Initially launched two years ago between the United States and the United Kingdom, the filming of “Heads of State” (streaming on Prime Video and starring Idris Elba and John Cena) faced multiple setbacks. Just as the crew was preparing to film in Italy – standing in for Spain – the twin Hollywood strikes by screenwriters and actors abruptly halted production.
Thanks to the decisive intervention of Peninsula Film, a French Production Services Company, the project was able to resume. Its founder, John Bernard, convinced the producers to relocate the shoot to the South of France. It was made possible by the Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP), which can cover up to 40% of eligible expenses, as well as the support of the Alpes-Maritimes Côte d’Azur Film Commission and its in-depth knowledge of the region’s diverse natural landscapes. The area ultimately hosted scenes meant to represent no fewer than eight different countries. Camille Ferret, Film Commissionner at the Film Commission, outlines the various locations featured in this ambitious production.
Sospel Becomes Buñol, Home of the Tomatina Festival
“The charming village of Sospel, nestled in the hinterland of Nice, was chosen to stand in for Buñol (Spain), famed for its annual tomato-throwing festival, La Tomatina. Saint-Michel Square, an architectural pearl of the County of Nice with its colorful façades, cobblestone ground, and baroque church, served as the main setting. To recreate the festive atmosphere of the opening scene, the production reimagined the space with temporary façades, plant-covered balconies, and colorful pennants. For the iconic Tomatina sequence, 40 tons of fake tomato sauce were used – following extensive testing to ensure both participant safety and preservation of the protected site.”
Nice: From Poland to Italy
“For a train chase sequence set in Warsaw, the production chose the small Lingostière train station, located west of Nice. This location offered both practical and aesthetic advantages: served solely by the ‘Train des Pignes’ line operated by the Chemins de fer de Provence, the station provided a nighttime window with no rail traffic (from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.), thereby offering great flexibility for filming. But it is also the site's raw, industrial architecture – particularly the train maintenance sheds – that appealed to the artistic teams. These structures echo the desolate urban zones of Eastern Europe, fitting the narrative perfectly and serving as an ideal setting for the film’s elaborate stunt work. Meanwhile, Nice’s port was transformed into the industrial port of Trieste (Italy), with production teams concealing recognizable landmarks beneath layers of props – crates, forklifts, and trailers. Finally, the nearby creative space Le 109 was also used for its industrial and minimalist architecture, further enhancing the illusion of a Central European setting.”
Grasse: the Setting for Gradov’s Villa
“Château Diter in Grasse was chosen to represent the luxurious estate of antagonist Gradov (played by Paddy Considine). Its grand architecture and private-estate feel perfectly matched the image of a wealthy character. Cinematic yet authentic, the property required minimal modification for filming.”
Théoule-sur-Mer: a Riviera-Style Croatia
“To depict a boat departure from Croatia, the production chose Théoule-sur-Mer. With its crystal-clear waters, charming pier, and colorful seaside cottages, the location offered a convincing Adriatic aesthetic, while providing ideal natural lighting for filming.”
Villeneuve-Loubet: a Recreated American Estate
“Vaugrenier Park, in Villeneuve-Loubet, served as the setting for a moment of remembrance within an American family estate. Its tall trees and rolling hills helped recreate an intimate and solemn setting evocative of the United States.”
Belarus, England, Serbia: the Victorine Studios, Chameleons of Cinema
“Finally, the Victorine Studios in Nice hosted several key sequences: stunts in Belarus, scenes aboard Air Force One, a British pub, and a Serbian bar. With their versatile infrastructure – including backlots, sound stages, and restaurants – they made it possible to recreate a wide variety of settings, further strengthening the French Riviera’s standing as a prime destination for international filmmaking.”
Heads of state
Written by: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Harrison Query
Production Services Company: Peninsula Film
Available since July 2 on Prime Video
The film benefited from the Tax Rebate for International Productions (TRIP)
