Case Study: Jet Trash, The "Guerilla" Aesthetic with a Safety Net.

Sofia Boutella filming on location in a Goa beach shack for the feature film Jet Trash, managed by Goa Film Services.

The Challenge: Paradise is a Logistical Minefield

In the script, Jet Trash is a fever dream: two London runaways hiding out in a neon-soaked, hedonistic Goa. On paper, it reads like a line producer’s nightmare. The creative brief called for a visceral, "fly-on-the-wall" energy—shooting in active nightclubs, crowded beach shacks, and remote jungle villas.

The production realities were stark:

  • The Content Risk: The script involved sensitive subject matter—violence, and the "seedy" underbelly of paradise. This required delicate diplomatic navigation.
  • The Talent Risk: The cast included rising international stars Robert Sheehan (Misfits, Umbrella Academy) and Sofia Boutella (Kingsman, Star Trek). Managing A-list talent in 40-degree heat and 90% humidity requires more than just a dedicated runner; it requires air-conditioned infrastructure in locations where the power grid is a suggestion, not a guarantee.
  • The "Holy Cow" Incident: The narrative required a sequence involving the accidental death of a cow—a sacred animal in India. Mishandling this scene could have triggered local unrest.
  • The Aesthetic: Director Charles Henri Belleville wanted a kinetic, saturated look. He didn't want a massive a Bollywood unit drawing attention; he wanted a phantom crew that could move fast, shoot wide, and capture the raw texture of Goa without sanitizing it.

The Solution: The "Invisible" Infrastructure

We didn't just service Jet Trash; we Co-Produced it. This distinction is critical. It meant we weren't just executing orders; we were protecting the investment. Our strategy relied on "managed chaos"—creating a secure bubble around the unit so they could interact with the real Goa without being consumed by it.

  1. Agile Unit Configuration (The Anti-Bollywood Approach)

Standard Indian production units are heavy—generators, vanity vans, and a "lightboy" for every fixture. This footprint kills indie momentum. We stripped the logistics down. instead of relying on cumbersome trailers that clog the narrow lanes of South Goa, we utilized local "spot" bases—renting nearby guest houses, cottages, or restaurants as green rooms. This allowed the camera team to stay mobile while keeping the talent cool and secure.

  1. Cultural & Regulatory Navigation

The Cow Protocol: To film the "sacred cow" sequence, we managed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) clearances with surgical precision. We utilized dummy assets and rigorous community engagement to ensure the local populace understood the fictional nature of the scene, preventing any real-world fallout from the on-screen action.

The Nightlife Protocol: Shooting in active nightclubs in Goa requires navigating a complex web of local stakeholders, from owners to local "authorities". Leveraging our deep local roots, we secured exclusive access to locations during off-peak hours and managed "controlled extras" to simulate the party atmosphere, minimizing liability risks associated with the general public.

  1. Technical Hybridization

We sourced a camera and lighting package that balanced the Director’s need for speed with the DP’s need for cinematic latitude. We blended key UK Heads of Department (HODs) with our top-tier local technicians, ensuring that the "British humor" and "Indian hustle" spoke the same language on set. This hybrid crew structure reduced travel costs while maintaining Western technical standards.

The Outcome

Jet Trash premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to critical acclaim. It was praised not just for its performances, but for its "intoxicating visuals" (Total Film) and its ability to make India look "seductive" rather than just chaotic.

The film proved that a UK indie budget could deliver Hollywood-grade production value if spent wisely in India. We delivered the shoot on schedule, on budget, and without a single legal or safety incident—despite the high-risk environment.

The film is now streaming globally, standing as a testament to the fact that you don't need a blockbuster budget to make India look like a billion dollars.

What The Client Said

"You are my go-to guys in India forever!"

Andy Brunskill, Producer | SUMS Film & Media

 

The Official Jet Trash Trailer...

 

Behind The Scenes...

 

Services Provided