House of Cards denied access to the UN

Frank Underwood is not happy with Russia.

Netflix's House of Cards producers recently asked permission to film two episodes at the United Nations. After being granted access by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Russia has said not so fast. Deciding to veto the popular show from filming in the UN Security Council chamber during off-hours. The reason for the veto isn't clear, but Mikael Agasandyan, UNSC coordinator for the permanent Russian delegation to the UN, stated in an email addressed to council members Tuesday afternoon "Upon thorough reflection, we are objecting to the proposed filming in the Security Council," reported by Foreign Policy. Continuing, "We are of [the] opinion that the Security Council premises should be available at any time and on short notice. Besides that, we consistently insist that the Security Council premises are not an appropriate place for filming, staging, etc.".

Agasandyan had till 6 pm Tuesday to respond to the British delegation, whom will hold the rotating UNSC chair in August, when the episodes would have been filmed. In 1959, British director Alfred Hitchcock was also denied access as he wanted to stage a murder scene in the UN’s North Delegate Lounge for his masterpiece “North by Northwest” starring Cary Grant. Footage was shot of the interior using a hidden camera, and the rooms were later recreated on a soundstage. Fun fact, Hitchcock also filmed Cary Grant's entrance into the United Nations building from across the street with a hidden camera. 

Interestingly enough, this would not have been the first film crew in the Security Council chamber. The 2005 movie "The Interpreter" was the first film ever to be shot inside the United Nations Headquarters. Shooting locations included the Security Council as well, and the General Assembly area. Because the Security Council room is on call 24/7 for emergency meetings, if one would have occurred, the crew would have been given three hours to clear out before the meeting. During a scene being filmed at the U.N., blanks weren't allowed to even be shot at an actor because an actual Security Council meeting was taking place at the time.