Location Spotlight: Poland

Alexandre Trefi studied law before choosing another path on stage as an actor, director, producer for over a decade. He discovered the advertising world when he joined Gang Films in Paris and a few years later Gang Asia in Hong Kong. Since 2010 he is a senior executive producer at Bandits production in Paris. 

LBB> Alexandre, you’ve been working some time with Tango Production. What was your first project together?

Alexandre> I think this year was my sixth project with Tango. I feel blessed that I have developed a trustful, reassuring and friendly relationship with their producer. The first time I worked with Tango was on a Garnier shoot with a German director. It was shot on location in a big stately home where we also had to organise a small studio in the garage so we could shoot the product and pack shots whilst it was snowing outside. 

LBB> Given the current situation in Ukraine, how did you find security in Poland? Were you concerned or worried that the shoot would be affected? 

Alexandre> I was never worried in Poland neither was the client or the agency. Whilst there I noticed how everyone was concerned by the situation a few hundred km away but we always felt safe and were very well looked after.

LBB> What do you think makes Poland so unique? What are the benefits of shooting there?

Alexandre> First of all there is a long historic and close relationship between France and Poland. I feel we get along and understand each other very well. Probably more so than in any other eastern European countries. The quality of service is high end as well as the quality of crews. For some projects and for budgetary requirements, we had to hire local key members of the crew (DOP, 1st AD, set designer, stylist, casting), and directors. French agencies and clients have always been very satisfied even though they were initially a bit worried in the beginning. As you may know, French agencies are obsessed with good craft and thankfully Poland understands this need when it comes to design, architecture, wardrobe. I always found this incredibly reassuring as a producer.

Warsaw has developed more and more over the past few years and offers many cool bars, shops, accommodation with some very good restaurants as well.

LBB> Have there been many creative challenges you’ve experienced on a shoot together? 

Alexandre> I’ve had a few, like shooting with lots of babies or shooting with 10 young dogs in a house. That was interesting! Never work with animals or babies! I also recreated a Luna Park in a studio… but at the end of the day it was much fun!

LBB> What has been your favourite experience of working together in Poland? 

Alexandre> I don’t have any bad memories about my shoots in Poland. I certainly cannot pick one over the others. All in all it has been a smooth production every time and everybody was satisfied even the ones that were the most challenging.