After establishing his footing as robust young Hollywood producer, the Pakistani American Habib Paracha is all set to showcase a peaceful, progressive and positive Pakistan to the western world.
With an estimated cost of Rs100 million, Paracha is going to shoot a family action movie, something like mission impossible. He plans to start the work on the film in April 2020 as it will be his first project in Pakistan.
Paracha is in Pakistan for the premiere of his highly anticipated Hollywood war drama film "The Last Full Measure" which has now hit the local screens.
Responding to queries of Business Recorder, Paracha said he is looking to shoot the film in Islamabad, possibly Gwadar as well as the northern parts like KP and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, depending on the weather too.
"Some of our beautiful sights like Hunza, Attabad Lake, Skardu and Swat. These are some of the places I've highlighted." he said.
Without giving too much of the story, he said the movie would show more stable, peaceful, progressive, positive Pakistan to the world and that will be shown through the story line and showcase how we can hold our own and host events within Pakistan that showcase us as a economically viable and powerful nation.
When asked about the team, he said he was planning to do a mix between Pakistan and Hollywood, although there have been versions that have been done in the past. But my idea is to the get the whole core team from Hollywood which entails the DOP, the director and the stunt coordinator.
"I think it will be a great opportunity for the local crew to learn from them as well as the rest of the team from Pakistan as well as the cast to work in front of the Hollywood team and to show their acting skills." he said.
"My estimate for the budget is about Rs100 million. I've heard that the moment the Hollywood label is associated; the costs just tend to rise, but let's see." he said.
In terms of support from the government, he said he does not have anything as yet. I wish that they come out with some better policies because when you talk about arts under which film and television falls, when you're trying to create films on subjects that cover other elements also like tourism and stuff, I think government's support is very necessary. It's a very good way for Pakistan to project a soft image and showcase some of the beautiful locations that we have in the country and do it in a very cost effective manner vs going and giving out an ad.
Some of the areas might be a bit remote to shoot in with the infrastructures not being in place. So these are the things I'm a little hesitant about. I'm sure we will be able to overcome them, finding them right equipment, finding the right local crews and being able to cast all of the characters which I have in the film with the local talent.
Habib Paracha is one of the few Pakistani producers representing the country in Hollywood, and has made a name for himself with critically acclaimed productions starring popular American actors including Nicholas Cage, Elijah Wood, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, and many others.