New Books in Critical Theory 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 filming in European cities. She highlights the challenges of transforming spaces, like factories into war zones, to meet the demands of the streaming industry. The conversation uncovers the often-invisible work of location scouts and its socio-economic implications, as well as ethical concerns surrounding representation. Celik Rappas advocates for sustainable practices in media production and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to marginalized communities.
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Invisible Labor of Location
- Location labor is hidden but crucial in making screen locations look effortless.
- Locations are crafted and negotiated, not just found, involving creative and physical work.
Location Scouts: Complex Roles
- Location scouts find, manage, and transform places while balancing director's creative demands and logistics.
- Scouts often work unpaid in pre-production and face tough conditions, including personal safety risks.
Cities Rebrand via Filming
- Post-conflict and post-industrial cities rebrand through screen production to attract investment.
- Run-down sites and low-income neighborhoods become valuable due to aesthetics and affordability for filming.