Written by Murray Ashton on Apr 13, 2011. Posted in Interviews

TLG talks to French Polynesia Location Manager Marie Eve Tefaatau

Marie Eve Tefaatau was born in France and relocated to French Polynesia, where she’s been now for 22 years. She started out in the tourism industry before moving on to TV shows and sports and becoming a Location Manager in the islands.

She is now an intermediary between several authorities concerned with financing audiovisual projects and film professionals, both locally and globally. She manages a private group of audiovisual experts at Pacific Production.

What do you like most about being a Location Manager?

Showing the extraordinary variety of landscapes and natural settings offered by our 118 islands put on the most beautiful aquatic park in the world and having a Production Manager telling me it’s the place they want!

What type of production do you prefer working on and why?

Fiction, action and TV shows. Underwater documentaries or underwater movies.

The last film I worked on with Mathieu Kassovitz called L’Ordre et la Morale was a big challenge. I took care of 300 people in the middle of nowhere without water, food and nowhere to stay... and we did it!

Where is your favourite location?

My country for underwater sequences. I also like Los Angeles and Paris.

What directors have you most enjoyed working with and why?

Luc Besson, Mathieu Kassovitz and Christian Petron because each one gave me a challenge!

What has been your most challenging location assignment to date?

The last film I worked on with Mathieu Kassovitz called L’Ordre et la Morale was a big challenge. I took care of 300 people in the middle of nowhere without water, food and nowhere to stay... and we did it!

What is the most film-friendly location you have shot at that actively wants to encourage productions their way?

French Polynesia. The Polynesian population is welcoming and warm while remaining respectful of the peace of mind of films sets and also because French Polynesia is a dream location for every director or photographer.

What are you working on now?

A big project for French TV, alongside regular TV shows.

We have 118 islands and around 250 family hotels are to be found throughout the five island groups of Tahiti. We also have international hotels who offer more than a simple stay.

What tips would you give to anyone considering filming for the first time in French Polynesia?

To hire a professional Location Manager from our islands and before they come take some time to calculate all costs.

What would you consider to be the most film friendly hotels in the islands that you use for cast and crews?

We have 118 islands and around 250 family hotels are to be found throughout the five island groups of Tahiti. We also have international hotels who offer more than a simple stay. For a small team the family hotels are the best! For a big team, I love the Pearl Beach group and the Relais Chateaux.

If you hadn’t become a Location Manager what would you have done instead?

An action movie actor maybe.

What do you do when you are not working?

Working on a new project - I’m always switched on creatively.