Portugal's Algarve coastline will become a film set for part of summer 2010 when production staff and celebrity stars including Brad Pitt will use locations near Portimao for a classic remake. The new race track on the Algarve will be the base for filming over two weeks next summer.

A definite buzz is generated when the filmmakers come to town. The world of the blockbuster film set has an aura of glamour, with hundreds of production staff, acres of trucks, luxury motorhomes and catering tents and seemingly no expense spared. The 1971 cinema classic, Le Mans, that starred Steve McQueen as a motor racing driver is being remade by director Wolfgang Petersen on a relatively modest budget of 36 million Euros. Compare that to the 130 million dollars made available to Ridley Scott this year to make a new Robin Hood film starring Russell Crow. Filming for that took place in numerous locations around the UK, with the film set for release in May 2011.

Film production certainly did a big favour for the island of Skiathos when the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! took over the harbour of the Greek island in August 2007 for three days. Since then film lovers have flocked to the location, bringing a huge boost in commercial activity for those involved in tourism, but perhaps a less peaceful situation for those who liked things just the way they were.

Other stars of the new Le Mans film are thought to be Al Pacino and Penelope Cruz. Rumours that Pitt will also be involved in another McQueen film remake of Bullitt are yet to be confirmed. In the original Le Mans film McQueen was not allowed to drive the car in race scenes, so we wonder if Pitt will be prevented in a similar manner and rely on the use of stunt drivers.

There are also thought to be several other films that will be made on locations across the Algarve next year. These include productions starring Sophia Loren, Richard Gere, Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Bacon. Film making is an expensive business and locations with reliable weather like the Algarve can reduce risks substantially.