A foreign production crew films in Thessaloniki, September 2020. Photo source: Region of Central Macedonia
The newly established Film Office of the Central Macedonia Region during its first months of operation managed to bring three foreign cinema productions to Greece.
Established in September 2020, the Film Office operates as a one-stop-shop for foreign production crews in search of filming locations in Central Macedonia. Furthermore, it assists producers in their communication with state and local authorities for the issuing of permits; offers information on locations and infrastructure; and helps them connect with local filming crews.
Speaking to tourism professionals during a webinar on Thursday, the head of the Region’s Film Office Lina Milonaki said that immediately after its opening, the Film Office assisted the production team of a popular French-Belgian reality show with the location-scouting process and the licensing procedures.
The foreign production company filmed an entire episode in the areas of Mount Olympos, Litohoro, Nigrita and Thessaloniki in northern Greece.
Central Macedonia Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas (left) and the French-Belgian reality production crew in Thessaloniki, September 2020. Photo source: Region of Central Macedonia
In November 2020, the Film Office assisted a Dutch production company, whose crew visited the island of Ammouliani in Halkidiki, to film parts of a popular TV reality show.
Moreover, this month, the Film Office is providing its services to the crew of a Greek-German production titled “Behind the haystacks”, a feature film directed by Asimina Proedrou.
According to Milonaki, filming will take place in Doirani lake and Kilkis.
The Film Office’s action plan for 2021-22
Looking ahead, the Central Macedonia Film Office will continue to promote the region as a filming destination and assist Greek and foreign productions. Its actions for 2021-22 include:
– The publication of an industry guide in Greek and in English, that will be available through the office’s website (to be launched in a few months) and in a printed form
– The creation of an online location library with proposed destinations for location scouts
– The support of audiovisual professionals interested in filming in Central Macedonia during the coronavirus pandemic and amid lockdown restrictions. Milonaki underlined that filming is allowed in Greece, as long as crews follow the health protocols imposed against the virus.
– The organization of fam trips and the creation of special packages for audiovisual producers in collaboration with local tourism enterprises (hotels, restaurants, car rental companies).
