Delta heralds new Lancia era
By John Reed in London
June 2 2008
Lancia will on Tuesday unveil the Delta, the company’s first all-new model in five years, aimed at relaunching Fiat’s
underleveraged premium brand outside Italy to a broader customer base.
The Greek letter delta represents the mathematical symbol for “difference”, and Richard Gere will promote the car in a
Europe-wide advertising campaign under the slogan “The Power to be Different”.
The actor is the latest celebrity to promote Lancia, whose current ads for its Musa and Ypsilon models feature French
first lady Carla Bruni and designer Stefano Gabbana.
“The philosophy of the car is to be different,” Lancia’s chief, Olivier François, says of the Delta. “We think that
because we are a little brand, we have to be noticed.”
But analysts say the Delta will truly need to stand out in Europe’s crowded premium-car market if Fiat is to succeed in
building Lancia’s franchise beyond Italy, where it sells about 80 per cent of its cars. “It’s a nice-looking car, but it’s
difficult to know where they’re going to pitch it,” says Jonathon Poskitt, manager of the European sales forecast of
JD Power and Associates.
The car, which Mr François describes as a hybrid between a sports car, saloon and estate, will compete with midsized
models such as the Audi A3, as well as bigger cars like the Ford Mondeo and Renault’s Laguna. It is to be sold in the
UK next year, marking the brand’s return to one of Europe’s largest and most competitive car markets after an
absence of 16 years.
Under Sergio Marchionne’s management Fiat’s own brand is producing acclaimed, stylish small cars like the
relaunched 500, but some older Britons may remember the Lancias of the 1970s and 1980s, which had a bad
reputation for rust.
“When you think of Italian cars, you think of sporty or small,” says Steve Fowler, editor of WhatCar magazine.
“Whether Lancia can do luxury remains to be seen.”
Mr François says that the brand aims to sell 60,000 Deltas in western Europe, not including the UK.
By John Reed in London
June 2 2008
Lancia will on Tuesday unveil the Delta, the company’s first all-new model in five years, aimed at relaunching Fiat’s
underleveraged premium brand outside Italy to a broader customer base.
The Greek letter delta represents the mathematical symbol for “difference”, and Richard Gere will promote the car in a
Europe-wide advertising campaign under the slogan “The Power to be Different”.
The actor is the latest celebrity to promote Lancia, whose current ads for its Musa and Ypsilon models feature French
first lady Carla Bruni and designer Stefano Gabbana.
“The philosophy of the car is to be different,” Lancia’s chief, Olivier François, says of the Delta. “We think that
because we are a little brand, we have to be noticed.”
But analysts say the Delta will truly need to stand out in Europe’s crowded premium-car market if Fiat is to succeed in
building Lancia’s franchise beyond Italy, where it sells about 80 per cent of its cars. “It’s a nice-looking car, but it’s
difficult to know where they’re going to pitch it,” says Jonathon Poskitt, manager of the European sales forecast of
JD Power and Associates.
The car, which Mr François describes as a hybrid between a sports car, saloon and estate, will compete with midsized
models such as the Audi A3, as well as bigger cars like the Ford Mondeo and Renault’s Laguna. It is to be sold in the
UK next year, marking the brand’s return to one of Europe’s largest and most competitive car markets after an
absence of 16 years.
Under Sergio Marchionne’s management Fiat’s own brand is producing acclaimed, stylish small cars like the
relaunched 500, but some older Britons may remember the Lancias of the 1970s and 1980s, which had a bad
reputation for rust.
“When you think of Italian cars, you think of sporty or small,” says Steve Fowler, editor of WhatCar magazine.
“Whether Lancia can do luxury remains to be seen.”
Mr François says that the brand aims to sell 60,000 Deltas in western Europe, not including the UK.
June 2, 2008
The film “Brooklyn’s Finest” is shooting today in Fort Green on Dekalb Avenue near Adelphi Street
The film “Brooklyn’s Finest” is shooting today in Fort Green on Dekalb Avenue near Adelphi Street
| Gere News |
Part of Main Street will be closed for movie
June 3, 2008
Film crews are returning to the Woonsocket railway station at Main and High streets today for more work on
Hachiko: A Dog’s Story, the Richard Gere film about a faithful dog.
Main Street between High Street and Arnold Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The detour will remain in
effect until Friday.
As a result, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has announced that the Route 54 (Lincoln/Woonsocket) bus
will be detoured. Outbound trips leaving Providence traveling via Park Avenue will leave Main Street and Railroad
Street by taking a right onto Main Street, left onto Bernon Street and then resume the regular route. All inbound trips
will travel the regular route.
RIPTA also announced that the Route 87 (Fairmount/Walnut Hill) bus will be detoured. Eastbound trips will leave
via Harris Avenue to Railroad Street, take a right onto Arnold Street, left onto Bernon Street and then resume the
regular route. Westbound trips will leave via Main Street, take a right onto Railroad Street, left onto Arnold Street, a
right onto Main Street, left onto Bernon and then resume the regular route.
June 3, 2008
Film crews are returning to the Woonsocket railway station at Main and High streets today for more work on
Hachiko: A Dog’s Story, the Richard Gere film about a faithful dog.
Main Street between High Street and Arnold Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The detour will remain in
effect until Friday.
As a result, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has announced that the Route 54 (Lincoln/Woonsocket) bus
will be detoured. Outbound trips leaving Providence traveling via Park Avenue will leave Main Street and Railroad
Street by taking a right onto Main Street, left onto Bernon Street and then resume the regular route. All inbound trips
will travel the regular route.
RIPTA also announced that the Route 87 (Fairmount/Walnut Hill) bus will be detoured. Eastbound trips will leave
via Harris Avenue to Railroad Street, take a right onto Arnold Street, left onto Bernon Street and then resume the
regular route. Westbound trips will leave via Main Street, take a right onto Railroad Street, left onto Arnold Street, a
right onto Main Street, left onto Bernon and then resume the regular route.
Gere's Bedford inn gets OK for fence
June 15, 2008
BEDFORD - The fence around actor Richard Gere's country inn can stay, town officials decided.
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday unanimously granted a variance to allow the fence, which town
officials said had been built a bit taller than the 4-foot height limitation.
Since being erected, the area in front of the cedar fence has been re-landscaped and shrubs added, Building
Inspector Richard Megna said Friday.
"It softens the look of the fence," Megna said.
The fence, about 4.5 feet tall in its highest spot, obscures the view of the parking lot of Bedford Post, where Gere
and his business partners plan to open a new restaurant and eight-room inn. A cafe opened in a renovated barn on
the 14-acre property in January.
The more formal restaurant and inn will be in a neighboring building and are expected to open sometime in
September.
Gere and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, and business partner Russell Hernandez purchased the property for $2.7
million in 2006.
Hernandez said Friday he was pleased to get approval for the fence
"We're just glad we were able to work it out with the town," he said.
The inn's variance application states they built the barrier in a concave style that bows downward in sections in
order to lower its height.
Working in favor of the inn's bid to keep the fence was that neighbors had written to the zoning board asking that it
be allowed to stay.
Peter and Carol Bouyoucos, who live across the street from the inn at 954 Old Post Road, wrote one of the letters
saying they're happy with the fence.
Given its height, the fence helps obscure headlights from cars in the parking lot of the inn's property, the couple
wrote.
"In our minds the fence is both beautiful and practical, and it would be a shame to see it replaced," they said in their
June 11 letter.
Local residents have been pleased that the property is being refurbished after years of being an eyesore in the
upscale neighborhood north of the historic Bedford Village hamlet.
The inn's building is believed to pre-date the American Revolution.
The property had been home for decades to the popular Nino's restaurant, and later become Hoppfield's Inn. It
eventually fell into disrepair.
Shirley and George Bianco, who also live nearby, wrote town officials on June 11 to say that the renovation has
been done in a way that's been considerate to neighbors.
June 15, 2008
BEDFORD - The fence around actor Richard Gere's country inn can stay, town officials decided.
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday unanimously granted a variance to allow the fence, which town
officials said had been built a bit taller than the 4-foot height limitation.
Since being erected, the area in front of the cedar fence has been re-landscaped and shrubs added, Building
Inspector Richard Megna said Friday.
"It softens the look of the fence," Megna said.
The fence, about 4.5 feet tall in its highest spot, obscures the view of the parking lot of Bedford Post, where Gere
and his business partners plan to open a new restaurant and eight-room inn. A cafe opened in a renovated barn on
the 14-acre property in January.
The more formal restaurant and inn will be in a neighboring building and are expected to open sometime in
September.
Gere and his wife, actress Carey Lowell, and business partner Russell Hernandez purchased the property for $2.7
million in 2006.
Hernandez said Friday he was pleased to get approval for the fence
"We're just glad we were able to work it out with the town," he said.
The inn's variance application states they built the barrier in a concave style that bows downward in sections in
order to lower its height.
Working in favor of the inn's bid to keep the fence was that neighbors had written to the zoning board asking that it
be allowed to stay.
Peter and Carol Bouyoucos, who live across the street from the inn at 954 Old Post Road, wrote one of the letters
saying they're happy with the fence.
Given its height, the fence helps obscure headlights from cars in the parking lot of the inn's property, the couple
wrote.
"In our minds the fence is both beautiful and practical, and it would be a shame to see it replaced," they said in their
June 11 letter.
Local residents have been pleased that the property is being refurbished after years of being an eyesore in the
upscale neighborhood north of the historic Bedford Village hamlet.
The inn's building is believed to pre-date the American Revolution.
The property had been home for decades to the popular Nino's restaurant, and later become Hoppfield's Inn. It
eventually fell into disrepair.
Shirley and George Bianco, who also live nearby, wrote town officials on June 11 to say that the renovation has
been done in a way that's been considerate to neighbors.
Star of Amelia Earhart movie goes missing during flight over Pacific
Jun 19, 2008
The production of Mira Nair’s "Amelia," the Amelia Earhart movie, has been suspended as the star of the film,
Hillary Swank, went missing while on a flight over the Pacific Ocean. Swank stars as the legendary American pilot
who vanished while attempting to make a flight around the world.
Co-star Richard Gere had this to say about Swank's disappearance.
"Hillary is one the best actresses out there. I have a lot of respect for her. I think it's great that she totally
committed herself to the role and disappeared on her own flight over the Pacific. Not enough actors have that sort
of commitment. I hope other actors will follow her footsteps."
Jun 19, 2008
The production of Mira Nair’s "Amelia," the Amelia Earhart movie, has been suspended as the star of the film,
Hillary Swank, went missing while on a flight over the Pacific Ocean. Swank stars as the legendary American pilot
who vanished while attempting to make a flight around the world.
Co-star Richard Gere had this to say about Swank's disappearance.
"Hillary is one the best actresses out there. I have a lot of respect for her. I think it's great that she totally
committed herself to the role and disappeared on her own flight over the Pacific. Not enough actors have that sort
of commitment. I hope other actors will follow her footsteps."
 |  |  |  |  |  |
July 7, 2008
In Bridgehampton, Hollywood mogul Sandy Gallin was throwing a wacky bash at his sprawling estate, where
Russell Simmons, Matthew Broderick, Brooke Shields, Matt Lauer, Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, Jerry Seinfeld
and Richard Gere partied until the wee hours.
"They were serving strange brownies," cackled our spy. "Half the people there were wrecked. They weren't
making any sense, and people were laughing at inappropriate comments."
In Bridgehampton, Hollywood mogul Sandy Gallin was throwing a wacky bash at his sprawling estate, where
Russell Simmons, Matthew Broderick, Brooke Shields, Matt Lauer, Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, Jerry Seinfeld
and Richard Gere partied until the wee hours.
"They were serving strange brownies," cackled our spy. "Half the people there were wrecked. They weren't
making any sense, and people were laughing at inappropriate comments."
April 12, 2008;
Mariachi Citlalli performed at the mansion of the famous movie
director Griffin Dunne. In celebration of their daughter's birthday
Hannah Dunne. Her mother the famous actress Carey Lowell in
company of her present husband Richard Gere, were there.
The family are awesome and Richard is an excellent human being;
not a bit arrogance in his persona.
Mariachi Citlalli performed at the mansion of the famous movie
director Griffin Dunne. In celebration of their daughter's birthday
Hannah Dunne. Her mother the famous actress Carey Lowell in
company of her present husband Richard Gere, were there.
The family are awesome and Richard is an excellent human being;
not a bit arrogance in his persona.
| The Light in Gere |
TVI Acting School Alum in new Richard Gere Film
July 16th, 2008
Congrats to TVI Los Angeles Alumnus Rick Zahn who will be
featured opposite Richard Gere in the upcoming film Brooklyn’s
Finest. The film directed by Atonie Fuqua (Training Day) is
currently in production and scheduled for a 2009 release.
July 16th, 2008
Congrats to TVI Los Angeles Alumnus Rick Zahn who will be
featured opposite Richard Gere in the upcoming film Brooklyn’s
Finest. The film directed by Atonie Fuqua (Training Day) is
currently in production and scheduled for a 2009 release.
| The Light in Gere |
Wild Coast abuzz before Hollywood stars touch down
Brian Hayward WEEKEND POST REPORTER
July 19, 2008
THE Wild Coast is abuzz ahead of the eagerly anticipated arrival early next week of two of Hollywood's biggest
A-list stars, two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank and Golden Globe-winner Richard Gere.
The pair will film scenes for the multi-million dollar biopic Amelia, to be released next year.
The film, directed by acclaimed Indian director Mira Nair, is based on the life of American aviation pioneer Amelia
Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 in her attempt to fly around the world.
The set is located on a grassy airstrip behind the Seagulls and Trennery‘s hotels, some 10km up the Wild Coast
from the Great Kei River mouth. The crew were erecting a sprawling wooden house, a smaller house and a hut,
overlooking the picturesque and rugged coastline, which will set the stage for next week's filming.
According to insiders on the set, the scenes to be filmed involve Swank and Gere – who plays Amelia‘s boyfriend
and later husband, George Putnam – having an argument and will take up no more than five minutes of the movie.
“They will fly in and do their filming, before flying out to stay in East London,” said a Wild Coast resident who
wished to remain anonymous because he was involved with the project. “They won‘t be staying around here.
“They‘re filming here because it looks a lot like Papua New Guinea, which is where this particular scene is set,”
he said.
Flying in would be the best option for the pair, as the road to the film set from the N2 at Butterworth requires a
4x4 vehicle and takes up to two hours to travel.
“We will be finished (construction) next week, in time for filming,” said one of the production crew, as he braved
the blustery conditions to add the finishing touches to the buildings.
Producer for the production company contracted by Hollywood‘s Fox studios to build the set, Genevieve
Hofmeyer, of Cape Town‘s Moonlighting studios, was on set to oversee construction, but declined to answer
questions about the filming schedule and asked for queries to be sent to her via e-mail.
At the time of going to press, she had not responded.
According to the local contractor, the buildings would be used as a conference centre after filming, as well as
possibly an arts and crafts centre for the community.
But despite the buzz around the film, hotel staff and set constructors remained tight-lipped.
Both Trennery‘s and Seagulls are being used by the production company.
Brian Hayward WEEKEND POST REPORTER
July 19, 2008
THE Wild Coast is abuzz ahead of the eagerly anticipated arrival early next week of two of Hollywood's biggest
A-list stars, two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank and Golden Globe-winner Richard Gere.
The pair will film scenes for the multi-million dollar biopic Amelia, to be released next year.
The film, directed by acclaimed Indian director Mira Nair, is based on the life of American aviation pioneer Amelia
Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 in her attempt to fly around the world.
The set is located on a grassy airstrip behind the Seagulls and Trennery‘s hotels, some 10km up the Wild Coast
from the Great Kei River mouth. The crew were erecting a sprawling wooden house, a smaller house and a hut,
overlooking the picturesque and rugged coastline, which will set the stage for next week's filming.
According to insiders on the set, the scenes to be filmed involve Swank and Gere – who plays Amelia‘s boyfriend
and later husband, George Putnam – having an argument and will take up no more than five minutes of the movie.
“They will fly in and do their filming, before flying out to stay in East London,” said a Wild Coast resident who
wished to remain anonymous because he was involved with the project. “They won‘t be staying around here.
“They‘re filming here because it looks a lot like Papua New Guinea, which is where this particular scene is set,”
he said.
Flying in would be the best option for the pair, as the road to the film set from the N2 at Butterworth requires a
4x4 vehicle and takes up to two hours to travel.
“We will be finished (construction) next week, in time for filming,” said one of the production crew, as he braved
the blustery conditions to add the finishing touches to the buildings.
Producer for the production company contracted by Hollywood‘s Fox studios to build the set, Genevieve
Hofmeyer, of Cape Town‘s Moonlighting studios, was on set to oversee construction, but declined to answer
questions about the filming schedule and asked for queries to be sent to her via e-mail.
At the time of going to press, she had not responded.
According to the local contractor, the buildings would be used as a conference centre after filming, as well as
possibly an arts and crafts centre for the community.
But despite the buzz around the film, hotel staff and set constructors remained tight-lipped.
Both Trennery‘s and Seagulls are being used by the production company.
Stars on the Wild Coast
Richard Gere (58) and two-time Oscar-winning actress Hillary Swank will be filming parts of the film, Amelia,
on the Wild Coast in July. Crew will be staying at Trennery‘s and Seagulls. Hillary (33) is also the
executive producer of the drama based on the life of Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the
Atlantic in 1932. Amelia and her plane vanished five years later over the Pacific during an attempt to fly around
the world. Richard stars as the author and explorer George Putnam, who married Amelia in 1931 and wrote her
biography after she disappeared.
Richard Gere (58) and two-time Oscar-winning actress Hillary Swank will be filming parts of the film, Amelia,
on the Wild Coast in July. Crew will be staying at Trennery‘s and Seagulls. Hillary (33) is also the
executive producer of the drama based on the life of Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the
Atlantic in 1932. Amelia and her plane vanished five years later over the Pacific during an attempt to fly around
the world. Richard stars as the author and explorer George Putnam, who married Amelia in 1931 and wrote her
biography after she disappeared.
OUT OF GERE
July 21, 2008
RICHARD Gere's latest flick, "Brooklyn's Finest," hit a rough patch last week when an entire scene had to be cut
because the city denied the production company adequate parking. The scene, set in Nom Wah Tea Parlor on
Doyers Street in Chinatown, required movie trailers and trucks carrying equipment to be parked outside. "But if
you can't park the truck, you can't shoot the movie," said one production source. A rep for the flick confirmed
the scene was axed but insisted it was a creative decision on the part of filmmakers.
July 21, 2008
RICHARD Gere's latest flick, "Brooklyn's Finest," hit a rough patch last week when an entire scene had to be cut
because the city denied the production company adequate parking. The scene, set in Nom Wah Tea Parlor on
Doyers Street in Chinatown, required movie trailers and trucks carrying equipment to be parked outside. "But if
you can't park the truck, you can't shoot the movie," said one production source. A rep for the flick confirmed
the scene was axed but insisted it was a creative decision on the part of filmmakers.
Gere, Swank to shoot movie in city
July 27, 2008 Edition 1
Zara Nicholson
Double Academy Award winner Hilary Swank and actor Richard Gere will be in Cape Town this week shooting
scenes for their latest movie.
A source in the film industry confirmed that the two stars were in town shooting Earhart, which tells the life story
of renowned American pilot Amelia Earhart.
She was known as a pioneer and record-setting pilot who disappeared flying over the Pacific Ocean. The cause of
her disappearance remains a mystery.
Earhart vanished in July 1937 while trying to circumnavigate the globe and was declared dead in January 1939.
Swank plays Earhart and had to cut off her brunette locks for the role, while Gere plays her husband, George
Putnam.
So far, scenes have been shot around Chapman's Peak and the Slangkop Lighthouse near Kommetjie.
The film is being directed by Indian-born, New York-based Mira Nair.
The stars and crew will reportedly also shoot in the Eastern Cape and Transkei once they've wrapped up in the city.
July 27, 2008 Edition 1
Zara Nicholson
Double Academy Award winner Hilary Swank and actor Richard Gere will be in Cape Town this week shooting
scenes for their latest movie.
A source in the film industry confirmed that the two stars were in town shooting Earhart, which tells the life story
of renowned American pilot Amelia Earhart.
She was known as a pioneer and record-setting pilot who disappeared flying over the Pacific Ocean. The cause of
her disappearance remains a mystery.
Earhart vanished in July 1937 while trying to circumnavigate the globe and was declared dead in January 1939.
Swank plays Earhart and had to cut off her brunette locks for the role, while Gere plays her husband, George
Putnam.
So far, scenes have been shot around Chapman's Peak and the Slangkop Lighthouse near Kommetjie.
The film is being directed by Indian-born, New York-based Mira Nair.
The stars and crew will reportedly also shoot in the Eastern Cape and Transkei once they've wrapped up in the city.
Hollywood at the Wild Coast
July 19, 2008
The Wild Coast is ready for the arrival next week of two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank and Golden Globe-
winner Richard Gere. The actors are in South Africa to film scenes for the biopic Amelia, to be released next
year. The film is based on the life of American aviatrix pioneer Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific
Ocean in 1937 in her attempt to fly around the world. Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is also one of the film‘s
stars, but will not be filming in South Africa. The film set is on a grassy airstrip behind the Seagulls and Trennery
‘s hotels. The actors will fly in and do their filming, before flying out to stay in East London. The road to the
film set requires a 4x4 vehicle and takes up to two hours to travel. Genevieve Hofmeyer, of Cape Town‘s
Moonlighting studios, is in charge of set construction. Both Trennery‘s and Seagulls are being used by the
production company.
July 19, 2008
The Wild Coast is ready for the arrival next week of two-time Oscar-winner Hillary Swank and Golden Globe-
winner Richard Gere. The actors are in South Africa to film scenes for the biopic Amelia, to be released next
year. The film is based on the life of American aviatrix pioneer Amelia Earhart, who disappeared over the Pacific
Ocean in 1937 in her attempt to fly around the world. Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is also one of the film‘s
stars, but will not be filming in South Africa. The film set is on a grassy airstrip behind the Seagulls and Trennery
‘s hotels. The actors will fly in and do their filming, before flying out to stay in East London. The road to the
film set requires a 4x4 vehicle and takes up to two hours to travel. Genevieve Hofmeyer, of Cape Town‘s
Moonlighting studios, is in charge of set construction. Both Trennery‘s and Seagulls are being used by the
production company.
Hollywood on the Wild Coast
30 July 2008
Hollywood stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable nature writes reporter Andrew Stone.
The actor and actress were at the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which traces the life of
legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart.
Swank and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred Noonan, stayed at Seagulls
while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby.
Swank was booked in under the name Amelia Earhart while Gere was apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Jean Sahd, Seagulls Hotel manager, said she spoke to them on a number of occasions and found them completely
relaxed and very approachable.
“On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted.
“When I turned around there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He said he just wanted to say thanks to the
staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen.
“He’s got such a charisma about him,” she said. “I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived – I nearly
died I was so nervous!”
Two-time Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter
which they ate on the balcony outside the dining room.
“We put her in our most expensive room, the Panorama Suite, which has views of the coastline all round” said Sahd.
“She was just such an amazing person and so friendly. She played on the dining room floor with our dog Lola and
told me she also had a dog named Karoo.”
For the full fascinating story about the celebrities in our midst, see Thursday’s print or online edition of the Daily
Dispatch.
30 July 2008
Hollywood stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable nature writes reporter Andrew Stone.
The actor and actress were at the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which traces the life of
legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart.
Swank and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred Noonan, stayed at Seagulls
while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby.
Swank was booked in under the name Amelia Earhart while Gere was apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Jean Sahd, Seagulls Hotel manager, said she spoke to them on a number of occasions and found them completely
relaxed and very approachable.
“On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted.
“When I turned around there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He said he just wanted to say thanks to the
staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen.
“He’s got such a charisma about him,” she said. “I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived – I nearly
died I was so nervous!”
Two-time Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter
which they ate on the balcony outside the dining room.
“We put her in our most expensive room, the Panorama Suite, which has views of the coastline all round” said Sahd.
“She was just such an amazing person and so friendly. She played on the dining room floor with our dog Lola and
told me she also had a dog named Karoo.”
For the full fascinating story about the celebrities in our midst, see Thursday’s print or online edition of the Daily
Dispatch.
Film star flits through EL
2008/07/28
HOLLYWOOD star Hilary Swank jetted into East London at the weekend to film a movie about the life of the
legendary woman aviator Amelia Earhart.
The Oscar-winning actress stars with Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor in the movie Amelia, which is being
shot near Trennerys Hotel on the Transkei side of the Kei River.
Moonlighting, the South African firm responsible for production services for the film, is keeping tightlipped about
the movements of Swank and Gere, but a Cape Town newspaper reported last week that scenes for the movie
were being shot around Chapman’s Peak and in Kommetjie.
The pair were in Cape Town last week, said the paper, while the Sunday newspaper Rapport said yesterday that
Swank flew into East London on Friday and was whisked off in a 4x4 vehicle.
Genevieve Hofmeyer, producer at the Cape Town-based Moonlighting, would yesterday neither confirm nor deny
whether Swank was in town, although Rapport snapped a picture of the actress on the Kei River pont
2008/07/28
HOLLYWOOD star Hilary Swank jetted into East London at the weekend to film a movie about the life of the
legendary woman aviator Amelia Earhart.
The Oscar-winning actress stars with Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor in the movie Amelia, which is being
shot near Trennerys Hotel on the Transkei side of the Kei River.
Moonlighting, the South African firm responsible for production services for the film, is keeping tightlipped about
the movements of Swank and Gere, but a Cape Town newspaper reported last week that scenes for the movie
were being shot around Chapman’s Peak and in Kommetjie.
The pair were in Cape Town last week, said the paper, while the Sunday newspaper Rapport said yesterday that
Swank flew into East London on Friday and was whisked off in a 4x4 vehicle.
Genevieve Hofmeyer, producer at the Cape Town-based Moonlighting, would yesterday neither confirm nor deny
whether Swank was in town, although Rapport snapped a picture of the actress on the Kei River pont
Gere jets in, goes under the radar
Jul 31, 2008
‘Pretty Woman’ star is filming in Joburg, Cape Town
Richard Gere sent hearts soaring at Rand Airport, east of Johannesburg, yesterday.
The 1980s heart-throb was shooting a scene on the set of his latest film, Amelia.
The film is based on the autobiography of American pioneer woman aviator Amelia Earhart.
The Times yesterday spotted the suave Gere, in a dark, 1930s-style suit, climbing into a vintage maroon sports car.
Gere plays the role of George Putnam, Earhart’s husband, in the film.
The famed female explorer disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make a flight around the world in
1937.
The title role is played by two- times Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, who celebrated her 34th birthday yesterday.
She is also believed to be in the country, but managed to evade The Times yesterday.
Fellow cast member Ewan McGregor, who plays Gene Vidal, with whom Earhart had a passionate affair but did not
marry, was also nowhere to be seen.
Yesterday, the film set was swarming with security and crew members, who were protective of the Pretty Woman
actor.
Gere refused requests for interviews and a crew member said he rarely speaks to the media while in character.
Photographers were barred from taking pictures.
The veteran star — who was once voted People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive — looked at ease and jovial, chatting
and drinking coffee with people on set.
A hangar at the small airport was used as a dressing room and refreshment centre.
The Times was told that shooting on Amelia wrapped up in Johannesburg yesterday. Filming will resume today in
Cape Town.
The movie is due for release next year.
Jul 31, 2008
‘Pretty Woman’ star is filming in Joburg, Cape Town
Richard Gere sent hearts soaring at Rand Airport, east of Johannesburg, yesterday.
The 1980s heart-throb was shooting a scene on the set of his latest film, Amelia.
The film is based on the autobiography of American pioneer woman aviator Amelia Earhart.
The Times yesterday spotted the suave Gere, in a dark, 1930s-style suit, climbing into a vintage maroon sports car.
Gere plays the role of George Putnam, Earhart’s husband, in the film.
The famed female explorer disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make a flight around the world in
1937.
The title role is played by two- times Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, who celebrated her 34th birthday yesterday.
She is also believed to be in the country, but managed to evade The Times yesterday.
Fellow cast member Ewan McGregor, who plays Gene Vidal, with whom Earhart had a passionate affair but did not
marry, was also nowhere to be seen.
Yesterday, the film set was swarming with security and crew members, who were protective of the Pretty Woman
actor.
Gere refused requests for interviews and a crew member said he rarely speaks to the media while in character.
Photographers were barred from taking pictures.
The veteran star — who was once voted People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive — looked at ease and jovial, chatting
and drinking coffee with people on set.
A hangar at the small airport was used as a dressing room and refreshment centre.
The Times was told that shooting on Amelia wrapped up in Johannesburg yesterday. Filming will resume today in
Cape Town.
The movie is due for release next year.
Film stars wow staff at EC resort
HAVEN: The cottage on the Wild Coast where Richard Gere stayed during a film shoot. Picture: NIGEL LOUW.
2008/07/31
HOLLYWOOD stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank have wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable nature.
The famous actor and actress visited the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which depicts the
life of legendary American pilot and adventurer Amelia Earhart.
Swank in the main role of Earhart, and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred
Noonan, stayed at Seagulls, while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby. Swank was booked in under the name
Amelia Earhart, while Gere was apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Jean Sahd, Seagulls Hotel manager, said she had spoken to the stars on a number of occasions and found them
completely relaxed and very approachable. “On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I
felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted. “When I turned around, there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He
said he just wanted to say thanks to the staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good-looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen. “He’s got such a charisma about
him,” she said. “I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived.
“ I nearly died I was so nervous!”
Two-time Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday, and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter
which they ate on the balcony outside the dining-room.
“We put her in our most expensive room, the Panorama Suite, which has views of the coastline all round,” said
Sahd. “She was just such an amazing person and so friendly. She played on the dining room floor with our dog Lola,
and told me she had a dog named Karoo.”
Sahd said she had only known of their possible arrival on Thursday last week, when she received a phone call telling
her to “get things ready”.
“Even then it was not confirmed,” she said. “There was so much secrecy surrounding the whole thing.”
John and PJ Smith of Gonubie, owners of the cottage where Gere had slept, said they had no idea he would be
staying at their cottage.
“We were told he was going to be put up at Morgan Bay Hotel, but at the last minute plans changed and he ended up
at our cottage,” said a surprised PJ. Filming for the movie took place on Friday and Saturday at sets built on the hill
above Seagulls, while some beach scenes were shot in front of the Trennerys Hotel on Sunday. - By ANDREW
STONE
HAVEN: The cottage on the Wild Coast where Richard Gere stayed during a film shoot. Picture: NIGEL LOUW.
2008/07/31
HOLLYWOOD stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank have wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable nature.
The famous actor and actress visited the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which depicts the
life of legendary American pilot and adventurer Amelia Earhart.
Swank in the main role of Earhart, and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred
Noonan, stayed at Seagulls, while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby. Swank was booked in under the name
Amelia Earhart, while Gere was apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Jean Sahd, Seagulls Hotel manager, said she had spoken to the stars on a number of occasions and found them
completely relaxed and very approachable. “On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I
felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted. “When I turned around, there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He
said he just wanted to say thanks to the staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good-looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen. “He’s got such a charisma about
him,” she said. “I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived.
“ I nearly died I was so nervous!”
Two-time Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday, and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter
which they ate on the balcony outside the dining-room.
“We put her in our most expensive room, the Panorama Suite, which has views of the coastline all round,” said
Sahd. “She was just such an amazing person and so friendly. She played on the dining room floor with our dog Lola,
and told me she had a dog named Karoo.”
Sahd said she had only known of their possible arrival on Thursday last week, when she received a phone call telling
her to “get things ready”.
“Even then it was not confirmed,” she said. “There was so much secrecy surrounding the whole thing.”
John and PJ Smith of Gonubie, owners of the cottage where Gere had slept, said they had no idea he would be
staying at their cottage.
“We were told he was going to be put up at Morgan Bay Hotel, but at the last minute plans changed and he ended up
at our cottage,” said a surprised PJ. Filming for the movie took place on Friday and Saturday at sets built on the hill
above Seagulls, while some beach scenes were shot in front of the Trennerys Hotel on Sunday. - By ANDREW
STONE
Hotel staff starry-eyed over Gere and Swank
2008/07/31
HOLLYWOOD stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank have wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable natures.
The actor and actress were at the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which traces the life of
legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart.
Swank and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred Noonan, stayed at Seagulls
while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby. Swank was booked in under the name Amelia Earhart while Gere was
apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Seagulls Hotel manager Jean Sahd said she spoke to them on a number of occasions and found them completely
relaxed and very approachable.
“On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted.
“When I turned around there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He said he just wanted to say thanks to the
staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen. “He‘s got such a charisma about him.
I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived – I nearly died I was so nervous!”
Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter which they
ate on the dining-room balcony.
2008/07/31
HOLLYWOOD stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank have wowed staff at Seagulls Hotel in the Transkei with their
friendliness, sincerity and approachable natures.
The actor and actress were at the hotel this past weekend while filming the biopic Amelia, which traces the life of
legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart.
Swank and co-star Christopher Ecclestone, who plays the role of her navigator Fred Noonan, stayed at Seagulls
while Gere slept at a rented cottage nearby. Swank was booked in under the name Amelia Earhart while Gere was
apparently referred to as Dr Brown.
Seagulls Hotel manager Jean Sahd said she spoke to them on a number of occasions and found them completely
relaxed and very approachable.
“On Saturday night after dinner I was in the kitchen with my staff when I felt a tap on the shoulder,” she recounted.
“When I turned around there stood Richard Gere right in front of me. He said he just wanted to say thanks to the
staff for a wonderful supper.”
Sahd said he was as good looking in real life as he appeared on the big screen. “He‘s got such a charisma about him.
I first met him on Saturday afternoon when he arrived – I nearly died I was so nervous!”
Oscar winner Swank arrived at the hotel on Friday and with her entourage sat down to a seafood platter which they
ate on the dining-room balcony.