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Hungarian Edition
At Los Angeles’ Made in Hungary event, Government Commissioner Csaba Kael announced that Hungary’s influential film incentive has been extended through 2030. This highly successful scheme, which has attracted projects to Hungarian studios like Origo Studios, Korda Studios, and NFI Studios, was launched in 2004 as Central Europe’s first of its kind and has since transformed Hungary into the region’s largest production hub.
With annual production spending now topping USD 910 million, Hungary has quadrupled its production volume over the last five years, cementing its status as a top filming destination.
A Legacy of International Productions
Hungary’s film incentive has long attracted high-profile international projects, including “Hellboy II: The Golden Army”, “The Martian”, and “Terminator: Dark Fate”. More recent productions, like “Dune”, “Poor Things”, and “The Brutalist”, have further showcased Hungary’s unique landscapes, state-of-the-art facilities, and top-tier industry talent. Major studios, especially Origo Studios and Korda Studios, have been critical in facilitating these projects, making Hungary an essential destination for world-renowned filmmakers.
At the event, Kael highlighted the program’s impact on Hungarian cinema, noting that “Hungary’s film industry is now globally recognized, with award-winning productions and a rich collaboration network spanning studios and professionals from around the world.” The announcement comes on the scheme’s 20th anniversary, a milestone commemorated with the first Made in Hungary event in Los Angeles.
A Financially Attractive Incentive
The Hungarian Film Incentive offers a 30% rebate on direct expenses incurred during film production in Hungary, covering various costs such as location fees, equipment rental, and professional services. This rebate, available through local business partnerships or via a state-backed Collection Account managed by the National Film Institute (NFI), continues to attract a steady influx of productions, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films and commercials.
In describing his experience with Hungary’s affordable costs, The Brutalist director Brady Corbet remarked, “We were shooting in a country where things would cost what they really should cost,” reflecting the incentive’s appeal to international filmmakers seeking high production value at a competitive price.
Expanding Recognition for Hungarian Productions
In a historic first, the NFI presented “Poor Things” with the Best International Production Filmed in Hungary Award during the Made in Hungary festival. This award honors productions filmed in Hungary that have achieved notable success in American distribution or streaming. Celebrated at the Melrose Rooftop Theater, the accolade further emphasizes Hungary’s prominent role in international cinema.
The Made in Hungary event showcased seven Hungarian films, awarding Best Actress to Franciska Törőcsik for “Cat Call”, while “White Plastic Sky” by Tibor Bánóczki and Sarolta Szabó took home Best Picture. The event series, organized by the NFI and the Liszt Institute New York, signals Hungary’s ambition to expand cultural and industry partnerships in the U.S. Dr. Csenge Palotai, director of the Liszt Institute, expressed optimism about the opportunity to strengthen cultural ties, noting, “This festival highlights Hungary’s commitment to building valuable connections with Hollywood and supporting Hungarian talent.”
A Promising Future
With nearly 100 international projects filmed annually at Hungary’s studios, including Ridley Scott’s “Alien: Romulus”, NBC’s “The Day of the Jackal”, and Max Original’s “Dune: Prophecy”, Hungary’s production facilities are poised for even greater demand. Origo Studios, Korda Studios, and NFI Studios are integral to meeting this demand, offering cutting-edge facilities and experienced crews that attract high-profile global productions year after year.
More information about the Hungarian film incentive and industry can be found at madeinhungary.film.
Source: NFI
