Interview with mr. Theo Papadoulakis

Interview with the multi-award-winning Greek director, Mr. Theo Papadoulakis:

“Locations for all types of films can be found in Attica!”

1. Mr. Papadoulakis, you directed the most successful dramatic television series ever filmed in Greece, “The Island,” based on the novel by Victoria Hislop. This work has been broadcast in over 10 countries internationally. How do you feel about this success and the fact that you managed to showcase Greece to the world through your work?
I am very pleased that the projects I work on have international appeal. It is important through our work to promote our country abroad. The experience gained from the TV series “The Island,” particularly in the fictional aspect, has been applied to a significant portion of the advertising work I do for our country, as well as for individual regions and municipalities. This approach is moving and connects with people, making them smile and identify with the characters and not just the landscape.

2. The new promotional videos of the Attica Region, titled “Intergenerational” and “Glaros” (The Seagull) bear your directorial stamp. Tell us about this experience, the filming, the locations you chose, and the messages viewers receive from watching these tourism videos.
What will remain unforgettable for me is the journey by boat we took to the islands of Attica. The fundamental requirement was for us to experience all these locations as visitors, and indeed, that’s what happened. We hopped from one island to another, essentially doing island hopping, and within a few days, we visited all the islands of Attica. We not only explored their neighbourhoods and alleys but also entered the homes of people who warmly welcomed us. The tourism promotional videos of Attica were not created as a simple advertisement but as an experience and a better acquaintance with a very important geographical part of our country. Attica includes not only the capital but also locations and images very representative of our country. The diversity and beauty of Attica are multifaceted, and we had to visit the entire range to have a complete picture of the place. The messages viewers receive from the videos are that when they visit Attica, they will surely want to come back!

3. What do you believe are the competitive advantages of Attica in attracting visitors of all ages and travel preferences, throughout the year?
The competitive advantages of Attica include the climate, the simplicity of daily life, the open-heartiness of the people, and, of course, the beautiful and unique locations throughout Attica, with a unique identity that combines the traditional with the modern. Attica and the whole of Greece have a distinctly European atmosphere, which has an impact on all age groups.

4. In recent times, an increasing number of international film productions have chosen Attica for filming. Why do you think this is, and what are the benefits for our region in attracting foreign producers?
I believe that compared to previous decades, we have now taken filmmaking seriously in Greece and have actively engaged, similar to our neighbouring countries. Finally, with the creation of EKOME (National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication), doors have opened to collaborations and productions taking place throughout the country and in various locations in Attica. Moreover, our country is one of the most ideal locations in terms of weather and diverse landscapes. Attica, specifically, offers a wide variety of locations within a small geographical area! Another factor that attracts foreign productions is the temperament and professionalism of the people living here and involved in the film industry. This is not only my opinion but also that of friends from abroad who have been impressed by the consistency and professionalism of the crews available in our country.

5. One might say that your work is “human-centred,” as evident in the tourism promotion videos of the Attica Region that you created. Besides the landscapes of Attica, the people also play a significant role. Tell us a few words about this.
Indeed, it is human-centred. What people remember from tourism campaigns, beyond the beautiful landscapes, are the characters we choose. The characters are not only related to the personalities of the locals but also to the personalities of the visitors/tourists, who have some “weaknesses” and points of identification for the viewer watching. I always try to include a sense of humour or upliftment in my work. It’s something that people appreciate because what they see is not just a sequence of shots but small stories of people that, in a way, can resemble our daily lives.

6. Which neighbourhoods or attractions of Attica would you choose for filming a movie, and why?
The list is vast. Of course, it depends on what type of filming I would like to do. In Attica, there are locations for all genres of films! From adventures to mystery films, even a summer romantic drama.

7. Attica, with its inland areas, coastline, and beautiful islands, constitutes a colourful mosaic of destinations and experiences that one cannot discover in just one day. What would your program include if you had 7 days… a vacation in Attica? 
You truly experience a place when you are not just passing through for a day. Ideally, I would like to visit several places in Attica, so 7 days are not enough. Going for the needs of filming on all the islands and areas in the inland of Attica, I experienced them very intensely. But for sure, what I would recommend to a visitor to truly taste Attica is to come at least 5 times, for 7 days per visit. Only then will they discover all this cultural wealth. To get to know the locals and savour these locations. Certainly, only 7 days are not nearly enough! There are so many impressive places that I don’t know where to begin. If I had to suggest three places, they would be the impressive Acropolis Museum and the islands of Hydra and Aegina, which truly enchanted me!