Sweden
Sweden is known for its coastal islands, inland lakes, vast boreal forests, glacial mountains, and Scandinavian design. The country has hosted films including Borg vs. McEnroe, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Into the White, and Lars Von Trier’s Melancholia. Sweden is divided into three geographic regions:
Cost & Rebates
Sweden is a relatively expensive place to shoot. In particular, Stockholm hotels and restaurants are very expensive by world standards. Sweden trades in the Swedish Krona. Sweden offers eligible film and TV projects will receive a rebate of up to 30% on local qualified spend costs.
When To Shoot
Sweden has bitterly cold winters especially farther north. Summers have long daylight hours and can be hot in the south. July and August are the best months to film warm, sunny weather. Above the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun can be seen between mid-May and mid-June. The best time for filming the Aurora Borealis is between September and March.
Visa Information
Sweden is a member of the Schengen Area. Crews travelling on US passports can enter Sweden visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Work permits are not required to film in Sweden.
Cast, Crew & Equipment
Sweden has a small but very professional pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. Local crews are of the highest international standard. Sweden has a good depth of key and support crew that speak fluent English. Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Sweden offers mainly Nordic looks. The Sami reindeer herding people are an indigenous people living in Lapland. Sweden also has sizable communities from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Sweden has a range of digital and film camera options, camera cars and mounts, Steadicam, and a good depth of lighting and grip equipment. Some specialized equipment may need to be brought in from abroad. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Sweden is an ATA carnet country.