Ever seen a music video or a scene from a film or series and thought, ‘Hey, I know that place!’? Chances are you recognised a spot on Brussels' STIB/MIVB network.
Brussels public transport has been the backdrop for countless film productions, television series and commercials for years. From trendy music videos to international blockbusters and Belgian cult films, STIB/MIVB's stations and vehicles regularly play a leading role on screen.
"Brussels' metros, trams and buses are not only functional, but also iconic. The glass walls of the Bourse/Beurs station, the retro charm of the orange metros or the modern look of the Arts-Loi/Kunst-Wet station: filmmakers find a diverse palette of typical Brussels images at the MIVB/STIB."
The metro has been used as the setting for thrilling thrillers such as Ètangs Noirs (by Pieter Dumoulin and Timeau De Keyser) and Rebel (Adil and Bilall), and the vehicles have appeared in commercials and music videos by Belgian icons Angèle and Stromae – showcasing Brussels in a unique way.
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Still from the film 'Rebel' (2022) by Adil and Bilall.
Still from the film 'Étangs Noirs' (2018).
Behind the scenes, STIB/MIVB staff members Julie and Pierre-Philippe ensure that filming in its stations and vehicles is safe and well-organised. They work closely with production companies and ensure that each shoot fits in with the operational reality of public transport.
"They keep a close eye on things and ensure that passengers are inconvenienced as little as possible during filming."
This is needed because there is much more to filming than people might think: every professional shoot requires a permit, which is preceded by an analysis. STIB/MIVB receives around 120 applications per year, including a dozen large projects such as feature films – sometimes requiring three months of preparation and involving many other colleagues.
Brussels public transport as a film set
Filmmakers regularly choose the STIB/MIVB as the setting for their stories: think of the oppressive chase in 'La Nuit se Traîne' (2024), the scene in the metro after the riots in '1985' about the Brabant Killers (2023), or one of the many voicemails on the bus or metro in 'Putain' (2024).
"The mix of historic stations, long tunnels and dynamic city scenes offers directors a unique atmosphere that perfectly suits various film genres."
The metro makes an appearance in 'Les Barons' in 2009 and in 'Black' and 'Le tout nouveau testament' in 2015. In 2018, Lukas Dhont set up his cameras in the metro during the filming of the Oscar-nominated 'Girl'. The character of Lara, a young introverted girl who is struggling mentally, is masterfully played by Victor Polster. She uses the STIB/MIVB network to go to dance class.
Victor Polster as Lara in the Belgian Oscar-nominated film 'Girl.'
In 2023, 'The Pod Generation,' a film combining romance and science fiction starring Emilia Clarke (best-known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones'), was set in the near future in New York. However, filming took place in Brussels – where the metro network was completely decorated to look like it was set in New York.
Emilia Clarke in the 2023 film 'The Pod Generation.'
The company stressed that the metro is particularly appealing as a setting because it is so universal. The biggest challenge is to ensure that regular passengers are not inconvenienced by the filming – meaning that filming at night is sometimes the only option.
Whether it is a romantic scene in a tram, a science fiction story with futuristic metro trains or the nostalgic character of the orange metros that reflect the Brussels street scene, STIB/MIVB is "a recognisable but always surprising setting" for cinema.
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Still from 'La Nuit se Traine.'
Still from the series '1985.'
In addition to films and series, the STIB/MIVB network is also a popular setting for musicians. Several Belgian and international artists have captured the dynamics of Brussels' public transport in their music videos.
Think of the iconic video for Stromae's "Formidable" (2013) at the Louise/Louiza tram stop or Angèle running after a tram in "La Loi de Murphy" (2019). The stations, stops and vehicles add an extra dimension to the visual storytelling of these artists.
The recordings not only show the city in a unique way, but also pay tribute to the daily lives of thousands of Brussels residents. The list of artists who have been featured is long, and in addition to Stromae and Angèle also includes Jacques Brel, Stéphanie de Monaco and The Buggles.
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Stromae in the videoclip for Formidable, at the Louise/Louiza metro station.
Angèle in the video clip of La loi de Murphy.
