New Hollywood Productions to Be Filmed in Thessaloniki, Greece

Two new Hollywood films will be shot in Thessaloniki, Greece’s cultural capital, creating job opportunities for Greek professionals in the industry.

The movies are Red Sonja, a science fiction and action remake of its already existing comic book and 1985 film, and Dirty Angels, which will begin shooting in the first ten days of December.

The filming of Red Sonja took place two weeks ago at Thermi studios in Thessaloniki. The post-production is also set to take place there. Post-production occurs after the acting is finished, and involves the cutting, assembling, dubbing, and adding any special visual and / or sound effects.

The Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the American Hollywood Producer Robert Van Norden, announced that post-production for Red Sonja and its special effects would cost about 5 million euros. They added that would also create employment for more than one hundred Greek professionals as well as utilize local companies and professionals from the region.

When asked if Greek actors and other professionals would be on set as well , Van Norden replied that they would take part in multiple tasks such as the process including camera, audio, editorial, post-production, accountants, legal support, and other specialties behind the camera.

Hollywood film “Dirty Angels”: location and cost

Dirty Angels is an action movie starring Eva Green. The director is Martin Campbell, who  was also the movie maker of two James Bond films in the past.

Tzitzikostas stated that, in addition to Thermi, filming would occur in other locations as well such as Asvestochori, Peraia, areas in the western parts of Thessaloniki, and the mountainous Halkidiki.

“This film costs 35 million euros, of which 25 million, will be spent here in our region. We are talking about at least 250 new jobs for this film alone. Young Greek professionals that have been unemployed for years who weren’t able to find jobs based on their studies will now be absorbed through this mobility. Filming in Greece will last three months. Then, the film will be completed in Morocco while post production will once again take place in Thessaloniki,” he stated.

Hollywood films putting Thessaloniki on the map

Thessaloniki has  become a magnet for big Hollywood productions in recent years. “The Expendables 4” was filmed there in November 2021 with Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Megan Fox, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Tony Jaa and Andy Garcia.

In July of the same year, Antonio Banderas and Kate Bosworth were a few of the world-famous actors who went there for a star-studded movie.

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

Another reason are the tantalizing incentives Greek PM Mitsotakis offered the international film industry. Those includes a 40% cash rebate on eligible expenses for audiovisual productions. There is also a 30% tax relief for those investing in such productions in Greece.

Among them was the Netflix movie “The Lost Daughter,” set on the breathtaking island of Spetses, Greece.

In March 2022, “The Bricklayer,” began shooting in the northern Greek city. Filming took place in Emporiou Square in Ladadika, one of the most beloved areas of the city. Drones, cameras, film crew and actors, including leads Nina Dobrev and Aaron Eckhart, filled the bustling square.