“The glamour of 1930s London… recreated across England, Jersey and Hungary.”
Based on the novel Theatre by W. Somerset Maugham, Being Julia stars Annette Bening as celebrated stage actress Julia Lambert, alongside Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Juliet Stevenson and Shaun Evans.
Set in London’s thriving theatre world during the late 1930s, the film follows Julia as she embarks on a complicated love affair while plotting one of cinema’s most satisfying acts of revenge. Annette Bening’s outstanding performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Director: István Szabó
Production Designer: Luciana Arrighi
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics / Robert Lantos Productions
Starring: Annette Bening, Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Juliet Stevenson & Shaun Evans
Filming: Summer 2003
Locations: London, the Home Counties, Jersey & Budapest, Hungary
Location Brief: Elegant 1930s theatres, grand homes and European streets doubling for pre-war London
Working on Being Julia
Being Julia was one of those productions that demonstrated just how international filmmaking can be.
Although the story is set firmly in 1930s London, the production was spread across several countries. During filming I worked on locations in London, throughout the Home Counties, on the beautiful Island of Jersey, and they also filmed in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest proved to be an exceptional stand-in for period London, with its magnificent architecture and historic streets providing exactly the atmosphere the filmmakers were looking for. Combined with carefully chosen British locations, the production seamlessly recreated the elegance and sophistication of pre-war England.
Working alongside an international crew always brings its own challenges and rewards, and this production was no exception. Coordinating filming across different countries, cultures and locations is all part of what makes location management such a fascinating profession.
Working with an Oscar-Winning Director
It was also a privilege to work with Hungarian director István Szabó, whose film Mephisto won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming the first Hungarian film ever to receive the honour. His attention to detail and passion for authentic storytelling were evident throughout the production.
Looking Back
More than twenty years later, Being Julia remains one of those productions I remember fondly.
I still have great memories of working across London, Home Counties and Jersey with such a talented cast and crew.
Every production leaves its mark, and Being Julia was another reminder that great filmmaking often begins long before the cameras roll—with finding the perfect locations to bring the story to life.
Movie Trailer:
