View from the sea. Photos: Mark Zammit Cordina

People wanting to take a dip in the pristine waters of Mġarr ix-Xini have until August 17, when the Gozo bay is expected to be sealed off from land and sea for filming to start on Angelina Jolie’s new movie.

Dozens of workers with heavy equipment have been toiling away at a frenetic pace in the sweltering heat to make sure all will be in place when Jolie and her husband Brad Pitt start work on At the Sea.

The actress writes, directs and stars in the movie.

Sources in the film industry told this newspaper that the set building had “fallen a few days behind schedule” due to its complexity and the small space it occupies.

However, work is expected to intensify in the coming days in preparation for the Hollywood megastars’ arrival on the island.

So far, it is not yet known where the couple – the targets of paparazzi wherever they go – will be staying.

During their recent visit while scouting the area they had resided at the five-star Hotel Ta’ Ċenċ near Mġarr ix-Xini.

But the couple, who will have their six children in tow, have not yet decided whether to use the hotel again or a private property located closer to the film set.

Times of Malta is also informed that money has already started reaching some of the locals’ pockets.

Apart from the workers building the set, producers are also making sure the bay will be completely cleared by the time filming starts. “A shack turned into an illegal restaurant a few years ago will be closing. Its owners were given a handsome compensation, even though they later discovered they have to pay tax on their proceeds,” the source said.

The owners were given a handsome compensation, even though they later discovered they have to pay tax on their proceeds

“The owners of fishing boats berthed in the area were given €350 each to go somewhere else while a kiosk selling burgers was offered €3,000 to make sure that the makeshift truck is nowhere to be seen from August 17.”

Garage and boathouse owners in the area have also been given compensation for not using their properties during filming, with some trying to get a better deal than what was on offer.

While many beach-goers lamented the lack of accessibility to the bay due to the film, they agreed this was “an exceptional occasion” that should bring long-term benefits to Gozo and to those doing business in the area.

The new movie, which should hit cinemas next year, is the first the couple will appear in together since their 2005 offering Mr & Mrs Smith.

Details have not been revealed but sources said the stars will portray a married couple.