Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has emerged in recent years as one of the most attractive destinations for the international audiovisual industry. With a unique combination of historical, modern, and contemporary architecture, along with solid support for film productions, Vilnius offers a wide range of possibilities for directors and producers from around the world. The Vilnius Film Office has played a key role in this success, facilitating logistics and providing tax incentives that make this city an irresistible choice for film and television productions.
Scenic and Architectural Diversity
One of Vilnius’ greatest attractions is its ability to transform into any city in the world. Over the past decade, it has been portrayed as cities as diverse as Rome, Berlin, Paris, Vienna, London, Washington, Stockholm, and many more. This is due to its rich architectural diversity, which includes Baroque, Gothic, Classical, Modernist, and even Scandinavian-inspired contemporary styles. Every corner of the city seems to offer a different cinematic setting, making it a versatile location for a wide variety of genres and historical periods.
Some of the most notable locations include the historic ensemble of Vilnius University, perfect for period dramas, and the Lukiškės prison complex, an authentic century-old jail now functioning as a cultural venue. Additionally, the city boasts unique examples of social modernism, characterised by their imposing forms and well-preserved interiors, adding even more value for directors seeking visually impactful settings.
World-Class audiovisual infrastructure
Vilnius not only offers a variety of locations but is also the heart of Lithuania’s audiovisual industry. An impressive 90% of the country’s film production takes place in this city, which includes film studios, production companies, talent agencies, film festivals, and highly skilled multilingual crews.
The city houses Lithuania’s largest film studio, with two 1000 m² pavilions, allowing filmmakers to create diverse sets such as trenches or pools. There is also a well-equipped art department with storage for props and costumes, and facilities for makeup and other technical needs. Moreover, the Green Screen Studio, with a surface of 335 m², is perfect for shoots requiring advanced visual effects.
The close proximity between locations and the high quality of services ensures that the experience of filming in Vilnius is both efficient and professional. These elements have been crucial in attracting major international productions.
Source: Vilnius Film Office
International productions of success
Thanks to its versatility and top-tier infrastructure, Vilnius has been the setting for various high-profile international television series and films over the past decade. Some of the most notable include the TV series Sisi, produced by Story House Pictures GmbH, the fourth season of Stranger Things on Netflix, Clark by Scandinavian Content Group, Catherine the Great by HBO and Sky TV, Chernobyl by HBO and Sky TV, and Truth and Conviction by Kaleidoscope Pictures.
Each of these productions has made full use of Vilnius’ ability to adapt to different eras and visual styles. For example, Vilnius city centre was transformed into 1940s Hamburg for the series Truth and Conviction, while the city also became the Hofburg Palace of the 19th century for the series Sisi. These transformations highlight Vilnius’ flexibility as a filming location, able to take on multiple roles to suit any script.
Tax incentives: an additional draw
One of the main reasons Vilnius is so attractive to international productions is the Lithuanian Film Tax Incentive, introduced in 2019. This incentive allows productions to save up to 30% of their production budget through a private investment scheme. This benefit is available for feature films, TV dramas, documentaries, and animated films, whether they are domestically produced, co-produced, or commissioned.
This tax incentive scheme has been crucial in attracting international productions, which find in Vilnius not only a beautiful and versatile location but also an economically attractive one. Additionally, at least 80% of eligible production costs must be incurred in Lithuania, ensuring a positive economic impact for the country.
With its wide range of locations, advanced audiovisual infrastructure, competitive tax incentives, and a team of highly skilled professionals, Vilnius has firmly established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for the global film industry. Whether for a historical drama, a science fiction series, or a period film, the capital of Lithuania offers everything a production team could need. For any filmmaker or producer seeking a location that provides versatility and quality, Vilnius stands out as the ideal choice.