A Martian in Hungary: Lists, Awards, and More!

Recently, the Hollywood Reporter ran an article about the top five Eastern European countries to film in – and save money. Would it be any surprise that Hungary is on the list? This year Hungary is particularly visible, with Oscar forerunners The Martian and Son of Saul having their origins here.

The availability of a world-class studio, in this case Korda Studios, directly outside of Budapest in Etyek, 'Hungary’s Napa Valley,' was instrumental in bringing the production to Hungary. According to the article, it was chosen for the size of its sound stages, 64,3000 square feet in this case, for the infrastructure they could provide, for the expertise of the local technicians and crew, and the hefty tax incentive, which can total up to 30 percent of the production. They had so much space, that they even maintained a small potato farm on the lot, to have access to potatoes at all stages of growth, as called for by the script. Originally slated to be shot in Australia, the production was brought to Hungary (and Jordan) when the film-makers found the conditions more agreeable here.

In addition to prime studio space, there was no shortage extra-curricular activities for cast, who were able to do things like practice indoor skydiving in Budapest at the SkyWard center’s gravity-defying, 260km-wind tunnel. Matt Damon was spotted at several nightspots around town, including one of the more posh ‘Ruin Pubs’ in downtown, Ötkert. In an interview with Showbiz & TV, Damon went so far as to claim he would live in Budapest – if it were an American city: “Oh yes, I’ve been here [in Budapest] for a month, and I adore it. I think this is one of the world’s biggest walking cities, and people are very nice. It’s similar to Prague, where I worked comparably a lot, and I’m delighted. I was just on the phone with one of my American friends yesterday, and when he asked me about Budapest I told him that if this city had been in America, I would have definitely moved there.”

With seven Academy Award nominations, and having already won big at the Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Best Actor awards, the film's association with Hungary will only make the country hotter as a film location.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Location Spotter: 3 Hundred-plus Year Old Restaurants

Budapest has been getting a lot of buzz for its sudden appearance on the international culinary scene since the Michelin guide began throwing stars in our direction like a foodie ninja. While this is all great and flattering, it’s important not to overlook the long history of elegant dining to be had in Budapest's 'old school' restaurants, all of which have weathered multiple wars and oppressive regimes. In terms of film locations in Budapest, in this list of three restaurants that are over 100 years old, you can find fastidiously restored interiors and old-world charm. Have a look below for a taste of Budapest’s oldest, grandest restaurants.

Apostolok

The eatery known as the ‘Apostles’ has been around since 1902, when it opened as a beer hall specializing in German brew.  Popular with actors, writers and poets, its location in the heart of central Pest also made it a popular tourist destination (no surprise, it still is). The grand room's interiors have been lovingly preserved but also kept up to date with a recent restoration.  

via visit-hungary.com

Central Kávéház

A mainstay for writers of the golden era of Hungarian literature, the Nyugat, or Western movement, the Central Coffeehouse has been running on and off since 1887. While it suffered under the Socialist era, it has made a comeback as a first-class restaurant while at the same time keeping itself available to more bohemian types as a casual coffee house. The huge and open interior, laden with history and the scents drifting in from the kitchen, make for one of the city’s more sophisticated dining experiences.

Karpatia Restaurant

If you like Gypsy music and goose liver, Karpatia is your place. Open since 1877, the restaurant is a city landmark. The intricate hand painted and gilded walls have been around since the 1920s, a well-preserved example of fin-de-siècle design, Karpatia communicates the atmosphere of a Transylvanian lodge.

via Karpatia.hu

via karpatia.hu

In terms of film locations in Budapest, the city's oldest restaurants are up to the task an readily available.

M. Ellis is a writer and gives manuscript critiques.