Location Spotlight: Many Contrasts of Poland

With beaches, mountains and beautiful architecture, 24/7xRadioaktive shares the best bits about shooting in Poland. 

How would you pitch Poland to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?

Poland offers a wealth of solutions for international clients seeking a cost-effective solution in Europe but without sacrificing the quality. Surprising and diverse locations both urban and more remote which are easily adaptable for the international market marks the foundation of this production hub. This coupled with affordable experienced crews, diverse talent, the availability of large stages for set builds and a production friendly capital city being of course Warsaw makes Poland a fantastic solution for all types of international productions. 

What are the main qualities of your region? 

Budgets: Competitive budgets with low location fees, flexible crew and cost-effective talent solutions. 

Talents: A wide ranging talent pool which offers a more diverse ethnic variety than most of Central-Eastern Europe countries. Competitive talent rates and affordable buyouts. Minors permits are not required. 

Crew: Polish crews are experienced in the international sector and offer competitive rates and package deals for many key crew for high people crews. 

Equipment: All types of equipment available locally. Panavision is based in Warsaw. Russian arm is easily brought from Germany or Hungary. 

Drones: Drone friendly country. Drones allowed flying in the city, including night flights. Along with the latest equipment available, Poland also can offer the areas with free drone flying and quick permits turnaround. 

What would you say are the top locations in Poland?

Poland offers a great mix of architectural styles with many contrasts, here you can find buildings almost from every era: modern city streets with skyscrapers, sandy beaches, amazing landscapes, forests, lakes, highways, modern villas, castles, picturesque villages, socialist realism buildings, Poland has it all! Modern city centre with skyscrapers comparable to any other international metropolis; classic old town with charming nooks and cobblestoned streets; red brick buildings reminiscent of England; brutalist architecture and soviet influenced apartment blocks, historical industrial areas; nine city bridges, many tunnels of all kinds and impressive highways; street walls coloured with graffiti and murals; upscale villas, modern apartments with high standard interior design; American style homes and suburban streets and many others. Also, there are 20.000 hectares of parks and green areas from classical parks with lakes and palaces to urban parks with views of high-rise skylines. Majestic forests covering 30% of the Polish territory, middle age castles, baroque and neoclassical palaces. Incredible lakes and sandy beaches on the coastline only four hours from Warsaw. Desert areas situated only four hours from Warsaw, snowy mountains in the south of the country and all type of impressive roads through beautiful landscapes. 

What location would you say is most popular?

Warsaw's city centre, which has this vibe of a Modern European City and diversity of architecture that could give you the impression of many different cities. There are parts of Warsaw that could look like Manhattan, and some parts that could look like Paris or Prague. There are also all kinds of roads, tunnels, bridges, which are perfect for car commercials, for instance. 

Which location would you describe as the biggest attribute to local production?

Hard to choose only one, but if we have to, this probably would be The Palace of Culture and Science - a notable high-rise building in central Warsaw. With a total height of 237 meters, it is the 6th-tallest building in the European Union and one of the tallest on the European continent. This outstanding building presents Soviet Brutalism in the most beautiful manifestation and definitely is one of the most remarkable sights of the capital of Poland. 

Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Poland? 

Every season is good, depending on what needs to be shot, as we have four diverse seasons: green and lush spring time, hot summers, colourful autumn, and cold winters with snow – in certain places at least.

The average monthly temperature in July is 19°C (66°F), but sometimes in summer the temperature rises above 30°C (86°F). In the mountains the snow lies till April or some years even until May. The annual rainfall is 500–700mm, of which snow constitutes only 5–20%. 

What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Poland?

Poland belongs to the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa is not required for most visitors when entering Poland for a period of less than 90 days and no special working permits for EU citizens are required, also. As it is situated at the very centre of Europe, Poland can be reached by air from every major European city in two to three hours.  

How is the infrastructure in Poland for supporting large productions?

Warsaw has a large selection of well-equipped studios. From cosy photo studios to large sound stages and warehouses for larger constructions, most tend to be within easy access of Warsaw city centre. 

The latest camera systems and accessories are all readily available including all Arri formats. Panavision based in Warsaw with full support from Panavision UK and Berlin. 

All types of lenses available including anamorphic and vintage. 

Leading manufactures of lighting equipment are available: Arri, Dedolight, Kino Flo, Molerichardson, Kobold, Strand, Manfrotto, Matthews, Cotech And Lee. 

Wide ranging talent pool the more diverse ethnic variety, than most Central- Eastern Europe countries. Competitive talent rates and buyouts. Talent callbacks are free of charge, fitting included in a day fee. Manor permits not required. 

What have been your biggest/most successful production in Poland to date? 

Lineage W: King’s Speech 

LEGO: The Damp Knight’s tale Creativity can help us overcome anything! 

LEGO: Anything can happen when you put Lego bricks into kids’ hands! 

TOYOTA: Lead The Charge 

TACO BELL: Big Show 

What would be your number one tip to any coming to Poland to shoot a campaign/film?

To be prepared to discover and be impressed not only by the production and the top level of the production designer, studio, 1st AD and all the other crew but also by the city of Warsaw and Poland itself. Great hotels, restaurants and a general good vibe!

Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Poland? 

Warsaw offers a wide range of accommodation in styles and budget ranges. Long-standing classical favourites like the Bristol or the Europejski contrast with more modern, cutting edge design hotels located in skyscrapers like the Intercontinental or H15. All of the higher end choices in Warsaw provide the highest level of European standard and quality and are located in the city centre or Old Town with convenient connections to the main city airport.

Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?

There is no shortage of gastronomical styles on offer in Warsaw‘s restaurants ranging from traditional Polish cuisine to more contemporary modern take as well as Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern or Asian food. Plan your own gourmet route starting with Michelin Star winners Atelier Amaro or Senes followed by Opasly Tom, Belvedere or Ruffles whilst not forgetting Ale Wino, Mercato Bistro or Quichnia Artystyczna which offer a more relaxed atmosphere but still delicious food from around the world.