Filming Behind the Scenes in Eastern Europe

Behind the Scenes Video Crews with Good Track Record 

In the past Hollywood producers could pick up low-cost territories to shoot in Central Eastern Europe, based on currency value, location and crew availability. The 2004 expansion of the European Union, economic growth and globalisation created a more level playing field. Attempts to gain an advantage by introducing tax incentives prompted a race to offer 20 percent to 30 percent tax rebates, that rapidly produced near-identical offers. Even small Estonia, with a population of 1.3 million, offers rebates worth up to 30 percent. Now Eastern European countries are emphasising their unique attractions — as well as financial incentives — to get ahead of the game.

Our Bucharest camera crew filming behind the scenes

The Czech cash rebate system for example features 20 percent for qualifying Czech spending and 10 percent for international spending, that applies to film and television, including all postproduction work. The incentives have been in place for five years. Prague have rebated $65 million to more than 130 projects.

Back-lot shoot

The other show runner, Hungary is an experienced player in the movie incentives game. One of the first former Eastern Bloc countries to introduce generous tax incentives, it has progressively increased the amount available to up to 30 percent or eligible productions. Between 2010 and 2013, movie spending in Hungary accounted for on average 0.15 percent of GDP, double that of the U.K. and France — national film fund managers are expecting $200 million in incoming production spending this year alone.

Video Crew Budapest interviewing Holliday Grainger on The Borgias set

Video Crew Hire has dedicated, local behind the scenes video crews in both countries with an excellent track record of great set etiquette and a good knowledge of the actual nuts and bolts of filmmaking. Our camera crews are praised by film publicists for being absolutely invisible on sets, but still getting the best shots of the action possible. Beyond Hungary and Czech Republic we are involved in filming behind the scenes regularly in Bulgaria and Romania.

Interviewing Danny Trejo in Sofia