The Iris Affair is a high-stakes thriller series created by Neil Cross (Luther) and directed by Terry McDonough and Sarah O’Gorman. The series stars Niamh Algar as Iris Nixon, a brilliant codebreaker, and Tom Hollander as Cameron Beck, a tech entrepreneur. The show follows Iris as she decodes a powerful device, leading to a thrilling chase across Europe.
Iris Nixon, a brilliant codebreaker, unlocks a dangerous secret tied to a powerful device. After realizing its potential, she steals the activation code and goes on the run, sparking a high-stakes chase across Italy.
Sky TV’s 8-part series The Iris Affair was released on October 16, 2025, via Sky and NOW.
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When and Where Was The Iris Affair Filmed?
| Film Name | The Iris Affair |
|---|---|
| Genres | Thriller, Mystery |
| Filming Locations | Sardinia, Florence, Rome, Abruzzo, Cinecittà Studios |
| Filming Dates | May – October 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Vittorio Omodei Zorini and Ferran Paredes |
| Release Date | October 16, 2025 |
Filming began in late May 2024 in Sardinia, Italy, and concluded in October 2024. The production utilized various locations across Italy to capture the essence of the series’ narrative.
📍Sardinia
The series opens with scenes set in a remote cabin in Sardinia. Filming took place in Cagliari and Alghero, where the team captured coastal roads, old town streets, and rural areas to depict Iris’s hideout.
📍Mugoni Beach, Alghero, Sardinia
Mugoni Beach, located near Alghero in Sardinia, was used to depict the remote cabin where Iris Nixon seeks refuge. The beach’s pristine sands and clear waters provided a tranquil setting, juxtaposing the tension-filled narrative of the series.
📍Florence
Key early scenes were shot in Florence. Piazza di Santa Croce, with the Basilica in the background, serves as the piazza where Iris meets Cameron. The terrace facing the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte also features prominently in the series.
📍Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze), Florence
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The iconic Florence Cathedral, with its distinctive dome designed by Brunelleschi, was featured in the series. Its architectural grandeur and central location in Florence made it an ideal backdrop for various scenes, showcasing the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.
📍Santa Croce, Florence
Address: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence served as a significant location where Iris Nixon and Cameron Beck’s paths cross. The square, dominated by the Basilica of Santa Croce, is one of Florence’s most beautiful and historic sites, setting the stage for pivotal moments in the series.
📍Rome, Italy
The story moves to Rome, where chase sequences unfold through the city’s bustling streets and central neighborhoods. Public materials describe a “relentless pursuit… through the bustling streets of Rome,” aligning with Rome-set scenes seen in first-look coverage.
📍Monte Mario, Rome
Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome, provided a panoramic backdrop for several scenes in the series. The hill’s observatory and natural reserve offered a serene setting, contrasting with the urban hustle below. The elevated vantage point allowed for sweeping views of the city, including landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica.
📍Sanniti’s Apartments, Rome
Address: Piazza dei Sanniti, 42, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Sanniti’s Apartments, situated in Rome, were utilized for interior scenes, particularly those involving the character Cameron Beck. The apartments’ modern design and urban setting contributed to the portrayal of Beck’s sophisticated lifestyle and the series’ contemporary aesthetic.
📍Abruzzo
In Abruzzo, filming took place in Campo Imperatore and Magliano de’ Marsi. These locations provided the backdrop for scenes set in the remote Slovenian hilltop where Caliburn’s underground bunker is located. The rugged terrain and isolation of these areas added to the suspense and intrigue of the series.
📍Cinecittà Studios
Interior scenes, including those set in Caliburn’s labs and tunnels, were filmed at Rome’s renowned Cinecittà Studios. Cinecittà, founded in 1937, is the largest film studio in Europe and has been the site of numerous iconic films.
Behind the Scenes of The Iris Affair
The cast and crew shared behind-the-scenes photos from Sardinia, Florence, Rome, Abruzzo, and Cinecittà Studios on social media.
These glimpses highlight the intricate set designs, costume details, and on-location challenges faced during filming.
Is there any trailer available for The Iris Affair?
Yes, the official trailer for The Iris Affair was released on Sky TV’s official YouTube channel. You can watch it here:-
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Iris Affair filmed?
A1: The series was filmed entirely in Italy, with key locations in Sardinia, Florence, Rome, Abruzzo, and Cinecittà Studios.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Sardinia?
A2: Scenes depicting Iris’s remote cabin were filmed in Cagliari and Alghero, capturing the coastal and rural landscapes.
Q3: When did the filming for The Iris Affair begin?
A3: Filming began in late May 2024 and concluded in October 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of The Iris Affair?
A4: Yes, many of the filming locations are accessible to the public. For example, you can visit Florence’s Piazza di Santa Croce and the terrace facing the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Always check for visitor restrictions before planning a trip.