About filming in Hungary
Hungary is one of the most sophisticated film production centres in Europe and has played host to numerous international commercials and a growing number of foreign feature films. Despite being a member of the European Union, Hungary remains one of the most cost-effective shooting destinations in Europe with prices considerably lower than its Western European and North American counterparts.
Following is a summary of what’s on offer:
CREW
Thanks to its rich film culture and the boom in foreign productions during the past two decades, Hungary has an impressive pool of educated, professional, English-speaking crews who are accustomed to working with international production teams and who have a reputation for being hard-working and devoted. The workweek can be 5 or 6 days depending on the project. The day off is usually Sunday (Saturday) However, there are no strict union rules and the crews are usually flexible, the work schedules are negotiable.
Following is a summary of what’s on offer:
CREW
Thanks to its rich film culture and the boom in foreign productions during the past two decades, Hungary has an impressive pool of educated, professional, English-speaking crews who are accustomed to working with international production teams and who have a reputation for being hard-working and devoted. The workweek can be 5 or 6 days depending on the project. The day off is usually Sunday (Saturday) However, there are no strict union rules and the crews are usually flexible, the work schedules are negotiable.
TALENT
Hungary has been a cultural melting pot throughout its history and its inhabitants are a vivid reflection of this. Hungarians are a mixture of blondes, brunettes and redheads; some with blue eyes and fair skin, others of a darker complexion. Furthermore, as Budapest becomes more and more cosmopolitan; so too the numbers of African, Asian and Middle Eastern inhabitants increase. Hungarian talent fees are lower than the Western European fee average, which combined with their camera potential makes the choices very cost-effective. Additionally Hungarian stuntmen ar world renowned for their fearlessness and flexibility and stunt teams have worked in stunt-heavy productions like Titanic and Troy.
EQUIPMENT
Camera, grip and lighting rental houses in Budapest offer a wide range of equipment. All types of new HD cameras including Alexa and RED are available from rental houses as well as large variety and number of 35mm cameras. ARRI recently opened its official rental house at the Raleigh Studios Budapest. Large variety of cranes, the Super Techno Crane, Genuflex MK II Motion Control Rigs, Gyro Stabilized Flight Heads are easily accessible. Anything that cannot be sourced locally can easily be brought in from Austria or Germany.
LOCATIONS
Hungary’s tumultuous history has left its marks all over the country and within its borders you can find not only an extraordinary variety of landscapes, but also a plethora of architectural styles. The capital, Budapest, boasts stunning examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Post-Modern design. On the Pest side, grandiose townhouses line the wide, tree-lined avenues while on the Buda side villas nestle in the hills beneath the imposing castle. Between the two flows the river Danube, traversed by picturesque bridges. Budapest can easily double for other European cities such as Vienna, Paris, Rome or London, but it is often used to create a ‘generic’, anonymous European look – an invaluable asset for international campaigns.
STUDIOS
Two Hollywood standards Film Studios are operating in Hungary. The new one is Raleigh Studios Budapest, which has 9 sound stages – including the super stage 45,000 sq.ft.- and a 10 acre back lot to be used for outdoor sets. The other is Korda Studio with 4 air conditioned sound stages and the 63,000 sq.ft. Superstage. The backlot of Korda Studios boats Europe’s largest permanent New York City street set. Also, you can choose from several smaller to mid -ize facilities, like the standing sets of a medieval castle and village, Victorian houses and a prisoner-of-war camp at the Mafilm Fot Studios.
LABPOST
Two Kodak-approved labs provide the full range of processing and transfer services and a number of post-production companies offer the latest in digital post and 3D animation.
HUNGARIAN TAX INCENTIVE
Hungary has committed itself to becoming one of the most attractive and competitive film locations of Europe. In 2004 the Hungarian Government introduced the Motion Picture Act, providing exceptionally favorable conditions for shooting film on location in Hungary. Certain changes have been requested by the European Commission, and the law’s amendment has been passed by the Parliament in 2008.
With the Hungarian tax system foreign producers can not only reduce their Hungarian direct costs by 20%, but able to further claim 5% of this 20% on non-Hungarian spend.
WEATHER
Hungary has been a cultural melting pot throughout its history and its inhabitants are a vivid reflection of this. Hungarians are a mixture of blondes, brunettes and redheads; some with blue eyes and fair skin, others of a darker complexion. Furthermore, as Budapest becomes more and more cosmopolitan; so too the numbers of African, Asian and Middle Eastern inhabitants increase. Hungarian talent fees are lower than the Western European fee average, which combined with their camera potential makes the choices very cost-effective. Additionally Hungarian stuntmen ar world renowned for their fearlessness and flexibility and stunt teams have worked in stunt-heavy productions like Titanic and Troy.
EQUIPMENT
Camera, grip and lighting rental houses in Budapest offer a wide range of equipment. All types of new HD cameras including Alexa and RED are available from rental houses as well as large variety and number of 35mm cameras. ARRI recently opened its official rental house at the Raleigh Studios Budapest. Large variety of cranes, the Super Techno Crane, Genuflex MK II Motion Control Rigs, Gyro Stabilized Flight Heads are easily accessible. Anything that cannot be sourced locally can easily be brought in from Austria or Germany.
LOCATIONS
Hungary’s tumultuous history has left its marks all over the country and within its borders you can find not only an extraordinary variety of landscapes, but also a plethora of architectural styles. The capital, Budapest, boasts stunning examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Post-Modern design. On the Pest side, grandiose townhouses line the wide, tree-lined avenues while on the Buda side villas nestle in the hills beneath the imposing castle. Between the two flows the river Danube, traversed by picturesque bridges. Budapest can easily double for other European cities such as Vienna, Paris, Rome or London, but it is often used to create a ‘generic’, anonymous European look – an invaluable asset for international campaigns.
STUDIOS
Two Hollywood standards Film Studios are operating in Hungary. The new one is Raleigh Studios Budapest, which has 9 sound stages – including the super stage 45,000 sq.ft.- and a 10 acre back lot to be used for outdoor sets. The other is Korda Studio with 4 air conditioned sound stages and the 63,000 sq.ft. Superstage. The backlot of Korda Studios boats Europe’s largest permanent New York City street set. Also, you can choose from several smaller to mid -ize facilities, like the standing sets of a medieval castle and village, Victorian houses and a prisoner-of-war camp at the Mafilm Fot Studios.
LABPOST
Two Kodak-approved labs provide the full range of processing and transfer services and a number of post-production companies offer the latest in digital post and 3D animation.
HUNGARIAN TAX INCENTIVE
Hungary has committed itself to becoming one of the most attractive and competitive film locations of Europe. In 2004 the Hungarian Government introduced the Motion Picture Act, providing exceptionally favorable conditions for shooting film on location in Hungary. Certain changes have been requested by the European Commission, and the law’s amendment has been passed by the Parliament in 2008.
With the Hungarian tax system foreign producers can not only reduce their Hungarian direct costs by 20%, but able to further claim 5% of this 20% on non-Hungarian spend.
WEATHER
