Filmed in Budapest: Sky Atlantic’s miniseries, AMADEUS
zita kisgergely
Budapest stands in for Vienna in a new adaptation of Peter Shaffer’s 1979 stage play that re-imagines the rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri.
Will Sharpe as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Image via SkyGroup.
Although set in late 18th century Vienna, the mini-series was filmed almost entirely in Budapest and across Hungary between May and September 2024. Apart from sharing significant architectural similarities with Vienna–such as sweeping 19th-century boulevards as well as grand neoclassical and Baroque buildings–Budapest as a filming location further offered a competitive 30% tax rebate and efficient production infrastructure.
While the celebrated 1984 film version of AMADEUS won eight Academy Awards, this new TV adaptation expands the narrative across multiple episodes, alternating the perspective from both Salineri and Amadeus’ viewpoints while exploring both the burden of genius and the pain of mediocrity. Will Sharpe portrays Mozart as restless, brilliant, and overflowing with ideas, while Paul Bettany delivers a controlled, deeply conflicted Salieri whose jealousy slowly consumes him.
Will Sharpe with Paul Bettany, who plays Antonio Salieri.
Budapest itself plays an essential role. The city’s historic streets, palaces, and cultural landmarks convincingly recreate Habsburg-era Vienna. Filming took place at iconic locations including the Castle Quarter, St Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera, and the Operetta Theatre. Beyond the capital, the production also shot in the west of Hungary: Sopron, Szentendre, and Esterházy Castle in Fertőd.
Sharpe has spoken in glowing terms about filming in Budapest, praising both the beauty of the city and the professionalism of local crews. While summer heat posed challenges, particularly in heavy period costumes, the experience underscored why so many international productions return to Hungary. In the past, the city’s diverse architecture has doubled for locations ranging from New York to cities across Europe, often with minimal visual alteration.
Produced by Two Cities Television in association with Sky Studios, AMADEUS stands as yet another strong example of how Budapest continues to attract high-profile film and television projects. For international producers looking to combine visual richness, period authenticity, logistical efficiency, and financial incentives, Hungary remains a leading choice for productions set in a range of time periods.
The five-part series, penned by British screenwriter Joe Barten (Black Doves, The Lazarus Project), premiered on 21 December 2025 on Sky Atlantic. Available in European territories from 2 January 2026 on SkyShowtime.
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