New Books in Anthropology

Ipek A. Celik Rappas, "Filming in European Cities: The Labor of Location" (Cornell UP, 2025)

May 4, 2025
Ipek A. Celik Rappas, a scholar in film and media studies, discusses the intricate labor behind location scouting in European cities. She reveals how streaming platforms fuel the demand for unique filming sites, pushing filmmakers to creatively transform urban spaces while navigating complex cultural dynamics. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked efforts of crew members and raises ethical questions about storytelling in marginalized neighborhoods. Celik Rappas advocates for more mindful media practices that respect local communities and their narratives.
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INSIGHT

Location Labor is Invisible Craft

  • Location is not just background but highly crafted and negotiated urban space.
  • Transforming places involves creative, physical, and logistical labor by many crew roles.
ANECDOTE

Hard Realities of Location Scouts

  • Location scouts often manage everything from finding spots to getting permits and handling equipment.
  • In Istanbul, much scouting work might be unpaid, adding hardship to an already complex role.
INSIGHT

Scouts Shape Film Reality

  • Location scouts influence final film looks by negotiating director visions with reality.
  • They translate vague script lines into vivid, concrete filming worlds through ongoing collaboration.
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