Progressive Productions

Production Services in Hungary & Austria

Case Overview – Project headline and key visual

Covert Affairs - TV Series (Show #311)

NBCUniversal / USA Network

Thumbnail from the Covert Affairs project that plays a scene from the Budapest-shot episode when clicked, showing the two lead characters standing on a railway platform beside a passenger train.
Cover still from the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series, featuring a large-scale action sequence set at the city’s main train station. This page is a case study of the Hungary shoot for the episode, featuring series trailer context, behind-the-scenes production footage, shoot logistics insights, production challenges, social media highlights, and client testimonial content.

Client Testimonial – International Producer Quote on First Collaboration

“We first hired Progressive Productions in Budapest to produce a large shoot for "Covert Affairs" with us. The scenes involved heavy dialogue scenes with our lead actors, car crash stunt sequences, weapons, difficult locations like a trainyard, and it went extremely well and we had an excellent experience.”
Rajeev Dassani - International Producer, Master Key Productions (Los Angeles)

Case Overview – Two-Episode Scope & Production Complexity

We had the chance to manage the shoot of not just one, but two episodes of USA Network’s popular show Covert Affairs. The first episode we shot in Budapest was pretty challenging, and the second one proved to be no different.

Case Media – Series Trailer & Narrative Setup (YouTube)

COVERT AFFAIRS TRAILER

COVERT AFFAIRS TRAILEROpen on YouTube

Shoot Logistics – Train Station Permits & Track Control

For the second episode we controlled 5 tracks over 2 days in the biggest train station in Budapest for a chase scene filled with stunts and weaponry. It is quite possible that this was our toughest project location management-wise. First of all, we had to change the trains’ schedules and close down several tracks to be able to film the scene. Fortunately, we maintain a very good relationship with the people there, so we managed to close down 5 tracks and shoot everything according to plan.

Case Media – Train Station Arrival Scene

A scene from the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series showing the female lead character stepping off a passenger train inside a large station hall.
To shoot action sequences for the second episode of USA’s Covert Affairs that we worked on, 5 sets of train tracks in Budapest’s largest train station were closed down for 2 days

Stunts & Action – Chase Choreography & Stunt Execution

The action was choreographed perfectly second by second, and it looked amazing thanks to the many actors and extras running all around the tracks. In addition, the star of the show, Piper Perabo, more precisely, her stunt double, had to jump across the tracks in front of an approaching train.

Case Media – Chase Sequence Platform Run

A scene from the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series showing the two lead characters running along a railway platform between multiple train tracks.
To properly execute the action for this scene many elements were brought together to act in harmony thanks to our relationship with the train station, the talented extras, and stunt actors

Production Challenge – Multi-Day Continuity & Railway Shooting Risks

It was also a challenge to match everything from the two separate shooting days: the one with Piper and the one with her stunt double. Every detail had to look the same as it did on the first shooting day. The trains had to be at the exact same spot and everything had to match. Normally, the train stations do not allow shoots on Mondays (the busiest day of the week for them), but we managed to make it happen. Unfortunately, it was not possible to totally close down the tracks that day, so we had to shoot while constantly being aware of the trains. It required intensive location management to keep everything working perfectly and safely.

Case Media – Behind-the-Scenes Production Overview (Video)

ProgressiveProductions

Case Highlight – Project Reflection & Team Experience

We are really proud that we could participate in the making of such a great series, and we will always cherish the memories of these thrilling shooting days.

Behind-the-scenes image gallery

A stunt performer rehearsing a railway action scene with a stand-in during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A crew member holding a clapperboard beside a vehicle while filming the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series on a riverside embankment.
A camera operator filming the two lead characters on a railway platform during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members filming an action sequence with armed actors beside a passenger train during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Actors in tactical gear running across multiple railway tracks while filming an action sequence for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A camera operator filming a moving locomotive at track level during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
The director conferring with a crew member beside a green and yellow passenger train during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members filming an action scene with uniformed actors at the entrance of a railway station during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A camera operator conferring with an actor in tactical costume on a narrow street during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members discussing a scene with the female lead on an elevated terrace overlooking the Danube during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A scene from the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series showing the female lead practicing her aim on a terrace overlooking the Danube.
A camera operator filming the cast during a shooting sequence on an outdoor location for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members filming the shooting practice sequence on a damaged terrace overlooking the Danube for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A spike strip laid across a riverside road as part of the car sequence filmed for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A camera operator filming a car driving over a spike strip during the riverside road sequence for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members conferring beside a closed-off riverside road during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
The lead character and crew seen through a car’s shattered window during filming for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
The lead character seated in a director’s chair as crew members confer around her during filming for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Camera operator and the lead character’s stunt double during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members preparing a riverside driving scene for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Crew members filming a street scene for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A main cast member sitting in a car during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Filming an exterior street scene for the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
Hair touch-up for the female lead during the filming of the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series on a narrow street.
The director conferring with the male lead between takes during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A stunt performer rehearsing a railway action scene with a stand-in during the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series.
A crew member holding a clapperboard beside a vehicle while filming the Budapest-shot episode of the Covert Affairs series on a riverside embankment.

Making of Covert Affairs - Photo Gallery

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