Netflix Producers, Directors Praise Greece as Filming Destination

Directors, producers, and actors who worked on the upcoming Netflix film “Beckett,” which was shot entirely in Greece, praised the country as the perfect destination for the action thriller.

Director Ferdinando Cito Filomarino was interested in exploring areas of the country that are lesser known internationally, such as the mountain village of Tsepevolo in Zagori, Epirus.

Leading man John David Washington, the son of actor Denzel Washington, gushed over the country’s majestic landscapes, stating “you see the beauty in the backdrop… it almost gives this heartbeat of hope, even in the most desperate situations.”

Washington praised the village of Tsepevolo, which he called “one of his favorite locations,” and particularly the local residents, who were “so nice” to the crew.

Actor Panos Koronis noted that the film highlights “another part of Greece,” which included the country’s many mountainous regions, which can “offer really nice cinematic setups.”

Netflix film “Beckett” highlights beauty of Greece

Filmed partly in the countryside surrounding Tsepevolo, amongst the ancient ruins of Delphi, and in the sprawling metropolis of Athens, Netflix’s “Beckett” shows the many sides of Greece while telling the thrilling story of an American tourist caught up in a “dangerous web of conspiracy.”

The synopsis for the upcoming film, set to be released on Netflix on August 13, reads:

“While vacationing in Greece, Beckett (John David Washington), an American tourist, becomes the target of a manhunt after a devastating accident. Forced to run for his life and desperate to reach the U.S. Embassy in Athens to clear his name, tensions escalate as the authorities close in, political unrest mounts, and Beckett falls even deeper into a dangerous web of conspiracy.”

The movie stars up and coming actors including John David Washington, Boyd Holbrook, Vicky Krieps, and Alicia Vikander. The film is also being backed by more established figures, including Luca Guadagnino, who is producing the film.

Guadagnino was catapulted into international fame and acclaim through the 2017 film “Call Me By Your Name,” which he also produced and directed.

Greece could become an international filming destination

“Beckett,” which is the first Netflix film shot entirely in Greece, could signal the beginning of a new era of filmmaking in the country.

The country’s stunning diverse landscape and countless ancient sites could make it the perfect setting for many films.

Up to eighteen international movies will be shot in Greece in 2021, confirming the industry’s demand for the country’s nearly endless variety of stunning landscapes and stunning historic monuments.

The director of the Hellenic Cinema Center, Venia Vergou, said recently that the expected revenues from foreign productions in 2021 could reach a staggering 90 million euros ($106 million).

She added that this foreign interest creates a “positive domino effect” that will help attract further productions.

Huge Hollywood movie productions such as “Knives Out 2,” which stars Greek-Filipino actor Dave Bautista and “James Bond” actor Daniel Craig, are set to film in Greece this year.