Great locations make great films
Northern Europe, a region of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, is fast becoming a hotspot for filmmakers from around the world. Comprising countries such as Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, Northern Europe offers a diverse range of landscapes, climates, and settings that are sure to inspire and captivate audiences.
Unspoiled Nature and Breathtaking Landscapes
From the majestic fjords of Norway to the rolling hills of Denmark, Northern Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled natural landscapes in the world. Filmmakers can capture the eerie beauty of the Arctic tundra, the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights, or the serene tranquility of the region’s numerous lakes and forests.
Some notable films shot in the region’s stunning landscapes include:
Iceland:
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019) – Featured Iceland’s unique landscapes, including the glacier lake Jökulsárlón and the black sand beach Reynisfjara.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – Filmed in Iceland’s stunning landscapes, including the glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökull.
- Interstellar (2014) – Featured Iceland’s unique landscapes, including the glacier lake Jökulsárlón.
Norway:
- The Revenant (2015) – Filmed in Norway’s stunning fjords and mountains.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) – Featured Norway’s stunning fjords and mountains.
- The Snowman (2017) – Filmed in Norway’s stunning landscapes, including the fjords and mountains.
Sweden:
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) – Filmed in Sweden’s vibrant city of Stockholm and the stunning lakes and forests of rural Sweden.
- Wallander (2008-2015) – Featured Sweden’s stunning landscapes, including the rolling hills and coastal towns of southern Sweden.
- Let the Right One In (2008) – Filmed in Sweden’s vibrant city of Stockholm and the stunning forests and lakes of rural Sweden.
Vibrant Cities and Cultural Heritage
Northern Europe’s cities are a treasure trove of cultural and historical riches, from the colorful architecture of Tallinn, Estonia, to the trendy neighborhoods of Copenhagen, Denmark. Filmmakers can explore the medieval streets of Riga, Latvia, or the stunning modern architecture of Helsinki, Finland. The region is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and festivals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Northern Europe.
Some notable films shot in the region’s vibrant cities include:
Denmark:
- The Killing (2007-2012) – Filmed in Denmark’s vibrant city of Copenhagen.
- Borgen (2010-2013) – Featured Denmark’s vibrant city of Copenhagen and the stunning landscapes of rural Denmark.
- The Hunt (2012) – Filmed in Denmark’s vibrant city of Copenhagen and the stunning landscapes of rural Denmark.
Estonia:
- Tangerines (2013) – Filmed in Estonia’s vibrant city of Tallinn and the stunning landscapes of rural Estonia.
- The Fencer (2015) – Featured Estonia’s vibrant city of Tallinn and the stunning landscapes of rural Estonia.
Finland:
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004) – Filmed in Finland’s vibrant city of Helsinki.
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) – Featured Finland’s stunning landscapes, including the forests and lakes of rural Finland.
Incentives and Infrastructure for Filmmakers in Northern Europe
Northern European countries offer competitive incentives and support for filmmakers. Here’s a breakdown of the incentives and tax credits available in each country:
Denmark
- Tax credit: 20-25% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to DKK 10 million (approximately EUR 1.3 million)
Estonia
- Tax credit: 20-30% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to EUR 500,000
- Cash rebate: Up to 30% on eligible production costs (minimum budget: EUR 1 million for feature films, EUR 200,000 for TV dramas)
Finland
- Tax credit: 20-25% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to EUR 500,000
Iceland
- Tax credit: 20-25% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to ISK 100 million (approximately EUR 750,000)
- Reimbursement grant: Up to 25% of eligible expenses
Ireland
- Tax credit: 32% on eligible production, post-production, and VFX expenses (no annual cap, minimum spend: EUR 125,000)
Latvia
- Tax credit: 20-25% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to EUR 200,000
- Rebate: Up to 20% of eligible expenses
Lithuania
- Tax credit: 20-25% of eligible costs
- Grant: Up to EUR
These incentives make Northern Europe an attractive destination for filmmakers.
Cost for filming in Northern Europe
Filming in Northern Europe can be quite expensive, but there are some alternatives to consider. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you might want to explore Eastern Europe instead, which offers a similar landscape and cultural feel at a lower cost ¹.
That being said, if you’re set on filming in Northern Europe, here are some general estimates to consider:
- Crew costs: Expect to pay around $1,200 to $2,000 per day for a videographer, depending on their experience and location.
- Equipment rental: Prices vary depending on the type of equipment, but you can expect to pay around $500 to $2,000 per day.
- Location fees: These can range from $500 to $5,000 or more per day, depending on the location and its popularity.
- Accommodation and travel: These costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re bringing a large crew. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $5,000 or more per person for the duration of the shoot.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual costs can vary widely depending on your specific needs and location.
