Scout No Further: The Best Hidden Gem Shoot Locations for 2025

The new year is here and it’s time to get those creative juices flowing again. How about some fresh inspiration to help you go where you’ve never gone before? From an abandoned Ukrainian bus garage to Georgian rainbow mountains, Radioaktive Film has helpfully compiled a list of the best shoot locations you’ve never heard of to help you expand your horizons in 2025.

Founded in Kyiv in 1998, Radioaktive Film steadily became one of the industry’s go-to service companies known for the strength of its teams. “Then the war came to our amazing place,” explains managing partner and EP, Darko Skulsky. Out of a sense of duty, Radioaktive responded by giving its people the chance to set up offices in new regions, bringing their homegrown expertise to Poland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Georgia, Croatia, and Canada, and partnering with the local talent there. As Darko puts it, “Mixing them with our own stars, we are now able to present an even more diverse offering. We’ve still got the hunger and are feeling the pain… but we’re bringing the noise.”

Tapping into that expanded trove of local knowledge, LBB’s Zara Naseer spoke to Radioaktive to uncover the top hidden gem shoot locations from each of its outposts around the world. Find your next production destination below:

Ukraine

Autobus Park No.7 (Kyiv)

Kseniya Glebko (bidding producer, Radioaktive Shelter)> “The Autobus Park No.7 abandoned bus station is an example of the Brutalist legacy in Kyiv. During Soviet times, it was an ordinary bus garage on the outskirts of Kyiv, until it was chosen for iconic shots in Paolo Nutini’s music video, ‘Iron Sky’, directed by Daniel Wolfe (Love Song). The interior is impressive and truly unique, huge and dark with almost a camera obscura effect created by the top lights. It suits futuristic, apocalyptic, urban shoots looking for suspense and dramatism, possibly for car commercials, feature films and music videos.”

Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine (Kyiv)

Kate Galytska (MD and EP, 24/7 x Radioaktive Film)> “Then there’s the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine. Only car commercials are yet to be shot within those walls, as it’s hosted music videos, bank and insurance company commercials, charity projects, and even feature films. “

Ukrainian House (Kyiv)

Kate> “Lastly, there’s the Ukrainian House. The first project that comes to mind out of all the shoots that have taken place here is DJ Shadow’s ‘Nobody Speak’ by Sam Pilling. But since then, we’ve also turned it into an oasis for a Hyundai commercial, and filled it with balloons for Bombay Sapphire.”

Poland

Zakrzówek (Krakow)

Above: Images of Zakrzówek from photographer Klaudia Chwastek

Olya Kosenko (MD and EP, 24/7 x Radioaktive Film> “Poland is full of hidden gems and we’re thrilled to showcase one extraordinary location that stands out: Zakrzówek in Krakow. It’s a sort of lake made in an old quarry. We haven’t shot there yet, but we’re dreaming of making something special one day.”

Ufficio Primo (Warsaw) and Alvernia Studio (Krakow)

Above: Ufficio Primo (Warsaw)

Above: Alvernia Studio (Krakow)

Kate> “I’d also like to add Ufficio Primo in Warsaw and Alvernia Studio in Krakow. We just love those rounded shapes in Poland, what can we do! Ufficio was built in 1953 and Alvernia was opened in 2000, but it seems like both of them could be sets for Kubrick’s ‘2001: Space Odyssey’. We’ve been lucky enough to shoot in both locations already, as we did for ENHYPEN ‘Bite me’ (Ufficio) and Lenny Kravitz ft. Quavo ‘FLY’ (Alvernia). And we hope to do more, as both locations could be adapted to multiple stories and genres.”

Lithuania

Villa Auska (Palanga)

Kate> “Villa Auska was built in 1977 as a guest house of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. Located in the pine forest on a Baltic sea shore, now it is being used as a hotel. We haven’t shot there yet, but it has been my dream since I first saw it. The late modernist style of the interior and exterior could fit any story – a dance music video or editorial would be my first guess, but I think this place has much bigger potential. Villa Auska now functions as a hotel, so it might be a very interesting experience to stay there while filming.”

Slovenia

Soča Valley (Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin, Kanal)

Kseniya> “Soča is a 138 kilometre long river and valley. Its unique brilliance was also recognised by the filmmakers of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, who shot some of the most exciting scenes of that movie by the River Soča. It’s bursting with dramatic natural beauty – crystal clear waters run through emerald rivers, gorges, and waterfalls, bordered by mountainous roads and picturesque trails. Plus, it’s easy to access and has historical significance.”

Georgia

Semi-Desert and Rainbow Mountains (Kakheti)

Marina Karmolit (head of bidding, Radioaktive Shelter)> “My favourite hidden gem in Georgia is a semi-desert with rainbow mountains based in the Kakheti region. In terms of genre, it could be futuristic, apocalyptic or even out of this world. We’ve been lucky enough to shoot there before, for an Old Spice project with Biscuit’s Andreas Nilsson. It stands out from other potential desert locations – they’re usually remote and require special logistics to get out there, while our semi-desert is only one hour away from the city.”

Croatia

Primošten (Šibenik-Knin County)

Kseniya> “My top lesser-known shoot location is Primošten. It’s a village and municipality in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia, situated in the south between the cities of Šibenik and Trogir on the Adriatic coast. The seaside village is one of the most famous resorts in Dalmatia, and one of the most colourful little towns on the Adriatic coast, with many characteristic narrow streets in the old core on a small mountainous peninsula. It’s also surrounded by seven islets. This place could represent any seaside location in the world, with its turquoise sea views and numerous beautiful yachts and boats combined with the warm architecture of a small town. Plus it’s got nice weather all year around. The natural beachy surroundings lend themselves to picturesque summer vacation vibes to juxtapose dramatic action.”

Canada

Lower Bay Subway Station (Toronto)

Sasha Bevka (MD and EP, Radioaktive Film Canada)> “A hidden underground gem in downtown Toronto is Lower Bay Subway Station with New York-style subway vibes. This closed station offers an exclusive opportunity to film on a subway platform with moving trains, all without disrupting public service. On numerous occasions, it has been transformed into a mock-up of a New York City subway station and other metro systems worldwide, showcasing its versatility and cinematic appeal.”

Toronto Reference Library (Toronto)

Above: Image of Toronto Reference Library by Ryutaro Tsukata

Sasha> “Next is the Toronto Reference Library. A sleek architectural wonder, this location features a bright, open atrium and dramatic sweeping staircases, offering a modern and airy design. Its expansive central court, soaring from the ground floor to the top of the fifth floor, provides a stunning backdrop for contemporary, artistic, and high-impact visuals, making it an ideal setting for dynamic shoots.”