During COVID-19 when the watchword is keep it small or go remote, Athens hosted one of the biggest commercials in 2020.
Shot in Athens over 4 days, it features an international crew with credits such as The Bourne Ultimatum, Quantum of Solace, Indiana Jones, True Detective, Skyfall, Harry Potter, Walk The Line.
With a two-month prep period, the international crew of 40 arrived in Greece to prep and rehearse prior to shooting. For a commercial, the scale of production resembled a feature film. Production demands were challenging, with multiple units, 3 cameras and numerous stunts. With the key production team plus a local crew of 220 people and 150 talent and extras, numbers rose to 400 on set.
The elaborate chase sequence was shot on exterior rooftops on various levels involving a 6 day build and 3-day rehearsal to achieve the stunt of the woman jumping across the antennas to escape the crowd.
Roads, squares and major streets of the capital were shut down completely – an unusual feat for commercials in Greece. Green Olive Films worked closely with the Athens Film Office, The Municipality of Athens and the Mayor’s office to achieve this.
Perrier “Heat”Advertising Agency: Ogilvy Paris
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
International Production Company: Gang Films
Co-Production: Independent Films
Executive Producer: Jean Villiers
DOP: Phedon Papamichael
Production Designer: Ethan Tobman
Costume Designer: Jany Tamime
Stunt Coordinator: Lee Morrison
VFX: MPC | Paris
Music: Saint-Preux – Concerto Pour Une Voix
Greek Team
Service Production Company: Green Olive Films
Executive Producer: Simos Manganis
Executive Producer: Maria Kopanou
Line Producer: Kostas Raftopoulos
Production Manager: Pantelis Kakaroglou
1st Assistant Director: Emmelia ChatziandreouLocations: Athina Kosmidou, Nikos Filippakis
Art Director: Dafni Kalogianni
Styling: Natassa Sarri
Casting: Lydia Georgana
