Athens To Play A Leading Role For International Movie Makers
- by XpatAthens
- Tuesday, 08 December 2020
With its high-impact blend of famous ancient sites and urban edge, Athens has long been a sought-after location for international movie makers.
Getting the cameras rolling in the Greek capital, however, has not always been easy. Red tape and a shortage of competitive incentives have often driven filmmakers elsewhere. But now the stage has been set to transform Athens into a “Film Friendly City” with the launch of an Athens Film Office and boosted cash rebates from the Greek Government. In the best practice of major European cities, the new Athens Film Office will be a one-stop-shop for receiving and managing film and television requests, facilitating filming requirements, and acting as a go-between to clear bureaucratic obstacles for overseas productions.
According to the Athens Film Office website, makers of films, television episodes, or advertisements will soon have over 70+ Athenian locations to choose from. Current options span from landmark squares like Syntagma and Omonia and Athens’ emblematic National Garden, to the Maria Callas Municipal Theatre with its magisterial lobby, and contemporary urban hub, Technopolis, in Gazi.
The new approach is already paying off. More than 10 international audiovisual works (movies, TV series, and advertising) will take place this year despite the pandemic and two-month lockdown; with work already underway on several.
Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis Says: "The Municipality of Athens, through the Athens Film Office, aspires to play a leading role in the effort to better utilize the development potential of the city, so that in the near future, Athens becomes a key pole of attraction for new investments - and hosts more and more international film productions.”
Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis Says: "The Municipality of Athens, through the Athens Film Office, aspires to play a leading role in the effort to better utilize the development potential of the city, so that in the near future, Athens becomes a key pole of attraction for new investments - and hosts more and more international film productions.”
In the city’s bid to lure more big movie makers to the city, the Athens Film Office - which comes under the "umbrella" of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (EATA) - will also work closely with the This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau to ensure that international film executives have access to premium facilities and services throughout their stay.
To read more about Athens as a filming location and the new Athens Film Office, please visit: thisisathens.org
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
To read more about Athens as a filming location and the new Athens Film Office, please visit: thisisathens.org
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.