cent reduction in city speed limits and investment in electric vehicles are among the measures being introduced said Industry Minister Miguel Sebastin making an announcement while he was presenting the Socialist administration's energy plan for the 2008-2011 period.

Though world oil prices have dropped in recent weeks, Sebastin said they country must prepare for a future in which energy will remain expensive. The plan has called for a reduction in urban speed limits to 40km/h and an increased investment in electric and fuel-saving hybrid vehicles.

The aim is to have a million of these energy-saving vehicles on the roads by 2014.In 2009 and again in 2010 all Spanish households will be given a voucher for an energy-saving light bulb, while public buildings will be forced to turn down their air conditioning and heating. Street lighting will also be made more efficient. With these measures in place it is hoped 4bn can be shaved off Spain's energy bill.

12% rise in New Build Property Inscriptions (sales) in Spain

The Spanish Property Register has shown a 12% increase in the number of new build sales during April compared to last year, and a 22% increase over March.

The numbers are derived from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE) which uses the number of property deeds inscribed in the register following notarisation. Overall the Spanish property market in April shrunk by 7% compared to a year ago mainly due to a 20% reduction in the resale sector which skewed the figures overall.

The figures support some of the new developments which offer higher build quality and design while offering attractive pre-construction prices with good mortgage lending facilities.

Annual Game Fishing in Gran Tarajal

The organising committee of the 14th game fishing open at Gran Tarajal have confirmed it will take place between the 10th and 13th September from the Gran Tarajal harbour.

This event attracts fisherman to Fuerteventura waters from all over the globe and has many other attractions taking place including shops crafts and the odd fiesta or two. Whilst the boats are out the non-fishermen can enjoy the fabulous promenade and town of Gran Tarajal or maybe visit the Goldacre Estates show-house at the exclusive Vista Mar development alongside the marina.