Hungary reopens film incentive queue for Hollywood productions
Péter Magyar’s government lifted a registration cap on the country’s 30% film rebate, reopening applications for productions shooting in Hungary.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Hungary has cleared a key bottleneck in its film production machine, allowing new applications again for its 30% screen incentive after a cap on registrations was lifted.
Péter Magyar’s new government has reaffirmed support for the country’s production sector, Variety reported. Hungary is Europe’s second-largest production hub and has hosted major titles including “F1: The Movie,” the “Dune” films, “The Brutalist” and “Poor Things,” as well as the series “The Day of the Jackal.”
The registration limit had been introduced last year by the previous administration, according to Variety. Its removal means producers can once more apply for the rebate, a central piece of Hungary’s pitch to international film and TV shoots.
Ervin Nagy, Hungary’s state secretary for culture, said the government had “opened a new chapter” with the film business by ending the blockage in the tax incentive system. He said the move followed talks with industry figures and had the backing of the Ministry of Finance.
Nagy said the rebate helps keep the Hungarian industry working smoothly and predictably. He credited local crews, creative workers and investors for building Hungary into one of continental Europe’s most in-demand production bases.
According to Nagy, the money set aside each year for the tax incentive pays for itself through its wider economic effect, citing studies on the program. He also said Hungarian craftspeople and creative talent are increasingly taking major technical and creative jobs on international productions.
A packed production slate
The move lands as Hungary continues to draw studio and streamer projects. Recent productions filming in the country include Amazon MGM Studios’ “Alone at Dawn” and the second season of NBCUniversal’s “The Day of the Jackal,” Variety reported.
Other projects listed as recent Hungary shoots include the period drama “The Nightingale,” starring Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning; Arnold Schwarzenegger action-thriller “The Kellys”; and “Dinner With Audrey,” starring Thomasin McKenzie and Ansel Elgort.
Hungary was the first country in Central Europe to launch a film incentive scheme, introducing it in 2004, according to Variety. The current system is backed by the state through a collection account run by the National Film Institute.
The support is paid as a cash rebate through post-financing. While the core incentive stands at 30%, it can rise to 37.5% of eligible production spending when 7.5% of non-Hungarian costs are included.
Nagy also pointed to Hungary’s locations and cultural history as part of the country’s draw for filmmakers. He said the government stands by the Hungarian film community and sees state support as part of helping the sector compete internationally.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.