Why Are So Many Productions Filmed in Hungary?
zita kisgergely
Following Donald Trump’s comments heralding tariffs on films made abroad, there’s been a lot of chatter about why a significant number of U.S. productions choose to film in foreign locations such as Hungary. Let’s break it down.
Hollywood has been hit by a series of setbacks over the past five years such as the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 followed by the writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023. According to last year’s report by production technology and research company ProdPro (first published by The Los Angeles Times), the number of global film and television productions is down 20% from 2022. With U.S. film and TV production still significantly below 2022 levels, studios are looking to cut costs by filming abroad in places that offer better deals.
Currently, the top filming spots worldwide are all located outside the U.S. as productions, tempted by lower costs and tax incentives, move to Canada, the U.K., Australia and Hungary. Production spend in Hungary neared $1 billion in 2024 and, with the number of international film and TV series being filmed in the country continuously increasing, the National Film Institute of Hungary projects expenditure will grow to $3 billion by 2030.
Hungary has hosted several major productions in recent years, including:
Alien: Romulus, directed by Ridley Scott
Dune: Part Two, from Denis Villeneuve
Poor Things, from Yorgos Lanthimos
The Brutalist, from Brady Corbet
What makes Hungary stand out:
State-of-the-art studios like Origo, Korda, and NFI Studios
A 30% tax rebate—one of the most competitive in Europe and recently extended to 2030.
Highly skilled and experienced crew as well as diverse talent available on the ground.
Versatile locations that double for cities and landscapes around the world.
Competitive costs
Features and TV Series currently filming in Budapest
Budapest is abuzz at the moment with major international film and TV productions filming as we speak.
Major international projects that are currently filming in the country:
3 Body Problem (Seasons 2 and 3)
Dune: Messiah (Feature film)
Matchbox (Action-adventure-comedy feature)
Ponies (Espionage-thriller TV series)
The Entertainment System Is Down (Rolund Östlund’s new satirical film starring Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst)
Newly announced titles about to be filmed in Hungary:
Alpha Gang (a sci-fi comedy starring Cate Blanchett)
The Billion Dollar Spy (a cold war thriller with Russel Crowe)
But these productions are not just taking advantage of tax breaks and cheaper costs. Productions are often moved to locations outside the country due to creative decisions made at script stage–films such as Mission Impossible, Harry Potter or the James Bond franchise spring to mind.
It remains unclear how proposed levies would be imposed on films, which can also be viewed as digital products or services and thus (currently) exempt from tariffs. Yet another question is which productions specifically they might be imposed on considering the complex way many films are funded and put together, incorporating investment and skills from various countries. What will constitute an “American” film?
So, as the global film industry prepares for Cannes among much second-guessing of how these tariffs will work, we’ll have to wait and see how decisions made in Washington will affect the sector and its choice of film locations.
Sources & further information
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.