Sean Penn's new movie is called Snake Island. Snake Island is famous for the handful of Ukrainian defenders telling the russian navy to go ... themselves. But the subject is about the Ukrainians supposedly cutting "Nord Stream" gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea in 2022.
I mention it because it is being filmed in Zagreb and is apparently a little disruptive from time to time. They film on Andrassy every 2 or 3 months, and while a bit disruptive its also interesting and watching the actors.
We read about it in the local Croatian paper we get on-line. Sean Penn wouldn’t give any intervews to the journalists in Zagreb.
Location filming is always disruptive.
A nearly 35 year career in film and tv taught me that.
40’ trucks ( grip, electric, props, make up and hair) generators, catering tent, air conditioning units, cast trailers, tent for extras, porta potties, cast and crew parking all take up space.
If filming a home int/ext think of it having 30-50 strangers wandering about inside and out. On lawns, in rooms, on roofs. Unplugging freezers and refrigerators for sound. Turning off sprinklers, pool pumps, stopping mail deliveries and on and on. Pets might need to be boarded. Yes the homeowner, shop owner, restaurant, cafe, church receives insurance and a filming fee.
If gun fire is involved pets can be upset.
From experience it’s ALWAYS disruptive.
Sounds terrible. Thank goodness its never that bad here. Glad i wont be in Zagreb. Wow!
Oh and forgot to mention very time consuming.
A two person dialogue can take hours as you need the camera on each actor one at a time and then film them together in a 2 shot.
If stunts or fire or rain or wind are included… don’t get me started.
Happily retired from it all.
Ah, yes. Having been part of the 'industry' In LA for a long time, I have some funny and not-so-funny stories to tell. Working as the cinematographer on a movie, a lot of the things that Claudia describes happen literally behind you. Generally, in my experience, movie-savvy towns like LA and NYC are at least mildly hostile to the circus showing up in their backyard, whereas smaller towns seem more welcoming. I suppose it's the same in Europe and elsewhere. Now that I teach, I tell students to try not to 'burn' a location for their peers!
whereas smaller towns seem more welcoming. I suppose it's the same in Europe and elsewhere...
That explains Budapest (small town). That and they only shoot in town 8 or 9 times a year. A few weeks ago the city even dealt well with the metro being closed for 2 days so Arnold Schwarzenegger could shoot up the metro stations. Sometimes there are perks like the Will Smith free thankyou concert in front of the basilica.
Still, i would put up with a lot for this movie and Sean Penn. I know his views on the war so I suspect I will love the movie.
