Following our high-octane scouting in Monaco, the JMA Films team has made a culturally rich transition inland to Dijon, France. This historical capital of the Dukes of Burgundy offers a dramatic counterpoint to the French Riviera, presenting a blend of profound history, gastronomic excellence, and a surprisingly vibrant contemporary street art scene.
Our time in Dijon is dedicated to exploring how its medieval grandeur and modern artistic expressions can infuse our next projects with unique character and visual depth.
Historic Grandeur: The Legacy of Burgundy
Dijon’s history as the seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy during the late Middle Ages provides a wealth of authentic, period-rich locations:
- Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne: The formidable Ducal Palace, now home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, stands as a majestic centrepiece. Its imposing architecture, courtyards, and grand halls offer unparalleled backdrops for historical dramas, documentaries on European power, or evocative period pieces.
- Medieval Streets and Half-Timbered Houses: The well-preserved old town, with its charming half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets, offers an intimate, atmospheric setting. We are scouting these areas for scenes requiring a sense of historical immersion and quaint European charm.
- Dijon Cathedral: The Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon provides a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, offering dramatic scale and intricate detailing for scenes requiring spiritual reverence or grand historical context.
The Urban Canvas: Discovering RNST’s “Serigrafficheist” Art
Beyond its historic facade, Dijon reveals a vibrant modern pulse through its burgeoning street art. We are specifically scouting locations featuring the incredible work of French street artist RNST.
- RNST’s Unique Style: Known for his distinctive “serigrafficheist” approach, RNST masterfully combines screen printing, graffiti, posters, collages, and stencils. His bold, often politically charged, and visually complex pieces transform urban surfaces into compelling narratives.
- Cinematic Potential: Finding his art integrated into the historic urban fabric offers an extraordinary visual contrast. Imagine a historical character walking past a vibrant RNST mural, or a modern narrative using his art as a backdrop to comment on contemporary themes. These juxtapositions are powerful for visual storytelling.
- Documentary & Commercial Value: RNST’s art offers an authentic glimpse into contemporary French subculture and urban identity, perfect for documentaries exploring modern European art scenes or commercials seeking an edgy, sophisticated aesthetic.
The blend of Dijon’s rich medieval past and its unexpected, dynamic contemporary art scene provides an incredibly fertile ground for innovative storytelling. This duality will allow our projects to speak to both timeless history and modern expression.