Location Shooting a movie in Belgrade, Serbia

I just spent a few days on location in Belgrade, Serbia on a movie set and I thought I would share some of the experience in this blog.

Film is a visual experience & filmmakers look for ‘cinematic’ imagery – so, is there a location that has never been seen?
Iconic locations audiences love to see.
The desire for something different – does the location have futuristic cities; undiscovered countryside; unique urban environments.

Film sets are easy to use – everything can be built and the camera has easy access. However, it is expensive to build sets.
Location shooting offers a choice i.e. stages to shoot interiors; standing sets; local environments.

Incentives – all movies, at all budgets, look to be cost effective.
This is why rebates / incentives are popular across the world. e.g. THE WHITE CROW shot in the Serbia – and accessed the local rebate.

Belgrade is a city that can double for other cities e.g. London, New York, Germany, Russia ..
A few hours from Belgrade is beautiful countryside – it can even double for Japan (which, if you’re a European production, will mean cost savings).
Costs – Serbia is around 40% cheaper in terms of production costs – a big difference when budgeting your film.
Incentives – a 25% cash rebate for shooting in Serbia. Applicable on spend. (not VAT – which is 20% on goods / services and 10% for hotels)
This rebate applies to features, animation, VFX, documentaries etc.
The 2019 fund is set at EUR7.5m with no cap on film budget.

Belgrade Film Festival is now in its 47th year.
It has four main sections – “The main competition programme” – international selection; “Serbian Film” – national selection; “Frontiers” – subversive, controversial and arthouse films; and movies from the region that compete for “Nebojša Đukelić” Award
This year’s Festival takes place 22 February – 3 March 2019

Belgrade is an easy city to get around.
It is a “film friendly” city and the local people and officials want to embrace filmmakers.
The city makes access as simple as possible – especially when applying for permits and clearances.
There are film studios with good sound stages within each reach of Belgrade, the capital city.
Belgrade is an ‘east meets west’ destination – a hub for shooting across the region.
The local currency is the Serbian Dinar (but US dollars and Euros are widely accepted).
Local language is Serbian but English is widely spoken.
Population is 7.5 million; area of 88,361 sq. km
Nightlife is good – there are great bars, restaurants and cafes.

Getting There

Air Serbia is the national carrier. Flying in 2.5 hours from Belgrade to many European destinations.
Weather – Serbia has four seasons – with cold winters, hot summers & moderate annual rainfall.

For more information on location shooting a movie in Belgrade, Serbia check out the Serbia Film Commission.

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