Belgium

Introduction

Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Belgium, offering comprehensive production support for international film and television crews. With deep local expertise and hands-on experience, we handle every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Belgium offers a diverse range of cinematic backdrops—from medieval castles and picturesque canals to vibrant cities, charming villages, expansive forests, and dramatic coastlines—perfect for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Belgium? Hoodlum ensures a smooth and efficient production process, managing all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Belgium.

Why Film in Belgium?

Diverse landscapes:

From medieval towns to coastal beaches, and from rolling hills to industrial cities, Belgium’s diverse landscapes offer a wide range of backdrops for filming.

Rich cultural heritage:

Belgium is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Grand Place in Brussels and the Belfry of Bruges.

Multilingual population:

Many Belgians speak multiple languages, including English, French, Dutch, and German, making communication and collaboration easier for international film crews.

Competitive tax incentives:

Belgium offers a tax shelter scheme, which allows producers to benefit from a tax reduction of up to 42% of the eligible production costs.

Country Overview

Belgium, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes, offers a unique and attractive filming location for international productions. Here’s a brief introduction to filming in Belgium:

Main Cities:

Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and the Brussels-Capital Region (bilingual)

Bordering Countries:

Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France

Local Languages:

Dutch, French, and German

Local Currency:

Euro (€)

Weather and Seasons

Best time to film: Late Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds

Best Film Locations in Belgium

Belgium offers a diverse range of film locations, from medieval towns to modern cities, and from coastal landscapes to rolling hills. Here are some of the best film locations in Belgium:

Medieval Towns

Bruges: Well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and historic landmarks like the Belfry Tower.
Ghent: Medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and historic landmarks like the Gravensteen Castle.
Antwerp: Medieval architecture, historic landmarks like the Cathedral of Our Lady, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Modern Cities

Brussels: Modern architecture, historic landmarks like the Grand Place, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Leuven: Modern architecture, historic landmarks like the Leuven Town Hall, and a lively student population.

Coastal Landscapes

Ostend: Coastal town with a beautiful beach, historic landmarks like the Ostend Pier, and a vibrant cultural scene.
De Panne: Coastal town with a beautiful beach, historic landmarks like the De Panne Church, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rolling Hills and Countryside

The Ardennes: Rolling hills, forests, and picturesque villages like La Roche-en-Ardenne.
The Flemish Brabant: Rolling hills, picturesque villages like Leuven, and historic landmarks like the Arenberg Castle.

Castles and Fortresses

Gravensteen Castle (Ghent): Medieval castle with impressive architecture and stunning views.
Arenberg Castle (Leuven): Medieval castle with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
Bouillon Castle (Bouillon): Medieval castle with impressive architecture and stunning views.

Industrial and Urban Landscapes

The Port of Antwerp: Industrial landscape with cranes, containers, and ships.
The Canals of Brussels: Urban landscape with canals, historic buildings, and modern architecture.

These are just a few examples of the many amazing film locations Belgium has to offer. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it an ideal location for filming a wide range of projects.

Recent Productions

In Bruges (2008): A dark comedy film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
The Drop (2014): A crime drama film starring Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini.
Rust and Bone (2012): A romantic drama film starring Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts.

Visa Requirements

Submit an application to the relevant authorities, obtain necessary permits, and coordinate with local authorities, with a Fixer facilitating the process

General Requirement:

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa) for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Required Documents:

Passport, invitation letter, proof of employment, qualifications, travel medical insurance, and proof of financial means

Timings:

Typically takes 15 calendar days to process, but can take up to 30 days in some cases

Cost:

€60 – €180

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International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements:

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa) and documentation, including passport, invitation letter, proof of employment, qualifications, travel medical insurance, and proof of financial means

Required Documents:

Valid passport, invitation letter, proof of employment, proof of qualifications, travel medical insurance, proof of financial means, and a completed and signed visa application form

Timings:

3-4 weeks

Cost:

€100-€280