Poland
Situated in the geographic centre of Europe, Poland offers a great diversity of natural landscapes and architecture. Landscapes include snow-capped mountains, deep forests, lakes, sandy beaches, and rural looks. Architecture in Poland ranges from early Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Soviet, Modernist and Contemporary. Poland is famous for its many well maintained castles.
Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, and Olsztyn are the major film production centres.
Agricultural looks of interest in Poland include wheat and rye fields, dairy farms, cherry and apple orchards.
Cost & Rebates
Poland on average is much more cost effective than Western Europe, on par with Czech or Hungary, and more expensive than Latvia, Ukraine or Romania. Poland does not yet trade in the Euro. A 30% cash rebate is available to co-productions, domestic and service productions. Only feature films, documentaries and high-end television series can receive the rebate. Incentives are also available from regional film offices. The Polish Film Institute runs its own fund which covers up to a maximum of 50% of the total budget.
When To Shoot
Poland has a four-season climate with hot summers, colourful leaves in fall, white winters, and spring in full bloom. May to October are the best months to film warm weather looks. November to April has snow in the mountains.
Visa Information
Poland is a member of the Schengen Area. Visiting US film crews can enter visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. Only certain countries need visas and there is no need for work permits.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Poland has a small but impressive 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. There are no unions in Poland. Crew costs are very competitive compared to Western Europe. Polish crews are experienced and creative. They have a great attitude and English is widely spoken. Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Poland has very few non-Polish talent looks available but its close proximity to other major European production centres allows easy access to those pools of talent should you ever need to look further. Poland is Panavision based. All of the standard camera, grip and lighting equipment is available locally. Some specialised gear needs to be brought in. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Poland is an ATA carnet country.