Cape Town as a Global Filming Destination: Subway Commercial Spotlight
When Subway Canada decided to launch their new, globally inspired sandwich series, they chose none other than Cape Town to serve as the backdrop for their vibrant commercial, “Did it just get worldly in here?”
Produced by Moonlighting Films, this advertisement showcases the unmatched versatility of Cape Town’s landscapes, perfectly capturing the essence of various international locales without the need for extensive travel between shots.
Cape Town: A Filmmaker’s Dream
Cape Town is renowned among filmmakers for its ability to morph into almost any location in the world. Its diverse scenery includes beaches that mimic the Australian coast, streets that resemble American cities, and natural landscapes that can pass for the African savannah. This chameleon-like quality makes Cape Town a highly sought-after destination for filming, offering cost-effective solutions without sacrificing the authenticity of diverse geographic settings.
Exploring Boschendal: A Versatile Film Location in Cape Town
At the heart of this Subway commercial is Boschendal, one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, situated between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the scenic Western Cape. This iconic location features indigenous gardens, breathtaking views, and a vast array of amenities including luxury accommodations, vineyards, and mountains. Boschendal’s rolling lawns and historic buildings provided the perfect setting for some of the commercial’s adventurous narrative.
A Journey Through Boschendal
The commercial opens with a scene that sets a global journey theme, featuring a man in a Subway chef’s uniform, looking at a map with a vintage biplane in the background—immediately invoking a sense of worldwide travel. The narrative swiftly transports viewers to scenes reminiscent of a bustling street in India, captured through clever framing and the vibrant energy of a tuk-tuk ride.
As the commercial progresses, the chef is seen exploring a street food market that brings to mind the aromatic lanes of Morocco. Next, he is in a setting that evokes the colorful vibrancy of South America, represented by Cape Town’s own Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its brightly painted houses and cobblestone streets. This seamless transition across continents highlights not only Cape Town’s diverse aesthetics but also Boschendal’s ability to transform according to the director’s vision.
Beyond the Visuals
What makes Cape Town, and locations like Boschendal, even more appealing for filmmakers is the comprehensive support infrastructure available. From skilled local crews to high-quality production facilities, everything necessary to support large-scale international shoots is readily accessible. This ease of production complements the visual appeal of the locations, ensuring that projects can be completed efficiently and successfully.
A Celebration of Global Culture
The ad continues with the chef’s passport being stamped, a symbolic nod to the global inspiration behind Subway’s new sandwich series. This narrative not only showcases Boschendal’s and Cape Town’s ability to stand in for various global locations but also aligns perfectly with the theme of international culinary exploration that Subway aims to promote.
Conclusion: Cape Town as a Microcosm of the World
This Subway commercial is a testament to the incredible potential of Cape Town and its locations like Boschendal to serve as the backdrop for global narratives. For filmmakers looking to capture the essence of international settings without the logistical challenges of worldwide travel, Cape Town offers a compelling solution. As Amazing Spaces continues to represent such versatile locations, we invite filmmakers and brands from around the world to explore the rich tapestry of scenic and cultural narratives that Cape Town can offer.
This engaging blend of artistry and practicality is what makes Cape Town, with locations like Boschendal, a favorite for filmmakers seeking both efficiency and authenticity in their productions.
