04-10-2009

New studios under construction in Budapest

By Dávid Dercsényi
    Eight new studios are in construction in Budapest, with the first expected to open its doors in spring 2010 and the remainder completed by the end of 2010.

    The new studios are located in the Rákospalota area, in the 15th district of Budapest.

    The U.S, investor is spending HUF 16 billion (EUR 60 million) and is expected to provide work for 2200 employers. Production can begin shooting as early as May 2010.

    Along with the studios, support facilities including a film lab and set workshop are also planned. The district mayor said the new facilities will provide state of the art filmmaking technology, as well as translating and dubbing in 50 languages and distribution possibilities.

    The Hungarian film law's 20% tax rebate for foreign film has created a studio building boom in Hungry. The increased competition to bring in foreign films has resulted in a growing list of films shooting in Hungary, among them The Eagle of the Ninth by Kevin Macdonald and The Pillars of the Earth from Sergio Mimica-Gezzan.