Austria
Austria is best known for its beautiful Alpine mountain locations, many of which are easily accessible by road. Austria is divided into nine states including Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Tyrol, Carinthia, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, and Burgenland. Film locations in Austria can be divided into the three main production centres you’re most likely to base your crew – Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Cost & Rebates
Austria trades in the Euro. Generally speaking costs in Austria are similar to France and Germany. Cash rebate of 20% eligible production costs
Requirements: You must pass a cultural eligibility test, spend $1.5 million in Austria, and meet various other requirements.
When To Shoot
Austria has a temperate continental climate. Winter (November to March) is cold and snow-covered, especially in the Alps. Spring (April to May) is mild with wildflowers in full bloom. Summer (June to September) is warm and dry with long shoot days. Fall is mild with leaves changing colour. Bregenz Festival takes place in July / August. Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market located in front of Vienna’s City Hall is open from November and December. Austria also hosts many classical music events including Schubertiade and Musikfestival Grafenegg.
Visa Information
Austria is a member of the Schengen Area. US passport holders can enter Austria visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Austria has a good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Its close proximity to other major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of creative talent should you ever need to look further. Austrian crews are of a high international standard. They work in small, efficient teams. Crews are in unions however there is enough flexibility to package deals. Talent. Is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Most talent in Austria is Caucasian with some Turkish and Balkan looks also available. All other talent is best cast abroad. Austria’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of talent should you ever need to look further. Equipment. Austria has a good selection of camera, grip and lighting equipment houses including Arri Rentals Vienna. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Austria is an ATA carnet country.