Comedy film, TV show to be shot on Maui

A Santa-themed movie starring George Lopez and a steamy TV drama for Fox have the green light for shooting on the Valley Isle, according to Maui County officials.

The Lopez film, “Aloha Santa,” will start in December and be shot for six weeks, said Tracy Bennett, Maui County film commissioner. Lopez plays Santa’s adopted son, and when the old man unexpectedly dies, he finds himself in charge. After a sleigh mishap, he’s stuck on Maui desperately trying to get back to the North Pole for Christmas.

“Aloha Santa” has ties to Maui in residents Jonathan Yudis, who will direct and produce, and Eric Gilliom, who will produce, Bennett said.

“It will all be shot on Maui and have a local crew,” Bennett said. “I think Eric and Jonathan are trying to stay local as much as they can.”

Among the top talent on board with “Aloha Santa,” a $3 million film, are executive producers J.C. Spink of “The Hangover” movies and actor Jamie Foxx, who won an Oscar for his role in “Ray.”

A TV drama, “The 808,” is being produced for Fox by Sony Pictures TV. A pilot is expected to be shot in spring 2016, Bennett said. It’s being described as a story that goes beyond Maui’s postcard-perfect vistas and into a world of sex, sand and sin.

“It’s about the Maui surf culture,” Bennett said. “It’s kind of a sexy, soap opera show. Very dramatic. And it focuses on a couple of Maui families who are butting heads.”

Sheldon Turner, who was nominated for an adapted screenplay Oscar for “Up in the Air,” will be one of the executive producers for “The 808” and is expected to start writing the pilot soon, Bennett said.

State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson said she doesn’t know much yet about “The 808,” but has followed the progress of “Aloha Santa” for several years and was excited to see it finally going forward.

“I’ve actually seen the script,” Dawson said. “I think it’s a great story. I think George Lopez is a great guy. He wasn’t what I expected but he’s awesome.”