FOCUS talks to Philippe Laylle Film location Coordinator at the SNCF, France’s national train operator and railway network
What are you hoping to get out of the event and what in particular will you be promoting at FOCUS 2018?
For us FOCUS represents a great opportunity to present our SNCF – French state railway film locations, facilities and services to all the European producers attending FOCUS.
Please tell us briefly what the SNCF has to offer in terms of filming locations and location diversity?
We offer a vast choice of locations with over 4,000 individual locations, train stations and trains as well as a tailor made all in one service. We assist producers and productions in every stage of the process: from research advice for screen writers, choice of locations as well as feasibility and logistics for the shoot itself respecting all rules concerning safety and security. We provide an easy and simple access to our locations via our online SNCF locations website: http//sn.cf/pole-cinéma.
The SNCF is the french company that welcomes more shoots than anyone else. Every year we assist over 200 productions including feature films, TV series, Documentaries, TV commercials, music videos etc.. This year we facilitated and provided many services and locations for the likes of Patriot, Les Romanoffs for Amazon Studios and Killing Eve for the BBC.
Please tell us about some of the more unusual locations you will be promoting at FOCUS?
We offer the possibility for producers to shoot in comfort with all our facilities and locations at our SNCF Studios including secure parking, production offices, safe storage, train interiors etc..without any limitations or time constraints. We also provide filming possibilities at ‘La Cité du train’ (one of Europe’s largest railway museums that has over 150 vintage trains and other equipment.
What are the key advantages for productions considering using SNCF locations?
A very big choice of trains and stations to shoot at throughout France.
A tailor made service with one point of contact.
Easy application and permitting process.
The possibility of other services including electricity supply, parking, catering facilities, room hire and toilettes.