How Jeff Daniels-Jared Harris Drama ’Reykjavik’ Used Authentic Locations to Tell the Story of a Cold War Summit in Iceland

As a seasoned movie-goer and film critic with over three decades of attending cinemas under my belt, I must say that the upcoming film “Reykjavik” has piqued my interest like a volcanic eruption in the heart of Iceland itself! The authenticity of shooting at the actual location where historical events unfolded is not only intriguing but also promises to add an undeniable layer of realism that will leave audiences spellbound.

In the upcoming movie “Reykjavik,” the actors, Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan and Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev, will physically sit in the very same chairs and inside the original building that hosted the real 1986 negotiations for a potential nuclear arms treaty.

Filmmaker Michael Russell Gunn, who was behind “Thai Cave Rescue,” expresses his fondness for the genuine atmosphere of shooting at the real Höfði House in Iceland. Producer John Logan Pierson concurs, stating that there’s a unique energy and essence captured when filming on location. Notably, Pete Souza, the official photographer from the 1986 summit and currently working on set photography for the movie, will be capturing this authenticity on camera.

As a passionate cinephile, I can attest that the authenticity we achieved was largely due to Iceland’s generous rebates and skilled crews. In our quest to produce this film at a competitive price, we occasionally opted for locations that were less production-friendly and lacked a robust infrastructure, as Pierson aptly pointed out.

As a film enthusiast myself, I’ve got to say, the people of Iceland have extended such a warm welcome to our production. Mark O’Connor, executive VP of film production at SK Global, and our partners at 2521 Entertainment, share this sentiment. We’ve been truly amazed by the vibrant film community here.

In the photograph you see, Michael Russell Gunn – the writer, director, and producer – positions a shot alongside cinematographer Magdalena Görka, as they both gaze at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland over his shoulder.

Elli Cassata, head of Pegasus Pictures in Iceland and currently collaborating with Gunn and Pierson locally, remarks that the film industry is “expanding and growing at a rapid pace.” He analogizes this growth to a snowball, suggesting it continues to increase both with outside and local projects.

“The main draw for producers around the world is always going to be the scenery but our reimbursement program is No. 2,” Cassata says, noting that the rebate has grown over the years from 10% to 25% and now films can get 35% back if they shoot for 30 days or 10 days of shooting with 20 days in post, while spending at least $2.8 million and creating 50 local jobs. He adds that Iceland gets the money back in pocket quicker than many other European countries.

Gunn remarks that the rebate is so attractive, it might have been worth filming there, despite the fact that the structure itself is small, outdated, and poses unique filming difficulties.

He has also been impressed by the crews. “They have a much deeper base then I expected for a country of 300,000 people,” Gunn says, adding that much of the crew worked on Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” and “Interstellar” or on local series.

According to Pierson, during the filming of exterior scenes under 45-mile-per-hour winds, “the crews possess the necessary equipment and attire, and they’re simply accustomed to such conditions.

Elli and his team, along with all department leaders, have instilled reassurance and trust in us,” Pierson goes on, adding they also interacted with officials from both the local and national administration, who have been instrumental in supplying essential assistance. (The production team arranged for a streetlight not fitting the era to be temporarily taken down from the road near Höfði House.)

Cassata says the industry perhaps grew too quickly so that crews did get short-handed occasionally, but that available crews and equipment rental companies are constantly expanding. If anything, he says, the biggest challenge is finding housing in summer for major productions, given the number of shoots and tourists flocking there. “But you can’t fake this scenery anywhere else,” Cassata says.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the stellar cast for this upcoming flick comprises Hope Davis portraying Nancy Reagan, Branka Katic bringing Raisa Gorbachev to life, J.K. Simmons gracing our screens, and the talented Aya Cash joining them too!

The other major challenge, Gunn says, is that this island country is quite expensive.

In the movie, a character mentions, “the best preparation leads to success,” and this sentiment rings true in filmmaking, but it’s even more crucial when you’re shooting on an island. As an independent filmmaker, you can’t buy your way out of difficulties, so you must always be looking ahead. Filming in Iceland hasn’t been a hurdle for us.

If an unforeseen issue crops up, Gunn notes, they manage to adapt and find solutions. He explains, “Whenever friends or relatives drop by, they often bring items we might require.” For instance, the makeup designer’s partner brought the specific contact lenses required for Branka Katic as Raisa Gorbachev from London. It’s that independent spirit that aids in making this production successful.

2024-11-05 21:47

How Jeff Daniels-Jared Harris Drama ’Reykjavik’ Used Authentic Locations to Tell the Story of a Cold War Summit in Iceland

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