Derrick Borte’s action thriller Bear Country, starring Russell Crowe, will make its world premiere at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy before opening in cinemas on August 26 through 01 Distribution for Minerva Pictures and Rai Cinema. The film, set in Los Angeles, follows an aging nightclub owner whose plans for a quiet retirement are disrupted after he is robbed by a masked gunman. The cast also includes Nina Dobrev, Aaron Paul and Daniel Zovatto.
The project drew attention last year when it was revealed that filming took place on Australia’s Gold Coast rather than in California. The decision renewed debate over the cost of shooting in the United States, especially at a time when Hollywood production has been under pressure and California officials have faced criticism over incentives and legislation intended to keep productions local.
At a press conference in Taormina, producers Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures and Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard defended the choice to shoot abroad. Fasano said filming in the U.S. has become too expensive and argued that many productions now leave the country for financial reasons. When asked whether he felt guilty about moving production out of Los Angeles during a difficult period for the local industry, Fasano said the problem lies in legislation that he считает too intrusive and said the industry will continue to shoot where it can get films made until conditions change.
Greenstein made a similar point, saying producers are working within an existing system rather than creating it. He said financial realities, union rules and tax credit structures need to become more favorable before more productions will return to the U.S. He added that the industry will continue filming wherever it makes creative and economic sense and will welcome any crew members who want to work.
Borte praised the Australian crews and services on the Gold Coast, saying the locations helped convincingly double for Los Angeles. He said much of the film is set in Koreatown, a neighborhood with a distinct visual identity, and noted that audiences familiar with L.A. would likely believe the movie was shot there. He also pointed to additional scenes filmed in areas resembling Manhattan Beach and other less frequently used Los Angeles locations. Borte said the production benefited from strong local crews, capable day players and favorable weather, aside from a hurricane.
The film also used Screen Queensland’s incentive package, which helped support production in Australia. Bear Country reunites Borte and Crowe after their 2020 collaboration on Unhinged. Borte said the project originated when Crowe and Fasano brought Thomas Perry’s 2010 novel Strip to his attention. Crowe recalled reading the book after Fasano sent it to him and then recommending Borte as the director. Borte said he and Crowe worked closely on the screenplay, refining drafts together before casting.
