Why Productions Are Choosing CEE for Filming

For over two decades, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has consistently been one of the most attractive regions for global film productions. From Bulgaria and Romania to Hungary, Croatia, and Italy. The area offers a rare blend of cinematic locations, professional infrastructure, and cost efficiency.

TL;DR: Central and Eastern Europe has become one of the world’s favourite filming destinations — offering cinematic locations, skilled crews, and cost efficiency across countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Italy. For over 20 years, productions have chosen the region for its strong infrastructure, diverse visuals, and competitive incentives. ScoutAround makes location scouting easier than ever — connecting filmmakers with verified locations across Europe to bring stories to life efficiently and authentically.

As a team of professionals in film, business, and technology, we at ScoutAround have witnessed this evolution up close. The region’s appeal is a long-term success story built on expertise, diversity, and a deep understanding of what makes a location truly cinematic.

Below, we explore the three main reasons why filmmakers continue to choose CEE for filming — and why the trend is stronger than ever.

1. A Solid Film Infrastructure and Experienced Local Crews

As Gabriel Georgiev, a producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry and CEO of ScoutAround, explains, “The main factor for a destination’s attractiveness is the presence of film studios and professional crews — not just low prices.”

That’s exactly what countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania offer. Over the years, they’ve developed strong production ecosystems capable of handling large-scale international projects.

Bulgaria has one of the most established film infrastructures in the region, with studios that have hosted global blockbusters such as The Expendables 2, Conan the Barbarian, and The Way Back, in which the CEO of ScoutAround was a significant part of the team.
Hungary and the Czech Republic became popular filming destinations in the mid-1990s, with Budapest emerging as a favourite for period dramas and large-scale productions thanks to its architecture and skilled professionals.
As prices in Central Europe rose due to high demand, productions began exploring new alternatives — Bulgaria and Romania among them — for their balance of quality, cost, and flexibility.

What sets CEE apart is that this growth has been organic. As Gabriel says, “You can’t build a film industry overnight by just investing in studios. You need local teams, logistics, and culture.”

2. Cinematic Locations with Natural Character

CEE is a filmmaker’s treasure chest — an entire continent of contrasts within short travel distances. The region’s cinematic potential lies in its visual diversity: historic castles, cobblestoned towns, wild forests, and modern urban spaces coexist harmoniously, making it possible to double locations for almost any story in the world.

From the mountains and monasteries of Bulgaria to the romantic streets of Italy, productions have endless opportunities to find the perfect visual tone.

But choosing a location is not just about beauty — it’s about storytelling. Gabriel notes, “A location must serve the story. It has to fit the characters and the social context.”

At ScoutAround, we call that cinematic balance — the combination of colour, composition, and texture that supports both the narrative and the cinematography.

Even in the era of AI and green screens, real locations still define the emotional depth and authenticity of a film. Technology can enhance a scene — but it can’t replace the soul of a place.

3. Efficiency, Incentives, and Cost Advantage

While creative value drives most decisions, practical factors play an equally important role. For over twenty years, producers have turned to CEE because it offers a high production value.

Fair labour and rental prices allow more flexibility in allocating budgets to talent, effects, or marketing.
Tax rebates and incentives
Efficient permitting processes, often coordinated with local authorities, ensure smoother logistics for shoots requiring road closures, pyrotechnics, or crowd scenes.

In addition, the region has developed a unique logistical infrastructure that includes trained extras, reliable transportation networks, and growing post-production capabilities. This ecosystem means that even ambitious projects can be completed locally without sacrificing quality.

As Gabriel notes, “The real strength of CEE lies in its complete production cycle — from scouting to post-production — supported by skilled professionals.”

The Evolution of Location Scouting in Europe

The way filmmakers discover and choose locations has changed dramatically over time. What once meant flipping through printed catalogues and local directories has evolved into a digital process enhanced by AI and data tools.

Today, platforms like ScoutAround are leading this transformation by making location scouting faster, more transparent, and more collaborative.

Our mission is simple: to make filmmaking more predictable by helping professionals find the right place — faster. We combine technology and human expertise to support productions of all scales, connecting filmmakers directly with verified cinematic locations across Europe.

As Gabriel explains, “The goal is to answer the question ‘Where do we shoot?’ within an hour.”

By automating the logistics while keeping the creative process intact, ScoutAround allows filmmakers to focus on what they do best — telling stories.

How ScoutAround Supports Productions in CEE

We believe that every great film starts with the right location — and that the process of finding it should be inspiring, not frustrating. That’s why our platform brings together verified cinematic locations across Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Croatia and beyond, offering detailed information, transparent conditions, and local support.

We collaborate with property owners, ensuring that every listing meets the professional standards of the film industry. Whether you’re scouting for a medieval castle, a seaside villa, or a futuristic cityscape, ScoutAround makes it easier to compare, shortlist, and book locations in one place.

Our mission is to connect filmmakers with the heart of Europe — a region where cinematic potential meets reliability and expertise.