Hollywood’s latest arrival to Hawaii has made local pockets flush with cash. According to a press release from Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Fox TV series Rescue: HI-Surf has hired 2,100 local cast and crew who have earned a collective $31.75 million in wages during the production. The filming began in January and ended in July of this year. A few quick strokes on a calculator shows that averages out to a little more than $15,000 per employee – not a shabby off-season side gig.
One of those Hawaiians hired to work on the production was filmmaker Erin Lau, who made her debut as a director on the network television series. She directed episode seven, which airs November 4.
“Opportunities like this are essential for our emerging artists, and I’m thrilled to be part of ʻRescue: HI-Surf’ as it celebrates Hawaii’s creatives, and stories,” said Lau.
The press release adds that production operations in Oahu have injected significant capital into the economy on top of the wages, pouring more than $33.85 million into the economy via food, accommodation, equipment and office rentals, and goods and services from local vendors. They also laud the opportunities for local interns to join the production process and gain hands-on experience.
Rescue: HI-Surf, which premiered September 22, follows the life of lifeguards living on Oahu’s North Shore as they rescue surfers and tourists at “the most dangerous break in the world.” So far the show’s ratings have been solid, earning the series the distinction of TV’s highest-rated fall drama debut in the past six years.
