CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
In an unprecedented move in Hungarian filmmaking, the filming of the Iraqi scenes for the new six-part military series “S.E.R.E.G.” was recently completed in an extraordinary location. A fully detailed, ground-up built urban set, designed to authentically replicate an Iraqi streetscape, was constructed for the series by Megafilm Service.
This remarkable set now remains at the Hungarian Defense Forces’ Újdörögd-Romváros tactical training area, available for further military or film projects.
The construction of the outdoor set began on November 2, 2023, and was completed by March 20, 2024. Despite the challenges posed by November’s weather conditions, which necessitated a brief pause in work, the dedication of the set construction team ensured timely completion. Over the 21 weeks of construction, the project saw the collaboration of film set constructors, military personnel, and local businesses. Altogether, about fifty builders, craftsmen, designers, decorators, and set dressers contributed to the set’s construction, which spans approximately 6,000 square meters and comprises four distinct sections.
Gábor Valcz, the production’s visual designer and a former conscript with training experience in the area, was immediately struck by the location’s suitability for depicting Iraq. The diverse soil colors, ranging from yellow to red, closely resemble those found in Iraq, making the Bakony region an ideal stand-in. The set’s authenticity was further enhanced by an Arabist expert who translated graffiti found on the set’s walls and assisted in accurately reproducing Arabic script for the designers.
One of the most impressive features of the street set is its 360-degree usability, allowing for filming from any direction without the need for digital post-production. This capability offers filmmakers unprecedented flexibility in shooting scenes, a rarity in the Hungarian film industry where sets are usually constructed within studios or specifically designed film locations. Building an authentic street or cityscape for a story, especially one set in a country far from Hungary, presented a unique challenge that the team successfully overcame.
The design of the streetscape also took into consideration the narrative’s requirement for an urban combat setting. This meant designing the set with limited open windows and ensuring there were sufficient cover points for the soldiers, adding a layer of practical realism to the cinematic depiction of street warfare.
This innovative project not only showcases the capabilities of Hungarian filmmaking and set design but also marks a significant contribution to the portrayal of military narratives on screen, blending authenticity with creative storytelling.
