Curious about where the globe-trotting heist in Kevin Hart's film Lift was filmed? Read on to discover the filming locations for this exciting Netflix movie. According to the official synopsis, director F. Gary Gray takes viewers on a thrilling adventure with a team of skilled criminals led by Cyrus Whitaker (played by Kevin Hart) as they attempt to pull off a high-stakes heist of $500 million in gold from a passenger plane - all at 40,000 feet in the air!
Netflix's inaugural blockbuster release of 2024, Lift, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Vincent D'Onofrio, Sam Worthington, Jacob Batalon, and Jean Reno. For those curious about the filming locations, we've got all the details.
Lift filming locations
Venice, Italy was just the beginning for Lift, as the film showcases a variety of international settings. Explore the major filming locations of Lift and discover exclusive behind-the-scenes details below.
Venice, Italy
Netflix
Venice played a major role as a filming location for Lift. Located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, Venice is situated on over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Its renowned network of canals serves as the city's equivalent of roads.
The initial scenes of Lift are set in Venice, highlighting the opulent Renaissance and Gothic architecture of the city's skyline as Hart's Cyrus and his gang carry out their first heist. Subsequently, the crew is depicted navigating the waters on a boat.
The boat in question was a Frauscher, and sales manager Christian Orban described the experience of being part of the cast. "The entire production took place in 2022. The initial shooting occurred from May 9 to May 15 [2022] in Venice," he stated. "The movie featured prominent actors – such as Kevin Hart, Jean Reno, and Jacob Batalon. It all felt quite surreal."
Christian went on to say, "I have extensive experience as a boat driver, so the crew entrusted me with driving at maximum speed along the canals. I was the first to test the limits of possibility."
While on set, I gained a greater appreciation for the work of actors due to the fast-paced nature of filming. It was crucial to quickly change scenes and make sure there were minimal disruptions from tourists, which is particularly challenging in a location like Venice.
The video makers were often stressed about meeting deadlines, but the actors, particularly Kevin Hart, remained relaxed. He would often be seen dancing, telling jokes, and even singing at times.
“We were shooting under very fierce temperature conditions – it was very hot – and so he was trying to make people feel at ease and cool them down.”
Trieste, Italy
Netflix
Lift’s filming in Italy continued in Trieste, a charming city located in the northeastern part of the country. With its stunning harbor and a mix of Neoclassical and Viennese-style architecture, Trieste is truly a coastal gem.
Frauscher's Christian reported that the filming of Lift took place in Trieste from May 23 to 27, 2022. He mentioned the challenging experience of shooting in the summer heat while dressed in a shirt, thick jacket, long trousers, and military boots in 35-degree Celsius weather. The crew also filmed at Miramare Castle, which served as the property of the villainous Lars Jorgensen (played by Jean Reno) in the movie. The 19th-century castle is located on the Gulf of Trieste and is surrounded by beautiful gardens with views of the Adriatic Sea.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Netflix
In addition to its Mediterranean location, the Lift production team also traveled to Northern Ireland in 2022, capturing footage in the capital city of Belfast and various areas in counties Antrim, Derry, and Down.
The Irish News detailed that filming took place at Ward Park in Bangor, a spacious 37-acre park with 10 tennis courts, a duck pond, and a significant war memorial. Additionally, scenes were shot at the historic Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly and the picturesque Ardglass Harbour along the coast.
Belfast was the focus of the outlet, featuring well-known locations such as the renowned Crown Bar, the Titanic Hotel, and Ulster University. The base of operations was at Belfast’s Harbour Studios, the city’s latest film studio situated at Giant’s Park, boasting over 120,000 square feet of studios, workshops, and offices.
Lift is available to stream on Netflix now, and you can read more about the movie below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I'm thrilled about the upcoming Netflix movie "Lift" and its exciting filming locations. The combination of Kevin Hart's comedic talent and the high-stakes heist plot has me eagerly anticipating its release. The diverse international settings, including Venice, Trieste, and Belfast, add an extra layer of intrigue and visual appeal. I can't wait to see how the filmmakers have captured the essence of these locations and incorporated them into the story.
The behind-the-scenes details shared in the article, particularly the challenges faced during filming in hot weather conditions, give me a glimpse into the dedication and hard work that goes into creating a movie. It's fascinating to learn about the logistics of filming on a boat and the importance of managing time constraints in busy tourist areas. The cast's camaraderie and Kevin Hart's positive energy on set further enhance my excitement for the movie. Overall, "Lift" seems like a promising action-comedy that will offer a thrilling cinematic experience.