‘Damsel’ in Portugal: Netflix and PAGE Collaborate on New Thriller

Production Service provider PAGE International Services worked with Netflix and Roth/Kirschenbaum Films to bring dark fantasy ‘Damsel’ to the screen. Released on the 8th of March 2024, and directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, ‘Damsel’ stars the likes of Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright and Angela Bassett. 

Principal photography for the film began in early 2022, with the majority of shooting taking place at the Troubadour Meridian Water Studios in London, where all the cave sequences were meticulously filmed. To add an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the film’s unique twist on the classic fantasy tale, PAGE was on hand to source the country’s most picturesque locations for filming. 

The live locations were shot in some of Portugal’s most impressive monuments, including Convento do Cristo in Tomar and Batalha Monastery, and its most scenic landscapes from Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela Mountains to the historical village of Sortelha. To harness these incredible locations required six months of planning and preparation, including securing Ministry permissions from the highest level to be able to close the historical monuments, which included two of the most visited sites in Portugal for filming to take place. 

With a crew of over 300 people and shooting taking place in three different Portuguese regions over 17 days, this was PAGE’s biggest project to date. Logistically, the team had to grapple with the challenge of moving and accommodating such a large team, especially given the remoteness of some locations. There were over 20 trucks and 24 trailers within the unit, including period costumes for cast and horses and carriages which travelled from Spain to Portugal that had to be installed in each location. In addition, local street casting was required in all the filming locations to find supporting artists and background extras for the film's big scenes. 

Nick Roycroft, local production manager, PAGE International Services said, "There are too many people to thank on this job, and we couldn't have done it without the great teamwork and dedication of all our wonderful crew”.