French production company Indeprod and Lisbon-based Luckymatrix have struck a groundbreaking co-production deal to film two feature films simultaneously in Portugal. The projects, each with a budget of €1 million ($1.1 million), are slated for a 20-day shoot during the third quarter of 2024.
Both films, “Mr. Morgan,” a slasher horror flick, and “Behind,” a paranormal thriller, are driven by auteur vision and will be in the French language.
In a strategic move, the co-producers aim to secure funding from the CNC and French broadcasters, while also intending to present both projects to Portugal’s cash rebate scheme, which offers a potential rebate of up to 30%, upon the scheme’s opening this spring. They anticipate that filming two movies simultaneously will result in significant cost savings, potentially reducing the per-picture cost by 30%. The creative team, crew, and equipment will be stationed in a single location while filming in two nearby locales—a lighthouse and a period building. Location scouting is currently underway along the picturesque coast of Portugal.
Phil Ox, producer at Luckymatrix, highlighted the unique attributes of each film, with “Mr. Morgan” showcasing Alexandre Laugier’s distinctive screenplay, promising a riveting and blood-curdling experience, while “Behind,” crafted by David Aboucaya, offers a spine-chilling narrative set in the realm of paranormal reality.
Emmanuel Saez, producer at Indeprod, explained that “Behind” draws inspiration from American reality shows centered on psychological ghost hunting, suggesting a captivating convergence of reality and fiction.
Saez, also serving as president of the French association of Independent Cinema and founder of France’s SMR13 International Independent Film Festival, emphasized the importance of innovative concepts over genre classifications. Ox echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for genre films to transcend clichés and cater to audience expectations while offering fresh perspectives.
Indeprod and Luckymatrix are not only focused on the current twin shoot in Portugal but are also gearing up for the production of Saez’s forthcoming action thriller, “White City,” with plans to incorporate cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices. This innovative approach aligns with their commitment to fostering sustainable and efficient film production.
Both production companies boast a rich portfolio of projects, with Indeprod having previously produced “Roads of Fear” and currently co-producing the period cop drama series “Décade,” while Luckymatrix, led by Phil Ox, is engaged in diverse ventures, including a biopic on journalist Peter Millar and the development of independent music and video streaming platforms in collaboration with Alphanso technology.
