Hungarian Film Incentive Extended Through 2030: Boosting the Film Industry
Securing Hungary's Role as a Premier Film Destination
Dec 4, 2024
In a landmark announcement from Los Angeles, Government Commissioner Csaba Kael declared the extension of Hungary's influential film support scheme through 2030. This extension reaffirms Hungary's dedication to fostering cinematic excellence, a commitment that has previously catalyzed international hits such as ‘Dune’, ‘Maria’, and ‘The Brutalist’.
The Origins and Impact of Hungary’s Film Incentive
Since its inception in 2004, Hungary's film support scheme has stood as Central Europe's pioneering film incentive. It has played a critical role in the production of major films like ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. These productions showcase Hungary's capabilities and also underline the incentive’s impact on the international stage.
Hungary as Europe’s Production Powerhouse
As continental Europe’s largest production hub, Hungary has witnessed a remarkable growth in its film production expenditures, reaching an unprecedented USD 910 million annually—a fourfold increase over the past five years. This surge underscores Hungary's enhanced infrastructure and expertise in film production.
Celebrating 20 Years of Cinematic Achievements
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of this transformative film support scheme. Government Commissioner Csaba Kael emphasized this milestone at the ‘Made in Hungary’ event on October 28th, 2024, in Los Angeles. He noted the global recognition Hungarian films have garnered, consistently earning nominations and awards at prestigious ceremonies like the Oscars and BAFTAs. Productions such as 'Dune', 'Poor Things', 'The Brutalist', and 'Maria' not only benefited from Hungarian locations and expertise but also contributed significantly to the cultural repertoire of global cinema.
The Future of Film Making in Hungary Post-2024
Previously set to expire at the end of 2024, the scheme's extension has been approved by the European Commission, securing nearly a 3 billion USD budget for future projects. This extension invites filmmakers worldwide to continue their artistic pursuits in Hungary, taking advantage of the stunning landscapes, state-of-the-art studios, and the renowned skill of Hungarian film professionals. Reflecting on the cost-effectiveness of filming in Hungary, Brady Corbet, director of the Venice Film Festival sensation ‘The Brutalist’, remarked on the realistic pricing and value offered by the country.
Understanding the Hungarian Film Incentive Program
Under the extended Hungarian Film Incentive, productions (for cinema and television) filmed in Hungary are eligible for a 30% rebate on all direct production costs incurred within the country. This scheme, part of the broader European Commission-approved film support program, provides substantial financial benefits either through local business companies or directly via the state-managed Collection Account of the National Film Institute (NFI).
Source: NFI Hungary