‘Royal Pains’ wraps filming, pumps $2M into economy
Filming of the “Royal Pains” series took place on El Alambique beach in Isla Verde.
The on-location production for Universal Cable Productions’ “Royal Pains” television series, currently in its sixth season on USA Network, wrapped this week in Puerto Rico, after four weeks of pre-production and eight days of shooting in several locations across the island.
The shooting of “Royal Pains” contributed $2.2 million into local economy, hiring 80 local crewmembers and 350 extras and stand-ins, according to Demetrio Fernández, executive director of the Puerto Rico Film Commission.
“The Puerto Rico Film Commission provided full support to the ‘Royal Pains’ production crew. We are proud to include this popular series among our growing portfolio of feature films, television projects and commercials,” Fernández added.
Puerto Rican crewmembers provided support in key areas, such as SFX (science fiction effects), casting, camera, grip, construction, electric, set decoration, wardrobe, and locations among others.
“Puerto Rico was an ideal location to shoot part of our sixth season of ‘Royal Pains’ —not only for its beautiful scenic backdrop, but also from a production standpoint. It was a seamless process working with local talent and technicians, and we look forward to being back,” said Mark Binke, executive vice president, Production, Universal Cable Productions.
Fernández said filming projects are choosing Puerto Rico due to its portfolio of incentives available under the Commonwealth’s Production Tax Credit Program and other offerings. Qualifying film projects include feature films, short films, documentaries, television programs, episodic series, mini-series, music videos and live performances.
“Puerto Rico’s popularity as a filming location for U.S. and foreign producers keeps growing. Our island offers highly experienced and bilingual technicians, artistic talent, wide variety of tropical landscape, modern infrastructure, full government support and other assets that provide a time and cost effective solution for any filming project”, Fernández said.
In 2013 the Puerto Rico Film Commission registered a total of 29 film projects under the Puerto Rico Production Tax Credit Program, pumping $53 million into the local economy. During 2012 there were a total of 21 film projects representing $51.4 million, while 17 projects amounting $15 million were registered during 2011.
