Production service in Slovakia

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Slovakia offers an array of picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and a skilled local film industry that make it an increasingly popular choice for filmmakers seeking diverse and captivating shooting locations. From ancient castles and charming villages to lush forests and urban cityscapes, Slovakia provides a wide variety of settings to enhance your production. 

Locations in Slovakia

Slovakia boasts a rich tapestry of filming locations. The High Tatras mountain range provides breathtaking vistas, while medieval castles like Spiš Castle and Orava Castle transport you to a bygone era. Quaint villages with cobblestone streets and colorful houses offer a rustic charm, while modern urban areas such as Bratislava, the capital, provide a blend of history and contemporary architecture. The country’s diverse landscapes include rolling hills, pristine lakes, and dense forests, providing filmmakers with a range of options to suit their creative vision. Thanks to the variety of seasons ranging from snowy winters to warm summers, Slovakia allows you to create wide range of looks for your production. You may recognize these stunning locations from notable pieces such as “Dragonheart”, “The Witcher”, “Red Sparrow” or “The Peacemaker”.

Bratislava and Kosice

Being the two biggest cities of Slovakia, Bratislava and Kosice lay on opposite sides of the country and offer a piece of history on every corner. Both of the city centers are filled with cathedrals, castles and other significant buildings ranging from gothic to Renaissance, baroque, rococo to neo-classic and empire. Several parts were changed during the communist era, creating big concrete housing projects and socialist-realistic architecture pieces. Together with unique modern-design buildings, both Bratislava and Kosice therefore offer an interesting blend of looks in one place.

High Tatras

With high alpine-like mountains exceeding 2,500 meters, High Tatras create one of the most beautiful landscapes in Slovakia. Depending on the season, they can provide you with vibrant green mountain views as well as a scenery filled with ice cold snowy peaks, varied flora and fauna and the perfect spots for all kinds of outdoor activity shoots. They lay in the northern part of Slovakia near a city called Poprad, which makes it very accessible from other locations.

Castles and Chateaux

Slovakia is renowned for its impressive collection of castles, chateaux, and fortresses, numbering around 600 in total with all of them being in a very accessible distance from each other. Some of the most popular ones include Spiš castle, the biggest medeival complex in central Europe situated near Kosice, a fairy-like Bojnice castle which is only a 2 hour drive away from Bratislava, or the capital’s city castle Devin. Each of these locations provides a stunning setting for your filming needs.

Industrial complexes and agricultural locations

Slovakia is not only a country of beautiful mountains and historical architecture, it’s also the right spot if you are looking for agricultural locations or industrial complexes. Especially during the late summer, there are plenty of romantic grain fields, lowlands and vineyards. If you are seeking industrial locations, Slovakia offers automotive, steal or chemical factory complexes, hydro and nuclear plants, abandoned urban projects and several small airports. 

Crew and Equipment

Slovakia is home to a talented pool of local English speaking film professionals, including skilled directors, cinematographers, producers and technicians who are ready to help you with projects of all scales. The local film industry has been gaining international recognition, and you can expect a high standard of expertise and professionalism. Equipment rental services are available, offering a variety of options to meet your production needs. 

The costs of crew and equipment are relatively competitive compared to other European countries, making Slovakia an attractive choice for budget-conscious filmmakers. On top of that, the Slovak Film Commission offers 33% cash rebate on expenses spent on film or TV production, with the minimal spend ranging from USD 50 to 300.

Filming Permits

Obtaining filming permits in Slovakia is generally a straightforward process. Depending on your shoot’s complexity and location, permits might require varying degrees of coordination and time. For public spaces and non-intrusive setups, the process is usually smooth. However, for more complex shoots that involve road closures or significant disruptions, additional permits and collaboration with local authorities might be necessary. We can help you with the entire application process!

Slovakia offers a well-developed infrastructure, including modern transportation networks, accommodations, and a variety of amenities that cater to film productions. English is widely spoken, especially among the younger population, which facilitates communication and coordination. The country’s compact size allows for efficient travel between locations, minimizing logistical challenges.

The local population is generally friendly and welcoming, and a respectful approach to local culture and heritage is appreciated. Engaging with the local community and involving them in your project can foster goodwill and cooperation. 

In conclusion, Slovakia offers a wealth of captivating filming locations, a skilled local film industry, a relatively straightforward permit process, and a supportive infrastructure for filmmakers. With its diverse landscapes and historical charm, Slovakia provides an inspiring backdrop for any shoot! Whether you’re working on a small-scale project or a major production, Slovakia’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage is sure to enhance your cinematic vision.

To get an idea of what Slovakia locations can look like, have a look here.