SLOVAKIA

Slovakia, nestled in the heart of Europe, offers a rich tapestry of filming locations that are both visually stunning and steeped in history. The country’s diverse terrain ranges from the majestic High Tatras, with their snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, to the lowlands of the Danube Basin. These landscapes offer ideal settings for a wide range of film genres, from high-stakes adventure and fantasy epics to intimate nature documentaries.

Historically, Slovakia is a treasure trove. Its many castles, such as the imposing Spiš Castle and the picturesque Bojnice Castle, are among the most well-preserved in Europe. These sites provide authentic settings for period dramas and historical documentaries, capturing the essence of centuries past. Additionally, the country’s numerous medieval towns, with their cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture, are perfect for historical narratives and can easily transport audiences to a different era.

Urban Slovakia, particularly the capital city of Bratislava, offers a contrasting backdrop. Here, the old meets the new, with modern structures standing alongside Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings. This juxtaposition of architectural styles makes Slovak cities versatile locations, capable of representing various European locales across different time periods.

The Slovak film industry is known for its skilled professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a practical choice for international productions. The local talent, from experienced directors and technicians to multilingual actors, contributes to a productive and creative filming environment. Additionally, Slovakia’s favorable geographic location in Central Europe, with easy access to neighboring countries, enhances its appeal as a versatile and convenient filming destination.

In essence, Slovakia’s combination of natural beauty, historical richness, architectural diversity, and a supportive film industry make it an ideal locale for filmmakers seeking a unique, picturesque, and adaptable European setting.

Shooting Locations
Slovakia's diverse landscapes and rich architectural heritage provide a wealth of unique shooting locations, catering to various film genres and creative visions.
Bratislava

The capital city is a blend of old and new. The Bratislava Castle, overlooking the Danube, offers panoramic views and historical settings. The Old Town, with its narrow streets and squares, is perfect for period pieces, while the modern skyline provides a backdrop for contemporary stories.

Castles and Fortresses

Slovakia is rich in castles. Besides Spiš Castle, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, there’s Bojnice Castle, a romantic, fairy-tale location. Čachtice Castle, linked to the legend of Countess Elizabeth Báthory, offers a mysterious, Gothic setting.

Medieval Towns

Towns like Banská Štiavnica and Bardejov showcase well-preserved medieval architecture. Their historic centers, with cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, are ideal for historical dramas.

Natural Landscapes

The High Tatras offer dramatic mountain scenery, while Slovak Paradise National Park features unique natural formations like canyons and waterfalls, great for adventure narratives.

Cultural Sites

Wooden churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide unique settings for historical and cultural films.

Rural Landscapes

The Slovak countryside, with its traditional villages and pastoral landscapes, offers authentic settings for stories set in rural Europe.

Vineyards and Wine Regions

Regions like Tokaj are not only scenic but also culturally significant, providing a lush backdrop for stories that revolve around vineyards and rural life.

Shooting Locations » Image gallery
Locations in Slovakia offers filmmakers many options, enhancing the narrative depth and authenticity of film projects.
Sound Stages in Slovakia

There is a variety of sound stages in Romania, mostly located in Bucharest and vicinity, encompassing sizes from 400 sqm, up to 3500 sqm Stage 5 in Castel Film Studios, Stage 12A+B (3500) in Buftea Studiosand 4200 sqm – the King’s Hangar in Frame Fillm Studios, the largest sound stage in Eastern Europe. Several watertanks are also available, including an 800 sqm /5.5m deep in Stage 9 in Buftea Studios

Film Shooting Equipment Availability in Romania
Slovakia’s film industry is well-equipped to cater to a variety of production needs. Here’s an overview of the equipment availability:
  1. Cameras: A wide range of camera options, including the latest in digital and film technology, are available to accommodate different production scales and preferences.
  2. Lighting and Grip: Slovak rental services offer an extensive selection of lighting and grip equipment, suitable for diverse shooting conditions and creative demands.
  3. Sound Equipment: High-quality sound recording gear is readily accessible, ensuring clear and professional audio capture for productions.
  4. Post-Production Facilities: Slovakia boasts several advanced post-production houses, providing services like editing, color grading, and VFX.
  5. Specialized Equipment: For specific needs like aerial photography or underwater shooting, specialized equipment like drones and underwater cameras are available through specialized rental services.
This broad spectrum of high-quality equipment, combined with skilled technical support, ensures that film productions in Slovakia can be executed with a high level of 
professionalism and creative freedom. More over, slovak rental compaines are usually working with etablished big rental houses in Munich, Prague, Budapest.
Weather Contidions in Slovakia
Slovakia’s climate offers a diverse range of conditions suitable for various filming requirements. The country experiences four distinct seasons:
  1. Spring (March to May): This period is marked by gradually warming temperatures and blooming landscapes, providing a fresh and vibrant backdrop for filming.
  2. Summer (June to August): Slovak summers are typically warm, with long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor shooting schedules.
  3. Autumn (September to November): The fall season brings cooler temperatures and a palette of rich, earthy colors to the forests and vineyards, creating visually stunning scenes.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the mountainous regions, offering picturesque settings for winter-themed narratives.
The varied Slovakian weather, from the warm summers to the snowy winters, allows filmmakers to choose the perfect seasonal backdrop for their projects.
Travel and Visas in Slovakia

Slovakia offers convenient travel options for film crews, with Bratislava’s international airport connecting to major cities worldwide. The country’s central European location facilitates easy access from neighboring countries by road or rail. For non-EU film crews, Slovakia, as a Schengen Area member, requires a Schengen visa for entry. The visa application process is standardized, and local production companies or the Slovak Film Commission can assist with the necessary documentation. It’s important to check the latest visa regulations and seek professional advice to ensure compliance and a smooth travel experience for international film productions.

Film Tax Incentives in Slovakia
Slovakia’s film tax incentive program is designed to attract international filmmakers by offering financial benefits:
 
  1. Rebate Percentage: Slovakia offers a 33% cash rebate on qualifying production expenses. 
  2. Qualifying Expenses: Eligible costs typically include spending on local labor, services, rentals, and other production-related activities within Slovakia.
  3. Cultural Test: Similar to other European countries, Slovakia may require a cultural test to ensure the production contributes to the promotion of Slovak or European culture.
    Minimum Spend Requirements: There are specific minimum spending thresholds to qualify for the incentives, which differ based on the type of production, such as feature films, documentaries, or TV productions
    €100,000 ($100,000) for individual feature film; €50,000 ($50,000) for documentary or animation spent in the Slovak Republic over a period of 3 years, after project registration.
    €300,000 ($300,000) for television series of max. 26 episodes spent in the Slovak Republic over a period of 3 years, after project registration.
  4. Application Process: Productions need to apply for the incentives before beginning their shoot in Slovakia. This process includes the submission of detailed budgets, scripts, and project plans. After registration of the project the producer shall receive a certificate. The eligibility period of expenses (3 years) starts after the issue date of the certificate (which shall be delivered to the applicant company within 30 days after the project registration). The eligibility period of expenses (3 years) starts upon the issuance of the certificate. For the expected sum of the cash rebate to be included in the Slovak Audiovisual Fund budget for the following budgetary year, the project has to be registered before August 1st of the current year.
  5. Payment of Rebate: The rebate is typically disbursed after the completion of the production The applicant needs to conduct an independent audit demonstrating the eligible costs incurred, and includes co-production or service agreements, and other documents.  The Audiovisual Fund shall check the completeness of the cash rebate application within 30 days from its submission. If everything checks out, the Fund will provide a draft of the cash rebate contract. Otherwise, the Fund will request additional documentation or information and give an additional 30 days for the completion of the application. The cash rebate will be issued after the additional documentation and information has been received.
 
These incentives make Slovakia a financially viable option for various productions, offering significant cost savings alongside its scenic locations and professional services. 
Productions planning to shoot in Slovakia should consult with local production companies or the Slovak Film Commission for the most current information and assistance 
with the application process.

About

Frame Film

FRAME FILM is a production company and studio facility founded by producers Andrei Boncea and director Dragos Buliga joined by producers Gabriel Popescu, our British partner, producer Christopher Milburn and our French partner, media executive Jean Christophe Lestra. FRAME FILM joined slovak film producer and local entrepreneur Rasto Kuril to create FRAME FILM SK.

FRAME FILM and the founders Andrei Boncea and Dragoș Buliga created and produced the most succesful romanian tv series of all time, LAS FIERBINTI, still going on strong after 22 seasons. The team credits includes romanian adaptations of british comedy series THE WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE and spanish comedy series LOS HOMBRE DE PACO. Recently, three new comedy series , ATLETICO TEXTILA, OUR FOLKS, TRIPLU SEC were produced by the team. Dragos Buliga directed also the pilot for the new series created by Nae Caranfil, SATURDAY NIGHT YEARS. He made his big debut in international cinema with the fantasy thriller The WANDERERS, starring Armand Assante, Lior Ashkenazi and Branko Djuric.

Andrei Boncea credits as a producer includes Academy Award nominated JOYEUX NOEL, directed by Christian Carion and Un Certain Regard Cannes winner CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’, directed by Christian Nemescu, AMEN, directed by Costa Gavras, CALLAS FOREVER, directed by Franco Zefirelli.

Chris Milburn has produced over twenty-five feature films, working internationally across the UK, Eastern Europe, the United States and Asia, including “An American Haunting” which was Chris’s first production in Romania which he produced alongside Andrei Boncea in 2004. The film , directed by Courtney Solomon, starred Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek and had success in both the US and international markets.

Gabi Popescu credits includes projects like The Protege, directed by Martin Campbell, starring Samuel Jackson and Michael Keaton. and Bunraki, directed by Guy Moshe, starring Josh Harnett, Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson.

Rasto Kuril credits includes the production management of major international production shot in Slovakia, such as VAN HELSING, DRACULA, HANNA, RED SPARROW. production reel https://vimeo.com/685272555/687e9c2a94

As a production service, FRAME FILM worked for also for numerous international commercial productions with clients such as Viacom Hungary (Comedy Club), Henry France (Winamax, Coyote), Pool Films Switzerland (Swiss Tourism), Henry de Czar (NN Insurance), Handsome Paris (Manor), The Sweetshop Films UK (Three Mobile).

Recently our company completed the production service for supernatural thriller DAMPYR, produced by Eagle Pictures, directed by Riccardo Chemello, starring Wade Briggs, Frida Gustavsson and Stuart Martin and for the action HE PROTEJE, produced by Millenium Films, starring Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Maggie Q., directed by Martin Campbell.

Recently our company completed the production for DJANGO – The Series, produced by Cattleya Italy (Ricardo Tozzi,) and Atlantique Productions France (Olivier Bibas), for STUDIOCANAL/ Sky Originals, directed by Francesca Comencini, starring Matthias Schoenaerts Our sloval unit. Frame Film SK competed the production of THE PERFORMANCE, directed by Shira Piven, starring Jeremy Piven and Robert Carlyle, and THE STRANGERS Trilogy, directed by Renny Harlin, starring Madelaine Petsch and Gabe Basso.

Maxim Behar

Maxim Behar is a globally renowned PR expert, entrepreneur, journalist, diplomat, and Harvard Kennedy School graduate. He is the founder and CEO of the Bulgarian leading PR company M3 Communication Group, Inc., exclusive partner of Hill and Knowlton.

Maxim is a Harvard Kennedy School graduate, former President of the World PR Organization ICCO, currently ICCO International Growth Chair also International Fellow of PRCA, President of the World Communications Forum Association in Davos, Switzerland, and Advisory Board Member of one of the most influential European Universities ENGAGE.EU.

In his extensive media & PR career Maxim Behar met hundreds of dignitaries and discussed with them current business and political topics. Among them are King Charles III, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Presidents Shimon Peres (Israel), Lech Valesa (Poland), Vaclav Havel (Czech Republic), former Prime Ministers Tzippy Livni (Israel), Felipe Gonzalez (Spain) Prince Michael of Kent, Lord Black of Brentwood and Lord Pickles,

He has been inducted into the Global PR Hall of Fame in London and awarded many titles, among them Best PR Professional in Europe for 2020 and 2022 by PR Week, Global CEO of the Year by The International Stevie Awards, and Communicator of the Decade by the Indian Association of Business Communications. His book The Global PR Revolution  was ranked among the Top 3 Best PR Books of All Time by Book Authority. Maxim Behar is also a Honorary Consul General of Republic of Seychelles to Bulgaria.

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Valentin Dimitrov

Valentin Dimitrov is an exceptionally accomplished and experienced film producer and line producer with a remarkable international background. In his role as the Head of Production at Nu Boyana, a production company with operations spanning Bulgaria and Spain over the last seven years, he has demonstrated his skill in successfully managing film productions with a diverse range of budgets. This extensive experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking industry.

Valentin’s work has taken him to five different continents, endowing him with a unique and well-rounded perspective on the film production process. His deep passion for cinema, creative flair, and versatility make him an invaluable asset in bringing cinematic ideas to life.

His capabilities also extend to project management, where he possesses a natural ability to oversee multiple projects concurrently. With more than 20 years of experience in the film industry, his continued enthusiasm for the work is a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the field. During his journey in the film business, he had the chance to work with some of the most famous film studios, including Disney, Netflix, 20th Century fox, Warner Brothers, Paramount pictures amongst others. His name is associated with iconic titles such as “Conan”, “300”, “Rambo”, “Young Woman and the Sea”, ”The Expendables”, “Hitman’s Bodyguard” and numerous others, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

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Sagiv Diamant

Sagiv Diamant holds degrees from the University of Arizona in Media Arts and Business, as well as an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He launched his career at Foresight Unlimited, where, in addition to film production, he excelled in film packaging, focusing on foreign sales, international distribution, and financing.

Noteworthy among his producer credits are “We Die Young,” a Netflix sensation reaching #3 domestically, and “God The Father.” Sagiv also contributed as a production manager on several prominent European-shot films, including “Memory,” featuring Liam Neeson and Guy Pearce, released worldwide in 2022. Furthermore, he played a key role in “Tin Soldier,” starring Jamie Foxx and Robert De Niro, and “Dirty Angels,” directed by Martin Campbell and starring Eva Green, both currently in post-production.

His comprehensive knowledge in film production, encompassing budgeting, scheduling, and logistical planning, extends to leveraging tax rebates across Europe to ensure cost efficiency. Sagiv’s unique combination of creativity, strategic insight, and business acumen fuels his unwavering passion for filmmaking, evident in his involvement in multiple projects currently in the development and pre-production stages.

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Moshe Diamant

Moshe Diamant boasts a remarkable and extensive career with over 70 producer credits to his name. His journey began in the late 1970s when he initially trained as an engineer, acquiring the expertise to pioneer a groundbreaking subtitling process for video that swiftly garnered the attention of Hollywood. However, his passion for the production side of the industry soon took center stage.

Diamant embarked on a significant partnership in the realm of production by co-founding Trans World Entertainment, a prominent production house that thrived from 1983 to 1993. During this pivotal period, he honed a specialization in crafting low-budget action films, frequently featuring martial arts luminaries like Shô Kosugi, who took the lead in one of Diamant’s notable creations, “Pray for Death” (1985). It was only a matter of time before Diamant’s path crossed with Belgian action maestro Jean-Claude Van Damme, and he went on to produce multiple movies alongside the iconic actor. These collaborations encompassed diverse ventures, including the globe-trotting thriller “Double Impact” (1991), where Van Damme portrayed twins, and the enthralling science-fiction-infused action flick “Timecop” (1994).

Following the conclusion of Trans World Entertainment, Diamant embarked on a journey of diversification, both in terms of genres and budgets. His repertoire expanded to include projects such as the e-horror offering “Feardotcom” (2002) and the 2006 Brian De Palma-directed period mystery biopic, “The Black Dahlia” (2006). In the same year, he produced “Tristan + Isolde” (2006), starring James Franco.

Notably, Diamant has continued to make a significant impact on the cinematic landscape with his more recent productions. These include the high-octane heist film “The Hurricane Heist” (2018), a $37 million spectacle directed by Rob Cohen and featuring a star-studded ensemble including Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, and Ryan Kwanten. His portfolio also boasts “Protege” (2020), a gripping thriller directed by Martin Campbell and headlined by acclaimed actors Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson. Diamant’s most recent endeavors include “Memory” (2022), directed by Martin Campbell and starring the formidable duo of Liam Neeson and Guy Pearce. Currently, he is in post-production on “Dirty Angels”, also directed by Martin Campbell and featuring the talented Eva Green, marking yet another exciting chapter in his illustrious career.

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