Yo ho! PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2 goes into production!

Production Alert, which tracks film production, reports that the long-awaited sequel to the Johnny Depp blockbuster PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN is officially underway today, October 22nd: “Although shooting isn’t starting until March, the production team is officially getting into gear this week.” Congratulations to the POTC creative team, cast, and crew, and best wishes for a happy and successful shoot. Drinks all around! And thanks to DeepinDepp for bringing us the good word.

In other POTC news, Emma reports that POTC 2 will film scenes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where the original film was shot. The islands’ Tourism and Culture Minister, Rene Baptiste, held a press conference to make the announcement. “We’re now beginning to secure our place as a favourable film location,” Baptiste said proudly, adding that the experienced local crew was an asset. Having had POTC film on St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been an enormous boost to the islands’ economy. According to Baptiste, tourist arrivals on St. Vincent had increased by nearly 13 per cent for the first seven months of this year, compared to the pre-Pirates days of 2003, and cruise-ship arrivals were up nearly 30 percent. A return visit by Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew will surely lift those numbers even higher. Thanks, Emma–to read full story, see the News & Views board.