5 locations Berlin has doubled as in films
Berlin has become a popular destination for filmmakers - even for movies that aren't set in Germany. Here are a handful of other locations that Berlin has been dressed up as on camera.
Berlin as London
This is the real Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin. The "Konzerthaus Berlin" concert venue is located between the so-called German and French cathedrals. The popular filming location had to be completely revamped in 2004, when it doubled as London.
Berlin as London
Thirty cubic meters of Styrofoam, nine tons of plaster and lots of plywood were necessary to turn Berlin into London for "Around the World in 80 Days." The French Cathedral became the Bank of England and the concert hall was the Royal Academy of Science. Big Ben was squeezed into the picture thanks to computer editing. In the end, Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt was certainly not recognizable.
Berlin as Moscow
The Leipziger Strasse in Berlin has a great deal of Soviet charm. The street features four lanes, offering not only the perfect backdrop for Moscow, but also plenty of space. The concrete blocks add to the Russian feeling.
Berlin as Moscow
In 2004, several scenes of "The Bourne Supremacy" were filmed here, including one featuring a wild chase through what was supposed to be the Russian capital. Berlin locals, however, can always recognize their city anyway - despite the Russian police cars with Cyrillic writing scattered around the picture to add authenticity. The film starred Matt Damon and Franka Potente.
Berlin as France
Generations of Berliners have enjoyed visiting Clärchens Ballroom - a former ballroom turned nightclub. The century-old dance hub has survived two world wars and has seen quite a few film crews come and go. In 2008, it was transformed into a French restaurant.
Berlin as France
Clärchens Ballroom made an appearance in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds." In one interrogation scene, Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz are seen sitting in a French inn. If you look closely, you'll recognize the ground floor of Berlin's legendary ballroom. Other scenes in the film were also shot in Berlin.
Berlin as Luxembourg
With its glass façade, Berlin's Sony Center makes for the perfect film backdrop. In 2009, the building complex on Potsdamer Platz was turned into a dishonest Luxembourg bank.
Berlin as Luxembourg
It was director Tom Tykwer, who lives in Berlin, who filmed parts of "The International" at the Sony Center. In the movie, an Interpol agent, played by Clive Owen, investigates the Luxembourg bank for money laundering, terrorism and weapons trade.
Berlin as Panem
The monumental former Tempelhof airport, pictured here in 1997, used to be the largest building complex in the world. Now it's one of the most beloved film locations in Berlin. In 2013, it was transformed into the totalitarian and fictional country of Panem.
Berlin as Panem
In the film "The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 1," Berlin's Tempelhof airport fits perfectly into the oppressive fantasy world of Panem. The airport was disguised as the rebel camp District 1, which is badly damaged in the film.