New Horizons for Filming in Hungary: NFI Studios expansion
zita kisgergely
Budapest, Hungary. A place already much favoured by international film and TV makers for its ability to seemingly mimic just about any other city on the planet. And beyond.
Sound stages in this central European country have even made us believe people were colonizing Mars; The Martian (2015) was filmed at Korda studios, which at the time had one of the largest sound studios in the world.
To meet the increasing demand from international producers wanting to film in Hungary, NFI studios are currently significantly expanding their capacity. With support from the National Film Institute (NFI), the studio is set to grow to 12,670 square meters and will cater to both international and domestic productions.
Aerial shot of NFI Studios showing expansion in yellow. Source: NFI.
NFI is not messing around. It hopes to build on an already stellar reputation Hungary has built as the second biggest international production hub in Europe after London.
Ildikó Kovács, head of NFI Studios, announced that the expansion would enable the studio to attract and host large-scale productions while maintaining world-class facilities for high-end TV and film projects. The new sound stages are designed to be versatile. Not only able to accommodate various productions, they will be strategically located near backlot sets and support facilities, including on-site set construction services, special effects (SFX), and transportation.
As part of the expansion, four new 2,500-square-meter sound stages will be constructed, bringing the total studio capacity to 12,670 square meters. These stages can be used individually or in pairs of 4,945 square meters, separated by a mobile 15-meter high soundproofed wall.
NFI’s ambitious project represents Hungary's most extensive state-funded film studio development to date. Located on a 23-hectare plot in Fót, just outside the Hungarian capital, the complex has provided a diverse backdrop of locations over the years, from medieval European towns to the wild west of the U.S. and everything in between.
Source: NFI.
The comprehensive collection of sets, props, wardrobe items and accessories cover a wide range of historical eras and sound positively mouth-watering to a humble writer such as myself; the narrative possibilities seem endless!
Did anyone say armoury? There’s a vast catalogue of weapons available from the Middle Ages to the 1960s, including one of central Europe's largest inventories of First and Second World War machine guns and revolvers.
Not only that, the studio houses continental Europe’s largest outdoor water tank which was used in Warner Bros' Blade Runner 2049.
If we could see Ryan Gosling doing a song and dance number under water, that would really be something.
With this expanded facility complementing an already impressive number of other studio options available in or near Budapest, 30% tax rebate, diverse landscapes and skilled crews, Hungary will no doubt continue to attract film makers looking to get more bang for their buck.
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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.