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From Reza Servia, Producer of PT Kharisma Starvision Plus

Filming in Korea has been a longstanding ambition for our team, fueled by experiences like the 2013 Seoul Location FAM Tour, the 2014 KAFA Global Workshop, and numerous other events in Korea that I was honored to attend. These opportunities not only provided a unique glimpse into the Korean film industry but also served as inspiration for our Indonesian company, Starvision, to collaborate with Korea on several projects. We began with a remake of the popular Korean film Miss Granny, followed by a number of co-productions, and now, with Laut Tengah (Mediterranean Sea), we were finally able to film a project directly in Korea.

Based on an Indonesian best-seller, Laut Tengah is set primarily in Seoul, highlighting iconic landmarks like the N Seoul Tower and the Han River. It was essential to us to represent these locations authentically, both to respect the novel’s spirit and to introduce these well-loved sites to our audience. Drawing on previous connections with the Seoul Film Commission, we secured an outstanding production partner, Kim Hyo-jeong of Film Line. Her support was invaluable in making the most of our budget and limited shooting schedule in Korea. Film Line provided the majority of our crew, enabling us to work efficiently while bringing only a few essential talents from Indonesia.

This collaboration also qualified us for Production Cost Support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Film Commission, which was crucial in achieving our vision. Overall, Laut Tengah marks a meaningful chapter in our journey as filmmakers, and I’m grateful to see this long-held dream of shooting in Korea finally come to life.

From Archie Hekagery, Director of Laut Tengah

Working on the adaptation of Laut Tengah in South Korea was an unforgettable journey. The project brought Berliana Kimberly’s story to life in the same iconic locations we see in Korean dramas, which felt surreal. Supported by Mrs. Kim’s team, we coordinated closely with local Korean crew members, who planned our shooting schedule meticulously to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their expertise in location management helped us maximize efficiency, which was crucial given the challenges of filming in a new environment.

One of the toughest aspects was managing the language barrier, as most of the Korean crew did not speak English. We relied on translators and apps like Naver Papago to communicate on set. One memorable moment was when a Korean crew member used Papago to cheer me up during a stressful scene, saying “Don’t be sad, Archie, stay cheerful.” It was a small gesture, but it boosted my spirits during those intense moments.

This experience also highlighted some key differences between working with Korean and Indonesian teams. The Korean crew’s discipline and punctuality were remarkable; their serious approach to work motivated me to stay organized and on time. Reflecting on this journey, I feel better prepared for future international projects and plan to enhance pre-production planning for an even smoother experience abroad. The project was not only about making a film but also about adapting, learning, and connecting across cultures.

From Yaya Said, Line Producer of Laut Tengah

Filming Laut Tengah in Seoul was an incredible experience for me. Based on the novel, we carefully chose locations that aligned with the story’s flow and setting. We were fortunate to receive full support from the Seoul Film Commission, which streamlined the permit process and provided accommodations for the director’s location scouting. This allowed us to make detailed preparations before shooting. Working with Film Line, a local production service, helped us adapt to Korea’s fast-paced and punctual work culture, though language differences were a frequent challenge. We relied on translation apps like Papago, which became an essential tool for daily communication.

One of the most memorable scenes was at Seoul Central Mosque, where we relied on local congregants as extras, coordinating around prayer times and limited permissions from nearby vendors. Logistics were particularly challenging as we moved large equipment between locations on buses, with restricted parking areas forcing us to walk to filming points while carrying all our gear.

This experience taught me so much about international collaboration, including the importance of understanding each party’s creative needs. Exchanging souvenirs with the local crew became a cherished memory and made Seoul feel like home. Filming abroad has not only expanded my perspective but introduced me to inspiring people. I look forward to future international projects, hoping to deepen my professional journey with even more diverse experiences.

Link: https://english.seoulfc.or.kr/naa/na/index.asp?no=4&mode=view&IDX=946&p=1