As the Hollywood film industry grapples with a significant strike led by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), Budapest emerges as a resilient hub for independent filmmakers. The strike has brought many Hollywood studios and streamers to a standstill, but independent productions, unaffiliated with the AMPTP or Hollywood’s major studios, have found a way to navigate these turbulent waters.
A shining example of this resilience is the production of “Dune: The Sisterhood,” a prequel series to the Oscar-winning “Dune.” According to a Deadline report, the series is set to relaunch production in Budapest “any day now” and will continue throughout the course of the WGA and SAG strikes. This continuation of production amidst industry-wide unrest underscores the adaptability and resilience of independent productions in Budapest.
At the heart of this resilience is ORIGO Studios, a state-of-the-art film production complex in Budapest, offering Hollywood standard facilities. The studio complex, often referred to as the film capital of Europe, provides production offices, workshops, water tanks, and over 14 acres of backlot, ensuring that independent productions have access to the same resources as their Hollywood counterparts.
Furthermore, Hungary offers a generous tax credit system, providing a cash rebate of 30% on all eligible Hungarian and non-Hungarian spend. This financial incentive, coupled with the country’s expert workforce and beautiful locations, makes Budapest an attractive destination for filmmakers worldwide.
Budapest, with its Hollywood standard facilities, generous tax incentives, and resilient independent film industry, is paving the way for independent films to thrive. As the film industry continues to face challenges, Budapest stands as a beacon of hope, offering a home for filmmakers and their visions, even in times of industry unrest.
