Location Spotlight: Lithuania
As a producer, Deniss has a deep expertise in cutting edge editing techniques, production management and budget management.
He always works to get the most out of every production, regardless of potential limitations.
With an unerring grasp of the latest software editing tools and techniques, he guarantees flawless results every time.
From tight budgets to tight deadlines, he's a reliable go-to guy who can handle any challenge - Deniss is adept at working with a variety of budgets.
Why Shoot Here?
Q> How would you pitch Lithuania to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?
Deniss> Lithuania is a small country but you can unleash boundless opportunities.
Q> What are the main qualities of your region?
Deniss> Diverse and professional cast, quick permitting system, diverse locations and small distances allowing three to four locations in a day, access to locations that are usually not accessible in other countries, professional and bilingual crews.
Q> What would you say are the top locations in Lithuania? What is available - from mountains, to beaches, to rocky shore, to architecture, etc. Include plants and wildlife and demographics.
Deniss> Vilnius with its sweet and charming South-European feel and streets reminiscent of Paris or any sunkissed Italian city is surely one of the top destinations. 30 minutes from Vilnius you have a picturesque lakeside with the castle of Trakai as a main attraction and beautiful road scenery for high-end car commercials. Furthermore Nida offers unearthly beautiful beaches and sand dunes unlike in the whole of Europe.
Q> What location would you say is most popular?
Deniss> Vilnius, Trakai.
Q> Which location would you describe as the biggest attribute to local production?
Deniss> Ignalina nuclear power plant, Pažaislis monastery.
Prison of Lukiskes, Vilnius University, Palace of Verkiai, Writers Union of Lithuania, Art Nouveau of Kaunas.
Q> Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Lithuania?
Deniss> Winter nights are short in Vilnius with the sun going down between three and four in the afternoon. But yins must have their yangs, and thankfully that means wonderfully long summer nights and early sunrises. Due to its northern location, Lithuania experiences the summertime 'White Nights' phenomena, when the sun sets late and the night is dusk at most. With up to approximately 17 hours the longest days happen in June and up to six hours of magic light. Midsummer’s Day, June 23rd, will mark the beginning of Lithuanian ‘White Nights’, when summer days extend into the night and you can enjoy six hours of magic hour. The famous ‘White Nights’ of Lithuania are celebrated with an incredible and eclectic mix of events and festivals taking place all over the country throughout summer, making it a season not to be missed.
Q> What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Lithuania?
Deniss> No permits needed.
Q> How is the infrastructure in Lithuania for supporting large productions? Access to high-level cameras and kit, casting, crews, studios etc.
Deniss> Lithuania is a very active and busy production services industry for film with access to all film production related facilities, highly professional and experienced technical crews, with the biggest soundstage in the Baltics. Lithuania was a shooting location for such cult productions as ‘Chernobyl’, ‘War and Peace’, ‘Catherine the Great’, ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Eichmann Show’.
DO's and DON’Ts in the Region
Q> As an outsider, what would you say are the biggest Do’s and Don’ts in the region?
Deniss> Nothing comes to mind (people are friendly and welcoming, no taboos as such). Whistling is not polite and we usually don’t do it if we want to get someone’s attention. (But I am not sure if that’s any different in other countries).
Insider Recommendations
Q> Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Lithuania?
Deniss> Hotel Pacai in Vilnius.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Vilnius, Radisson SAS Astorija, Stikliai hotel, Shakespeare Boutique Hotel.
Q> Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?
Deniss>
Ertlio Namas - modern LT cuisine in the heart of Vilnius
Nineteen18 - you can have some private dinners and everything is very sustainable
Paupys market - many different cuisines under one roof in Uzupis
Snekutis – lots of beer, trashy interior, Lithuanian cuisine, local love it
Q> Any other tourist recommendations?
Deniss>
Flying with air-balloon over Vilnius
Museum of illusions
KGB museum
Prison of Lukiskes, kind of unique
MoMa gallery for modern art lovers
