GEORGE TOWN: A German-language made-for-television film currently being shot here is set to expose millions of European viewers to Malaysia's many attractions.

Titled Dreamhotel Malaysia, the 90-minute film is part of the popular Dreamhotel series which airs over TV stations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Production manager David Spiehs, of German-Austrian company Lisa Film Production, revealed that shooting of Dreamhotel Malaysia began on Monday in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, and is now taking place in Penang.

A scene was filmed at the E&O hotel here yesterday and will continue at Penang's other places of interest until Friday.

"Penang is a very lovely place and this movie will showcase its many attractions and city life," said Spiehs at the E&O Hotel here.
Also present were state Tourism Committee chairman Law Heng Kiang and producer Bill Donovan of Biscuit Films, a film production support services company based in Kuala Lumpur.

Spiehs revealed that the film crew's next stop will be the Khoo Kongsi. The film will also feature scenes of the Yap temple, Wawasan Open University, City Hall, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a wet market, colonial buildings, trishaws and the view of George Town from the Revolving Restaurant in Bayview Hotel.

Once filming in Penang is wrapped up, the cast and crew will travel to Langkawi where three weeks of shooting will take place.

"In Langkawi, the movie will be shot at the Four Seasons Resort and it will also feature mangroves and a snake farm," said Spiehs.

The Dreamhotel series revolves around hotel owner Markus Winter (played by actor Christian Kohlund), who visits his properties around the world to ensure that they are properly run.

Each movie documents his visit to each of his properties, where adventure and romance often take place.

Directed by Otto Retzer, Dreamland Malaysia involves a crew and cast of 50, comprising Germans, Austrians and Malaysians.

Among locals involved in the production is well-known actor Patrick Teoh.

According to Spiehs, Lisa Film Production has been producing the Dreamhotel series of movies over the past five years.

Each year, it shoots two parts of the series, comprising 90 minutes each.

"Seven million viewers in Germany are expected to watch Dreamhotel Malaysia, which will be aired by popular station First German TV.

"Another two million people in Austria and Switzerland are expected to watch the movie as well."

"It will be shown during primetime in January next year," said Spiehs, adding that the film will be sold to TV stations in other countries such as Italy, China and Turkey.

Previous instalments of the Dreamhotel series have been shot in Mauritius, Thailand, Indonesia, Seychelles, South Africa, India, Abu Dhabi and Beijing, China.