Lapland

Introduction

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Lapland, streamlining international productions with comprehensive support—including location scouting, permit acquisition, and connecting crews with trusted local talent. Lapland, with its stunning Arctic landscapes, dramatic seasonal shifts, and unique Sami culture, presents extraordinary opportunities for documentaries, feature films, and commercials. Whether you’re filming beneath the Northern Lights or capturing the stark beauty of the tundra, Hoodlum ensures a smooth production process in this captivating Nordic region.

Let Hoodlum take care of the logistics of filming in Lapland—from securing permits to finding breathtaking, remote locations—so you can stay focused on your creative vision. Contact Hoodlum today to kick off your Lapland production.

Country Overview

Lapland, a vast and remote region in Northern Europe, offers a unique and breathtaking Arctic landscape that is perfect for filming. Spanning across four countries – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia – Lapland provides a diverse range of locations, from snow-covered forests to majestic mountains and frozen lakes.

Why Film in Lapland?

• Unique Landscapes: Lapland’s diverse landscapes, including snow-covered forests, mountains, and frozen lakes, provide a unique and breathtaking backdrop for filming.
• Northern Lights: Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that can add a touch of magic to any film.
• Midnight Sun: During the summer months, Lapland experiences the Midnight Sun, providing 24 hours of daylight and allowing for flexible filming schedules.
• Skilled Crew Base: Lapland has a skilled and experienced crew base, with many professionals having worked on international film productions.
• Film-Friendly Infrastructure: Lapland’s cities, such as Rovaniemi and Tromsø, offer a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and other amenities that cater to film crews.

Types of Productions

Lapland is an ideal location for a variety of film productions, including:

• Feature Films: Lapland’s unique landscapes and natural phenomena make it an ideal location for feature films that require a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop.
• Documentaries: Lapland’s diverse wildlife, including reindeer, bears, and eagles, make it an ideal location for documentary filmmakers.
• Commercials: Lapland’s unique landscapes and natural phenomena make it an ideal location for commercials that require a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop.
• TV Productions: Lapland’s film-friendly infrastructure and skilled crew base make it an ideal location for TV productions, including dramas, reality TV shows, and game shows.

Production costs

Filming in Lapland can be expensive, but it’s relatively cost-effective compared to other Arctic locations like Alaska or Iceland ¹. Here are some key costs to consider:

Crew Rates:

• Director of Photography (DOP): €217-306 per day
• Production Assistant (PA): €107-129 per day

Incentives:

Finland offers a 25% cash rebate incentive to offset production costs, with a maximum rebate of 80% of the total production budget.

Infrastructure:

Lapland has a well-developed infrastructure, with five airports and good road connections, making it relatively easy to access and film in remote locations.

Accommodation and Living Costs:

While living costs in Finland can be high, they’re lower than in Iceland, Norway, or Sweden, which can help keep costs down.

Permits and Licenses:

Depending on the location and type of production, you may need to obtain permits and licenses from local authorities, which can add to costs.

Overall, while filming in Lapland can be expensive, the unique landscapes and natural phenomena, combined with the incentives and relatively low costs compared to other Arctic locations, make it an attractive option for filmmakers.

When to Film in Lapland

The best time to film depends on the type of project and the desired scenery. For a winter wonderland experience, including Northern Lights, skiing, and snowmobiling, the best time is from December to March. For the Midnight Sun and summer activities, June to July is ideal. However, the periods from late April to late May and late August to late September are generally considered less suitable due to unpredictable weather, melting snow, and limited daylight hours.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary depending on the country. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries typically need a Schengen visa to enter Norway, Sweden, and Finland, while Russia has its own visa requirements and regulations. Film crews must provide documents such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, invitation letter, proof of insurance, and proof of financial means. Start your Visa Application here.

Film Permits

The Finnish Lapland Film Commission issues general film permits in Lapland. The processing time typically takes around 2-6 weeks, and required documents include a completed application form, proof of public liability insurance, a detailed shooting schedule and script, location permits, and identification documents.

Locations

• Snowy Landscapes: Lapland’s snow-covered forests, mountains, and frozen lakes provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for filming ¹.
• Northern Lights: Experience the breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that adds magic to any film.
• Rovaniemi: This Finnish city is a popular filming location, with its Arctic landscape and modern infrastructure.
• Saariselka: Located in Finnish Lapland, Saariselka offers stunning mountain scenery and is a great spot for outdoor filming.
• Abisko National Park: Situated in Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes and is home to the iconic Lake Torneträsk.
• Tromsø: This Norwegian city is known for its picturesque Arctic landscape and is a popular spot for filming.

These locations offer a unique blend of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and traditional culture, making Lapland an attractive destination for filmmakers.

Private locations

A fixer in Lapland plays a crucial role in securing private film locations by negotiating with landowners, obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating logistics. The cost of a private film location can only be determined after receiving a production schedule.

Drone Permits

Drone regulations are governed by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom). Drone operators must follow EU drone regulations, obtain necessary permits, and ensure safe flying practices. Required documents include a completed application form, proof of drone pilot certification, drone registration documents, and a detailed flight plan.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Finland, including Lapland, is a Carnet country. Film crews must obtain a Carnet ATA, list the equipment, pay a guarantee, and present the Carnet to customs upon importation and re-exportation. Required documents include a Carnet ATA, commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, and a detailed equipment list.

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives

Finland offers a film rebate program, providing a 25% rebate on eligible production costs, with a maximum rebate of €1 million.

Challenges and solutions 

Filming can be challenging due to its remote location and harsh Arctic climate. Here are some of the common challenges and solutions to overcome them:

• Remote Location: Lapland is a vast and remote region, making it difficult to access some locations.
• Harsh Weather Conditions: Extreme cold, snow, and wind can make filming conditions challenging.
• Limited Daylight: During the winter months, daylight hours are limited, which can impact filming schedules.
• Language Barriers: While many locals speak English, there may be language barriers, especially in rural areas.
• Permitting and Regulations: Obtaining permits and complying with regulations can be time-consuming and complex.

Solutions

• Plan Ahead: Research and plan your shoot carefully, taking into account the remote location and harsh weather conditions.
• Hire Local Crew: Hiring local crew members who are experienced in filming in Lapland can help overcome language barriers and provide valuable insights into the local environment.
• Use Specialized Equipment: Invest in specialized equipment, such as cold-weather cameras and lighting, to ensure that your equipment can withstand the harsh conditions.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your filming schedule to accommodate the limited daylight hours and unpredictable weather conditions.
• Work with Local Authorities: Establish relationships with local authorities and obtain necessary permits and licenses to ensure compliance with regulations.

Safety and Security

This region offers a unique and breathtaking Arctic landscape, a skilled and English-speaking crew base, and a film-friendly infrastructure. Standard security measures include locking equipment when not in use, using secure storage facilities, and being mindful of remote location safety.

Key Contacts

• Finnish Lapland Film Commission
• Finnish Customs (Tulli): 
• Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom)
• Hoodlum Film Fixers Lapland

Conclusion

This region offers a unique and breathtaking filming location, with a diverse range of landscapes, a skilled crew base, and a film-friendly infrastructure. By understanding the visa requirements, film permits, private locations, drone permits, equipment customs clearance, film rebates, and safety and security measures, film crews can ensure a successful and enjoyable filming experience in Lapland.