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Ipek A. Celik Rappas, "Filming in European Cities: The Labor of Location" (Cornell UP, 2025)
May 3, 2025
Dr. Ipek A. Celik Rappas, a film and media studies scholar, dives into the intricate world of location scouting for screen production. She reveals the behind-the-scenes labor that transforms ordinary urban spaces into cinematic backdrops, often involving marginalized communities. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas of filming in post-conflict cities, while emphasizing the crucial yet overlooked role of location scouts. As streaming platforms demand unique settings, Dr. Celik Rappas exposes the industry's exploitation of locations and local residents.
44:59
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the unseen labor of location in filmmaking, emphasizing the extensive collaboration required to transform urban spaces into artistic settings.
- It discusses the ethical implications of film production in urban environments, advocating for sustainable practices that respect local communities and their identities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Location Labor in Filmmaking
The concept of 'labor of location' emphasizes the extensive and often unseen effort that goes into selecting and preparing filming sites. Filmmakers typically envision captivating scenes, but achieving that takes collaboration among various crew members, including art directors and location managers, who negotiate and transform spaces to fit artistic visions. The labor involved is not just logistical; it includes cleaning, altering, and sometimes completely reimagining locations to meet creative demands. This behind-the-scenes work is crucial for audiences to recognize, as many are unaware of the complexities behind the places showcased on screen.
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