Movie scouts looking for a location to film the next Star Trek movie first visited Iceland in June. Things are looking good for the island nation now as reports indicate that Paramount Pictures has sent a budget and plans to two local production companies who are competing for the film.
Pegasus and Saga Films are the two companies battling for rights to produce the film and work with producer and director J.J. Abrams on the first Star Trek film to be shot outside the United States. Neither company is commenting on the Star Trek rumours although both have been seen scouting locations with members of Paramount Studios.
Although nothing has been confirmed, several things point to Iceland playing a potentially important role in the new film. A source at a local newspaper suggests that shooting for the film, if it does go ahead in Iceland, will probably start this spring. Another source suggests that in addition to a potential visit from Abrams in the future, it is likely that Scott Chambliss, the production designer has already been to Iceland.
Iceland is becoming an increasingly popular location to film. Scenes from the country have featured in the latest editions of Batman, James Bond and Tomb Raider.