Ballad of a Small Player is an upcoming psychological thriller film directed by Edward Berger and based on the 2014 novel The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne. The story follows Lord Doyle, a man living in Macau, spiraling into debt while gambling in casinos, and struggling to escape his past. The movie stars Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton.
The film is set to premiere in the Special Presentations section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025, before releasing in the United States on October 15, 2025, and streaming worldwide on Netflix from October 29, 2025.
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When and Where was Ballad of a Small Player Filmed?
| Title | Ballad of a Small Player |
|---|---|
| Genres | Psychological Thriller |
| Filming Locations | Macau, Hong Kong |
| Filming Start Date | June 26, 2024 |
| Filming End Date | August 25, 2024 |
| Cinematography by | James Friend |
| Release Dates | September 9, 2025 (TIFF) |
Filming for Ballad of a Small Player began on June 26, 2024, in Macau and Hong Kong and concluded on August 25, 2024. The film used the luxurious and cinematic environments of these two cities to highlight the film’s themes of wealth, addiction, and high-stakes gambling. Macau played a crucial role, with its rich, royal backdrop serving as the perfect location to tell the story of Lord Doyle‘s gambling woes.
📍Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Macau, China
Address: R. do Tiro, Macao
The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau serves as one of the central filming locations, with both internal and external sections used to film luxurious casino scenes. The opulent architecture and high-end settings of the resort perfectly embody the life of excess and the intense gambling atmosphere central to the film.
The Grand Lisboa Palace is a five-star luxury resort known for its grandiose design, state-of-the-art casino, and luxury offerings, making it an ideal fit for the film’s portrayal of wealth and decadence. Its striking, modern exterior and lavish interiors added authenticity to the film’s depiction of Macau’s high-stakes world.
📍Studio City Macau, Macau, China
Address: Estr. do Istmo, Macao
Another key filming location was Studio City Macau, which features prominently as the backdrop for the more action-filled casino scenes in the film. Both internal and external sections of Studio City were used to create an immersive, luxury gambling environment, contributing to the film’s stylish look.
Studio City Macau is a complex of hotels, entertainment, and casinos known for its luxurious offerings and cinematic ambiance. The Hollywood-themed resort provides an atmosphere of glamour and extravagance, perfect for filming scenes that need to showcase the high-flying, wealthy lifestyle of the characters.
Address: Studio City Macau, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, China.
📍Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong provided several urban sequences where Doyle tries to escape his troubled reality. The bustling city served as a contrast to the more isolated casino locations, emphasizing the tension in the protagonist’s life.
Hong Kong, with its towering skyscrapers, dense urban setting, and bustling nightlife, served as an ideal urban backdrop for the scenes that focus on Doyle’s desperation and his need to escape. The city’s atmosphere of grandeur and chaos gave the film an added layer of realism as the action unfolded.
Ballad of a Small Player Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Netflix’s Ballad of a Small Player filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The movie stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
The film’s director, Edward Berger, worked closely with James Friend, the cinematographer, to capture the essence of these distinct locations. The luxury casinos in Macau and Las Vegas were critical to setting the film’s dark tone, where gambling becomes a metaphor for the character’s spiraling descent. The film combines real-world locations with gripping performances to make the stakes feel tangible and intense.
FAQs
Q: Where was Ballad of a Small Player filmed?
A: The film was primarily filmed in Macau and Hong Kong, with key filming locations at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and Studio City Macau.
Q: When did filming for Ballad of a Small Player take place?
A: Filming took place from June 26, 2024, to August 25, 2024.
Q: When will Ballad of a Small Player be released?
A: The film will have its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025, with a limited release in the United States on October 15, 2025 and worldwide streaming on Netflix starting October 29, 2025.
Q: Who stars in Ballad of a Small Player?
A: The lead cast includes Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton.
Q: Why were Macau and Hong Kong chosen as filming locations?
A: Macau was chosen for its iconic luxury casinos and its reputation as a gambling hub. Hong Kong was used to depict urban sequences, emphasizing the contrast between wealth and desperation.
Is there any trailer available for Ballad of a Small Player?
Ballad of a Small Player will premiere at TIFF on September 9, 2025, before a limited release in the United States and worldwide streaming on Netflix on October 29, 2025.