Written by on Aug 27, 2014. Posted in On Location

British crime film The Sweeney to be remade in Paris with Jean Reno

Nick Love’s 2012 British crime drama The Sweeney will be remade on location in Paris as The Squad with Jean Reno. The original was based on the classic British TV drama of the same name and starred Ray Winstone and Ben Drew. Filming for the remake is scheduled for October this year.

“We are tremendously excited to be turning The Sweeney into this brilliant French version with the privilege of being able to work with one of our favorite actors, Jean Reno. Director Benjamin Rocher and producers SND and Capture (The Flag) Films have an incredible vision for this action packed movie set on the streets of Paris,” said James Richardson, co-founder of Vertigo Films.

Added Charlotte Boucon, head of international sales at French distributor SND: “Jean Reno, one of the most beloved French actors with a worldwide fan base, will bring all his charisma and depth to portray Buren, a tough police officer determined to do what it takes to catch the bad guys.”

The Sweeney was adapted from a 70s cop drama that starred the late John Thaw. Filming took place on location in central London and shut down Trafalgar Square for several hours to shoot a central set-piece chase and gunfight.

Location filming in Paris is supported by Paris Film and the Ile de France Film Commission, while Film France offers information on a broader network of 40 local commissions that can assist with productions shooting elsewhere in the country. International shoots working on location in France and in her territories can get 20% back of their eligible spend through the country’s Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP), which is administered by Film France.