Ritesh Sharma
Directed by Geremy Jasper, ‘O’Dessa’ is a post-apocalyptic musical drama about a farm girl who sets out on a journey to retrieve a lost family heirloom. Her path takes her far from home into a strange and dangerous city, where she meets someone who changes her life. To save him, however, she must trust in the power of music and face the forces that stand in her way. Every place in ‘O’Dessa’ shapes the story, from open lands that feel endless to a city bursting with life and danger. The world around O’Dessa pushes her forward, challenges her, and transforms her. With music at its heart, the film blends adventure, romance, and fate into a hypnotic journey. In a world that seems broken, ‘O’Dessa’ reminds us that a song can still change everything.
O’Dessa Filming Locations
‘O’Dessa’ was predominantly filmed in Zagreb, Croatia, with Buffalo, New York, serving as another key location. The cast and crew had to navigate two vastly different settings, making the filming process both challenging and rewarding. Despite the logistical hurdles, principal photography began in May 2023, and through meticulous planning and relentless dedication, the team completed the shoot in just two months, wrapping up on July 10, 2023. The contrasting landscapes added depth to the film’s world, making every frame visually striking while pushing the cast and crew to adapt to ever-changing environments.
Zagreb, Croatia
The filming of ‘O’Dessa’ in Croatia played a crucial role in shaping the film’s aesthetic. Zagreb, the country’s capital, provided a mix of historical and contemporary locations, allowing for a visually dynamic setting. The production team utilized various parts of the city, from its old streets to industrial spaces, crafting an atmosphere that felt both grounded and otherworldly. Some sequences were also shot in Rijeka and Krapina, expanding the film’s backdrop beyond the capital.
The Croatian production company, Embassy Films Croatia, played a vital role in ensuring a smooth and efficient shoot. Known for handling major international productions, the company provided essential logistical support, from securing filming permits to coordinating with local crews and authorities. Their experience in managing large-scale projects helped them navigate the complexities of shooting across multiple locations. Embassy Films Croatia has previously worked on high-profile projects, making them well-equipped to handle the unique demands of ‘O’Dessa,’ including its mix of practical effects and location-based storytelling.
Weather conditions and logistical challenges added to the complexity of the shoot, but the team managed to adapt without compromising the film’s vision. The diverse architecture and raw textures of Zagreb gave ‘O’Dessa’ a distinct visual identity, making it an essential piece of the film’s world. Locations shot in Zagreb include the city’s historic center and various industrial sites, though specific filming spots remain undisclosed. The combination of Croatia’s unique landscapes and the film’s rich musical elements resulted in a setting that felt immersive and integral to the narrative. Other notable projects filmed in Croatia include ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,’ ‘Robin Hood,’ and ‘Succession.’
Buffalo, New York
In addition to Croatia, ‘O’Dessa’ was also filmed in Buffalo, New York, a location chosen for its strikingly different architectural style and atmosphere. The production team utilized Buffalo’s urban landscape to create a contrast with the Croatian segments, capturing a mix of grit and nostalgia essential to the film’s tone. Buffalo’s historic buildings, many of which retain their early 20th-century aesthetic, provide a visually rich backdrop for key scenes. The crew filmed in several locations across the city, making use of both its industrial areas and quieter, more isolated spots to enhance the film’s contrasting settings.
The decision to shoot in Buffalo was driven by its ability to offer a sense of timelessness, an essential element for a film that blends dystopian themes with musical storytelling. Despite the challenges posed by shifting between two international locations, the production team worked efficiently to maintain continuity between the two filming environments. The cast had to adjust to Buffalo’s climate and urban sprawl, which presented different obstacles compared to the Croatian shoot.
However, the city’s layout and architecture provided a compelling visual language that complemented the film’s narrative. The filming process in Buffalo emphasized location-based storytelling, using real streets and buildings to bring the world of ‘O’Dessa’ to life. The production made use of local crews and resources, ensuring an authentic representation of the city’s landscape. Locations shot in Buffalo include its downtown areas and select industrial zones, which played a significant role in shaping the look and feel of the film. The city’s raw, unfiltered energy adds depth to the film’s themes, making it an essential part of ‘O’Dessa’s’ cinematic footprint. There have been several projects filmed in Buffalo, including ‘A Quiet Place Part II,’ ‘The First Purge,’ ‘Marshall,’ and ‘Nightmare Alley.’
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