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.
44:59
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the critical yet often invisible role of location scouts in preparing and transforming urban spaces for film production.
- It advocates for ethical media practices that consider the impact on communities and promote mindful content consumption over binge-watching.
Deep dives
The Labor Behind Film Locations
The podcast delves into the concept of the 'labor of location' which emphasizes the often-overlooked efforts required to set up film and TV locations. This entails not just finding a site, but also preparing it to meet the specific aesthetic and logistical needs of the production. Location scouts play a critical role, balancing creative visions of directors with the practical realities of urban environments. Their work involves negotiating with property owners, handling permits, and ensuring that locations are transformed to fit the narrative, highlighting a significant yet invisible aspect of the film industry.
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