Brad Pitt and Damson Idris starrer F1 roars to life with real tracks, real cars, and real stakes

Written by Kianna Best on Jul 3, 2025. Posted in Interviews

Apple Studios’ F1 film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joseph Kosinski, is not faking a single turn. Featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the production went all-in, filming at real Grand Prix events, using custom-built cars, and integrating deeply with the sport’s ecosystem. Executive producer Daniel Lupi reveals how authenticity drove every decision in a high-octane blend of cinema and sport—delivering what may be on of the most immersive racing film ever made.

#2 Ask a Location Manager: Scouting the line between TV and film

Written by Kianna Best on Jul 1, 2025. Posted in Interviews

When it comes to creating cinematic worlds, whether it is for a two-hour feature or an eight-episode season, location managers are the unsung architects of story. We spoke to Aaron Hurvitz (A Complete Unknown, Highest 2 Lowest) and Angus Ledgerwood (The Diplomat, The Marvels) to dig into the pace, pressure, and practicalities of scouting for both television and film. From creative compromises to logistical labyrinths, they reveal how each medium shapes the job, and why the right wall or window could make or break the scene.

Garden Studios change the script on sustainability

Written by Kianna Best on Jun 12, 2025. Posted in Interviews

Film studios may be in the business of fiction, but at Garden Studios, sustainability is the most authentic storyline of all. From its inception in 2021, this West London production hub has made environmental and social responsibility not just a feature—but the foundation.

Ask a Location Manager: The Production Designer Partnership

Written by Kianna Best on May 21, 2025. Posted in Interviews

In the world of filmmaking, production design sets the tone, but it's the locations that ground the story in tangible reality. When those two elements work in harmony, magic happens on screen. For the debut of Ask a Location Manager, we explore this critical partnership through the eyes of two industry veterans: Christian McWilliams (Gladiator II, Kraven the Hunter) and Lori Balton (Top Gun: Maverick, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood).

Hong Kong Producers Ronan Wong and Debbie Lam Bring Innovation to Cannes

Written by Kianna Best on May 19, 2025. Posted in Interviews

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Hong Kong’s cinematic future is in the spotlight, welcoming the presence of veteran producers Ronan Wong and Debbie Lam. With decades of cross-cultural experience and a pioneering spirit, they are not just representing a region—they’re redefining its creative boundaries. From immersive cinema to international co-productions, they are proving that Hong Kong remains a global hub for film innovation and storytelling.

Set the scene: Behind the locations of Sinners with Elston Howard

Written by Kianna Best on May 12, 2025. Posted in Interviews

When dusk falls over the haunted cotton fields and shadowy juke joints of Ryan Coogler’s latest horror film, Sinners, it is not just the characters who tell the story—it’s the land beneath their feet. Starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton, the vampire horror breathes life into Southern Gothic lore. While the story sinks its teeth into the supernatural events and racial tension of the south, it's the haunting Southern landscapes that make Sinners so immersive. And those landscapes? They are pure Louisiana. We spoke with veteran location manager Elston Howard about the real-life places that brought Coogler’s eerie vision to life.

Spain and Portugal through the eyes of Palma Pictures

Written by Kianna Best on May 6, 2025. Posted in Interviews

Whether it's a Netflix drama, a luxury car commercial, or a big-budget feature film, Spain and Portugal offer the perfect blend of creativity, infrastructure, and value. With offices strategically based in Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca and Lisbon, Palma Pictures find themselves as a central force. We spoke with head of locations Edu Rodrigalvarez on how these two nations are growing to be not just backdrops, but strategic production powerhouses through the versatility of locations and logistical prowess.

Frozen Frames: The Perils and Beauty of Filming in Iceland’s Arctic Chill

Written by Kianna Best on Mar 13, 2025. Posted in Interviews

Whilst snowy scenes create the most awe worthy shots for on screen productions, the experiences behind the camera are not always the most idyllic. The Location Guide spoke with Glassriver producer Arnbjörg Hafliðadóttir to discuss the process behind shooting in Iceland for the filming of their Portuguese co-production Cold Haven, and navigating the sub-zero temperatures.