US TV Series 12 Monkeys films Three Episodes in Macedonia

Parts of three episodes of the American television series “12 Monkeys” were shot in Macedonia. The science-fiction series is based on the 1995 film of the same name, directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.

Following the episode titled “The Keys” – the first one of the three episodes shot in Macedonia, which was premiered on Feb. 27 – the episode “Yesterday” is set to be aired on Friday with the third episode “Tomorrow” scheduled to be shown on March 13.

The episodes were shot on four locations: the monastery of Treskavec, the town of Kratovo, Vodno Mountain and the Old Bazaar in Bitola.

The television series is produced by Universal Cable Productions in cooperation with Atlas Entertainment, the original production company behind the film version. Milivoje Gjorgevic of the Macedonian company FX3X is an executive producer of the Macedonian crew working on “12 Monkeys”.

“12 Monkeys” tells a provocative story about time traveller James Cole, who comes from the year 2043 to the present day to stop the release of a deadly virus by the enigmatic organization known as "Army of the Twelve Monkeys". That virus, in Cole's original timeline, caused the death of 93.6% of the world population.

One of the show’s directors, David Grossman said the three episodes shot in Macedonia took place in Chechnya.

After thorough location scouting, the production team had chosen Macedonia as the perfect location. Macedonia offered space, production value and locations that strengthened the story,” Grossman stated.

He said he was pleased with the cooperation established with the Macedonian FX3X crew, calling them “top, fully committed professionals.”

The experience was fun and exciting. The cameramen were fierce; the audio-department was perfect. The make-up, costume and set departments did a great job in coordination with our main production in Toronto… Misko Gjorgevic of FX3X despite being a perfect host, he and his production team also took extra care of every aspect of the production process, from customs procedures to buying a warm coat… Would I come back? Would I recommend others to film here? Yes and yes,” said Grossman.

FX3X are already an established company, recognized on the international market of visual effects. In the past several years, the company has established contacts with many film producers making a name for themselves as hardworking professionals.

The clients are sure that their projects are in safe hands once it is entrusted to us, the Macedonian executive producer Gjorgevic said adding that FX3X at the moment was cooperating with the top five film studios in the world. “It speaks volumes about the fact that FX3X as company is constantly improving and expanding by hiring new staff.”

For the needs of the show, FX3X realized the entire production process in Macedonia, including logistics, organization, assembling a crew and actors.

“This project for us is a starting point to develop a whole new array of services, which will be offered on the global market. Opportunities are already being reviewed for other projects to be realized in Macedonia,” he stated.

After being premiered in the United States on Jan. 16 on Syfy channel, “12 Monkey” registered record-breaking ratings with 2.3 million viewers tuning in to see the first episode.