The film was primarily shot in Germany, as well as in the USA and Turkey. Hamburg was chosen as the main location due to its significance in the plot, as the city is a key place in the story related to terrorism and international intelligence operations. Director Anton Corbijn used various Hamburg locations to create the atmosphere of modern Europe. The film features places such as the Turkish ghetto where Isa Karpov finds refuge, and the famous red-brick district near the Hamburg harbor, which also serves as a backdrop for some scenes. Additionally, the Hamburg port frequently appears, symbolizing the city and playing an important role in the plot involving international financial transactions and smuggling.

Filming Locations:

Office

In the Movie

Scene where Bachmann ponders the case of Isa Karpov and Dr. Abdullah, planning a complex operation that could lead to the exposure of a terrorist network while simultaneously undermining his own reputation and relationships with colleagues.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Hamburg. The chosen building creates an atmosphere of secrecy and bureaucratic strictness characteristic of intelligence headquarters. In the film, Bachmann's team works in relatively modest conditions, emphasizing their independence from large bureaucratic structures and allowing them to act more flexibly. The building no longer exists.

Hotel

In the Movie

Scene where Brue leaves the hotel. Intelligence agents follow him, monitoring his actions and connections with Isa and Bachmann. This surveillance is part of a broader operation to track all parties involved in the case to prevent potential terrorist acts and uncover financial schemes linked to Abdullah.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, in Hamburg. The hotel was chosen for its luxurious atmosphere and strategic location in the city center. It could serve as a backdrop for meetings or negotiations of characters, especially given its reputation as a venue for business and social events.

Bar

In the Movie

Scene where Martha Sullivan and Günther Bachmann meet to discuss the case of Isa Karpov and Dr. Faisal Abdullah. Martha Sullivan tries to persuade Bachmann to disclose all information about his operation, as US intelligence wants to quickly resolve the potential terrorist threat. Bachmann, however, prefers to act on his own, using Isa as a pawn to catch a bigger fish—Dr. Abdullah.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Skyline Bar 20up in the Empire Riverside Hotel in Hamburg. This bar is located on the 20th floor of the hotel. The venue provides the necessary atmosphere of secrecy and formality for such a scene, fitting the film's plot.