ROCK THE KASBAH
MUSICAL COMEDY • OPEN ROAD FILMS
DIRECTOR
DOP
SCALE
CLIENT
YEAR
Barry Levinson
Sean Bobbitt
Star-Studded Comedy
QED International / Open Road
2015
OVERVIEW
Directed by Academy Award winner Barry Levinson and starring Bill Murray, this film blended comedy, music, and war zones. Morocco stood in for Kabul, Afghanistan. The production required creating the glitzy world of a TV talent show (“Afghan Star”) in the middle of a conflict zone setting.
CHALLENGES & APPROACH
Comedy Rhythms & Musical Logistics.
Unlike rigid action schedules, comedy productions—especially with improvisational stars like Bill Murray—require financial flexibility. The challenge was managing the specific costs of musical performances (sound equipment, copyright clearances, stage lighting) while maintaining the logistical support for a large Hollywood cast in remote locations.
THE RESULT
We successfully supported the director’s unique vision, balancing the “Rock and Roll” chaos of the story with strict financial discipline behind the scenes.
