The Netherlands, with its impressive mix of urban and rural landscapes, has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for audiovisual productions in Europe. From historic cities with perfectly preserved architecture to vast rural areas of natural beauty, the country offers a unique variety of settings for different film genres, making it a versatile and exciting destination for filmmakers from all over the world.
An ideal setting for any production
The appeal of the Netherlands lies not only in its old-world charm, but also in its ability to fuse the old with the modern. The well-developed infrastructure, coupled with cutting-edge contemporary architecture, provides an ideal contrast for productions that seek to capture both the essence of history and the pulse of modernity. This allows filmmakers to create a myriad of visual narratives in a compact environment, where it is possible to move quickly from place to place thanks to the country’s excellent transport network.
First-class services for audiovisual productions
The Netherlands Film Commission, through the Nederlands Film Fond, offers a range of services that facilitate film production from start to finish. Assistance with location scouting is one of the pillars of this support, enabling productions to identify and secure the perfect sites for each shoot. In addition, the commission provides guidance in obtaining permits, which is essential to ensure that all legal procedures are carried out smoothly and without delay.
Another significant advantage is the availability of financial incentives for international productions. Through the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, projects can access a cash rebate of up to 35% of eligible production costs, which represents considerable financial relief and encourages investment in the local film industry.
In addition, the country has a rich supply of local talent and production services. From highly skilled technical teams to connections with casting agencies and top-notch production companies, the Netherlands is well equipped to cover all the needs of a shoot. This is complemented by the presence of state-of-the-art equipment rental houses and post-production facilities that guarantee a high quality end result.
A proven track record in major productions
The Netherlands’ presence in film and television is not a recent development. Over the years, the country has been the backdrop for numerous high-profile productions, demonstrating its ability to host large-scale shoots. Among the most prominent examples is ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, filmed in Amsterdam, where the city’s iconic canals and historic sites served as the backdrop for this emotional story.
On the other hand, the epic World War II drama ‘Dunkirk’, directed by Christopher Nolan, used the Urk area, home to Europe’s largest open-air freshwater stage. This filming not only showcased the logistical capacity of the Netherlands to host a large-scale production, but also demonstrated the diversity of scenery the country has to offer.
‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard is another significant example, with action sequences shot in various locations around the country, taking advantage of the vibrant urban scenes of Dutch cities. Similarly, the Netflix series ‘Sense8’ highlighted Amsterdam’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes in several of its key scenes, reinforcing the image of the Netherlands as an ideal location for international filming.
The perfect combination of landscape and institutional support
One of the most attractive aspects for productions is the country’s ability to offer a complete film experience, where not only the landscapes contribute to the quality of filming, but also the strength of the film infrastructure and services. The compact size of the country allows film crews to move quickly between locations, which is crucial to maximise shooting time and optimise budget.
In short, the Netherlands presents itself as a versatile and attractive destination for the audiovisual industry, with an unrivalled combination of diverse landscapes, professional services and financial support to meet the needs of any production. The country’s long history of hosting high-profile shoots and its ability to continue to innovate and offer competitive incentives consolidate it as a reference point for filmmakers looking for unique and quality locations.
For these reasons, the Nederlands Film Fond and the Netherlands Film Commission are ideal strategic partners for any production looking for a destination that offers diversity, efficiency and quality filmmaking.