Latvia
The Baltic nation of Latvia offers visiting productions a picturesque landscape of pine forests, lakes, rolling fields, beaches, castles, Soviet-era and Art Nouveau architecture. Wheat and rye are the main crops. It is a small country where all film locations are within a 4 hour drive from Riga.
Cost & Rebates
Latvia trades in the Euro. It remains one of the most cost competitive production centres in Europe.
The Riga Film Fund offers support in the form of cash rebates of up to 25% for eligible co-productions. It is also possible to have VAT returned on feature film projects but the process takes 6 to 12 months.
When To Shoot
Latvia has a four-season climate. Winters (December to March) are cold and snowy. Spring (April to May) has wildflowers in full bloom. Summers (June to September) are warm. Fall (October to November) brings colourful leaves. Spring through to fall are the best times to film for weather.
Visa Information
Latvia is a Schengen Area member. Only certain countries need visas and there is no need for work permits. Visiting US film crews can enter visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Contact your local Latvian embassy / representative for more information.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Latvia has a small pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Latvian crews are experienced in servicing international productions. They work efficiently and are flexible on rates and work hours. Department heads all speak fluent English. It is recommended to bring in a 1st AD and an art director on more complicated jobs. Latvia’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those crews should you ever need to look further. Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Latvia offers mainly Scandinavian and Slavic looking featured talent. Latvia’s close proximity to major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of talent should you ever need to look further. Latvia is Arri based and has all the latest cameras, Panther & Magnum dollies, a variety of cranes including a Technocrane as well as a contemporary lighting kit. Other specific technical equipment such as helicopter mounts need to be brought in from Germany or Finland. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Latvia is an ATA carnet country.