Made Arya Kencana

Eat, Pray, Love And Protest as Julia Roberts Starts Filming in Bali

Ubud. Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts is famous for being a down-to-earth film star whom everyone loves. But a resolute clump of about a dozen protesters managed to break her spell, and cast Bali’s easy-going nature into doubt, as they picketed the first day of filming on her latest Hollywood project, “Eat, Pray, Love,” on Thursday.

It was not the ideal start of filming for the star-studded film, particularly for those in Bali eager to showcase the island as the ideal film location.

Police officers said the protest stemmed from insufficient publicity about shooting schedules and locations, with some disgruntled residents expressing surprise at certain venues being used. Disputes also arose over payment for the use of some locations.

“Maybe not many people knew [about the filming], so they were surprised and held a protest,” said Tjok Raka Kertiyasa, an official with a local banjar (traditional town council).

The situation was quickly addressed by security officers and staff of Columbia Pictures, the film’s backer.

Tjok said the protesters and the producer would meet on Friday to resolve any differences.

Filming on Thursday took place at Banjar Bentuyung, about two kilometers from Ubud.

Local officials said they regretted the protest. “This is very shameful. This [film] will help improve Bali’s international reputation,” said Gianyar district chief Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, or Cok Ace.

He said that he was particularly embarrassed by demands for money to film at some locations, adding that he suspected a provocateur had stirred up the protest.

He said filmmakers had used Ubud as a location numerous times since the 1950s, and that there had never before been any protests.

Security on Thursday was tight around the location. No one was allowed within 500 meters of the production site except for the film crew and actors.

A multilayered security presence, including a security team from Columbia Pictures and 135 Gianyar Police officers, is in place to safeguard the production. The first tier of security is for Roberts and other actors, including James Franco, Billy Crudup and Javier Bradem. The second protects the crew and the dozens of cars and trucks transporting equipment.

The film will be shot in several locations in Gianyar, including Banjar Bentuyung, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Pengosekan, the Ubud Art Market and Monkey Forest Park. Other backdrops include Jimbaran and Uluwatu. Filming is duw to end in mid-November.

Claire Raskind, from Columbia Pictures’ publicity, said Bali was the final shooting location for the movie. “Pray everything will run smoothly,” she said.

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