Filming in the Finland - Film, Video, Documentary, Crews and Popular Locations Finland

The weather in Finland varies greatly depending on the season and location. Finland has four distinct seasons, with cold and snowy winters, mild and rainy springs, warm and sunny summers, and cool and colorful autumns.

The best filming seasons in Finland depend on the type of project and the desired scenery. For example, the winter months from December to February offer stunning snow-covered landscapes, icy lakes, and snow-covered forests, making it an ideal time to capture scenes of winter sports, traditional Finnish activities such as ice fishing and sledding, and Northern Lights.

Spring, from March to May, is a great time to capture the changing of the seasons with melting snow, blooming flowers, and the return of migratory birds. Summer, from June to August, offers long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and lush green landscapes, making it a perfect time to film outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.

Autumn, from September to November, brings colorful foliage and crisp temperatures, making it a great time to capture the natural beauty of Finland’s forests, lakes, and countryside.

It’s worth noting that the weather in Finland can be unpredictable, and filmmakers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions throughout the year.

Finland is home to many beautiful and unique filming locations, from stunning natural landscapes to historical and cultural landmarks. Here are some of the best filming locations in Finland:

Lapland: Lapland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including vast snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and Northern Lights.

Helsinki: Finland’s capital city offers a mix of modern and historical architecture, making it an ideal location for urban filming.

The Archipelago Sea: The Archipelago Sea is a network of islands and islets located off the southwest coast of Finland. It offers picturesque seascapes and a unique island culture that can make for an interesting backdrop for filming.

Olavinlinna Castle: Olavinlinna Castle is a medieval castle located in Savonlinna. It is one of the most well-preserved castles in Finland and can make for a dramatic filming location.

Koli National Park: Koli National Park is located in eastern Finland and offers stunning views of lakes and forests. It is a popular hiking destination and can make for a great filming location for nature documentaries or outdoor adventure films.

Turku Castle: Turku Castle is a medieval castle located in the city of Turku. It is one of the largest surviving castles in Finland and offers a unique historical backdrop for filming.

Tampere: Tampere is a city located in southern Finland and is known for its industrial heritage and beautiful lakes. It can make for a great filming location for urban dramas or historical documentaries.

These are just a few of the many beautiful and unique filming locations that Finland has to offer.

Finland has a variety of photo, video, TV, and film studios available for rent. Many of these studios are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offer a range of services, including lighting, sound, and editing facilities.

In addition to studios, Finland also has several film backlots, which are large outdoor areas designed to look like different environments, such as city streets, forests, or historical settings. These backlots offer filmmakers the ability to create a controlled environment for filming that is not affected by external factors, such as weather or crowds.

One of the most well-known film backlots in Finland is the Yle Film and TV Studios backlot, which is located in Helsinki. This backlot offers several different environments, including city streets, a harbor, and a park.

The rental costs for photo, video, TV, and film studios and backlots in Finland vary depending on the location, size, and equipment available. However, compared to other countries, studio and backlot rental costs in Finland are generally considered reasonable.

Overall, Finland offers a range of high-quality rental options for filmmakers, from state-of-the-art studios to versatile film backlots.

While Finland is a relatively small country, it has several cities with advanced photo, video, TV, and film facilities. Here are some cities in Finland that are known for their filmmaking infrastructure:

Helsinki:
As the capital city of Finland, Helsinki is the hub of the country’s media industry. It is home to several large TV and film production companies, as well as state-of-the-art studios and sound stages.

Tampere:
Tampere is the second-largest city in Finland and has a thriving film industry. It is home to several film and TV production companies, as well as high-quality production facilities.

Oulu:
Oulu is a city in northern Finland that has emerged as a center for film and media production. It is home to several TV and film production companies and has state-of-the-art post-production facilities.

Turku:
Turku is a city located in southwestern Finland and is known for its historical landmarks and beautiful architecture. It is also home to several TV and film production companies and has a range of high-quality production facilities.

Espoo:
Espoo is a city located near Helsinki and is known for its thriving startup and technology scene. It is home to several media companies and has several state-of-the-art production facilities.

Overall, Finland has a range of cities with advanced photo, video, TV, and film facilities, making it an attractive location for filmmakers and media professionals.

Finland has a vibrant film industry, with a long history of producing award-winning films in a variety of genres. Here are some notable films produced in Finland:

The Unknown Soldier (1955): This film is based on a novel by Väinö Linna and is considered a classic of Finnish cinema. It tells the story of a group of Finnish soldiers fighting in World War II.

The Match Factory Girl (1990): This film, directed by Aki Kaurismäki, is a dark comedy about a young woman who seeks revenge on those who have mistreated her. It won several awards at international film festivals and is considered a masterpiece of Finnish cinema.

Kaurismäki’s Proletariat Trilogy (1986-1990): A series of films directed by Aki Kaurismäki, which includes “Shadows in Paradise,” “Ariel,” and “The Match Factory Girl.” These films are characterized by their deadpan humor, minimalist style, and sympathetic portrayal of working-class characters.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010): This dark comedy-horror film, directed by Jalmari Helander, tells the story of a group of Finnish villagers who discover that Santa Claus is not the benevolent figure they thought he was. It has become a modern cult classic.

Tom of Finland (2017): This biographical drama, directed by Dome Karukoski, tells the story of Touko Laaksonen, a Finnish artist known for his homoerotic illustrations. The film was praised for its performances and its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues.

These are just a few examples of the many films produced in Finland over the years. Finnish cinema continues to thrive, with new and exciting films being produced every year.

The cost of filming in Finland can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the location, equipment rental, crew salaries, and other expenses. However, compared to neighboring countries, such as Sweden and Norway, Finland is generally considered a more affordable option for filming.

One reason for this is that the cost of living in Finland is generally lower than in neighboring countries, which can help to keep production costs down. Additionally, the Finnish government offers tax incentives and grants for foreign film productions, which can help to reduce the overall cost of filming.

In recent years, Finland has also invested heavily in developing its film industry infrastructure, which has made it easier and more affordable to produce films in the country. For example, there are now several high-quality production facilities, studios, and film backlots available for rent at competitive prices.

Overall, while the cost of filming in Finland can vary depending on the specific project, the country is generally considered a cost-effective option compared to neighboring countries.

Finland is generally a safe and peaceful country with few areas that are considered sensitive or off-limits for filming. However, there are a few places that filmmakers should be aware of when planning a shoot in Finland:

Military zones: Like most countries, Finland has areas that are designated as military zones or restricted areas. Filming in these areas is strictly prohibited, and permission must be obtained from the Finnish Defence Forces before entering them.

Sami territories: The Sami people are the indigenous population of northern Finland, Norway, Sweden, and parts of Russia. The Sami have their own culture and language, and certain areas of northern Finland are considered Sami territories. Filmmakers should be respectful of Sami traditions and culture when filming in these areas.

Private property: Filming on private property without permission is not allowed in Finland. Filmmakers should always obtain permission from property owners before filming on their land.

Nature reserves: Finland has several nature reserves that are protected by law. Filming in these areas may require a permit from the Finnish Environmental Administration.

Urban areas: While most urban areas in Finland are open for filming, there may be restrictions on filming in certain public spaces, such as parks and government buildings.

In general, Finland is a welcoming and film-friendly country, and the Finnish government is supportive of the film industry. Filmmakers should always follow local laws and regulations when filming in Finland and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Filming Permit
If you’re planning to film in Finland, you may need to obtain certain permits depending on the location and type of filming. Here’s an overview of the permits required for filming in Finland:

Filming permit: You may need a filming permit from the property owner or authority if you’re filming on private property, in a public place or a national park.

Traffic permit: If you’re filming on a public road or using drones, you may need a traffic permit from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.

Permit for filming with animals: If you’re filming with animals, you may need a permit from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland.

Permit for underwater filming: If you’re filming underwater, you may need a permit from the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency.

Permits for filming in protected areas: If you’re filming in a protected area such as a nature reserve, national park or wilderness area, you may need a permit from the relevant authorities.

It’s recommended that you contact the Finnish Film Commission or the local film commission for specific details and guidance on obtaining the necessary permits for your particular filming project.

Visas for foreign crew
Finland is part of the Schengen Area, which means that visitors from many countries, including most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Finland without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, for non-EU/EEA citizens who will be working in Finland, a work visa or a residence permit is generally required. This applies to foreign film crew members who are planning to work in Finland, even if it’s for a short period of time. The type of visa or permit required will depend on the duration and nature of their work, as mentioned in my previous answer.

For short-term film productions, a work visa may be appropriate, while for longer productions, a residence permit may be required. It’s important to note that the application process for visas and permits can be complex and time-consuming, and it’s recommended to start the application process well in advance of the planned filming dates.

In addition to the work-related visas and permits, Finland also offers a range of other visa types, including tourist visas, study visas, and family reunification visas, among others. It’s recommended to consult with the Finnish embassy or consulate in the foreign film crew member’s home country for specific guidance and information on the visa application process.

Finland has a well-developed film industry and a highly skilled and professional film crew available. The cost of hiring a film crew in Finland can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but it’s generally in line with the costs of other countries in Western Europe.

The majority of the film crews in Finland are fluent in Finnish and English, with some crew members also speaking other languages. It’s recommended to communicate with the crew in advance to confirm their language abilities and ensure that there won’t be any communication barriers during the production.

The number of hours included in each shooting day can vary depending on the specific project and the agreement between the production team and the crew. Typically, shooting days in Finland can range from 8-10 hours, with overtime pay required for any additional hours worked beyond the agreed-upon time.

Overall, the film crews in Finland are highly professional and experienced, and they can offer valuable insights and expertise for any production taking place in the country. While they may be more expensive compared to some other countries, the quality of their work and the efficiency of their processes can make up for the additional costs.

World Production Service is your one-stop-shop for all production needs in Finland. We have an extensive network of top-notch photo, video, TV, and film crews as well as established relationships with leading production companies, media and casting agencies, and other service providers in Finland.

We can rapidly assemble an exceptional production team in Finland that is tailored to your production requirements, be it factual, branded, frictional or educational content. Whether you need a photo crew, video crew, TV crew, or film crew, we can provide you with the best professionals in the industry.

Additionally, we offer a variety of production companies to choose from, including film production company, video production company, photo production company, documentary production company, TV production company, TV commercial production company, and branded video production company in Finland. Our goal is to ensure that we meet all your production needs and deliver results that exceed your expectations.

With World Production Service, you can be sure that your production needs will
be taken care of seamlessly and professionally in Finland.

The art department in the Finnish film industry is generally considered to be highly skilled and professional. Finnish films have been recognized for their unique and distinct visual style, and the art department plays a crucial role in creating the look and feel of these films.

Art direction, set construction, and props making are all areas of strength in the Finnish film industry. Finnish art directors are known for their attention to detail and their ability to create visually stunning sets and props. The Finnish film industry has access to a range of specialized professionals, including carpenters, welders, painters, and other skilled artisans, who can bring the vision of the art department to life.

One area of particular strength in the Finnish art department is the use of natural materials and textures. Finland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and many Finnish films incorporate this beauty into their art direction and set design. The art department in Finland is also known for its ability to work with limited resources and budgets, which has led to the development of innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Overall, the art department in the Finnish film industry is highly regarded for its professionalism, creativity, and technical expertise. The department has played a key role in the success of many Finnish films, and its reputation continues to grow both domestically and internationally.

Local Equipment Rental
Photo, video, TV, and film equipment rental services in Finland are widely available and offer a variety of options for both domestic and international productions. Here are some of the leading companies providing rental services:

Kinos Rentals:
Kinos Rentals is one of the largest film equipment rental companies in Finland. They offer a wide range of equipment including cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, and accessories.

CineWorks:
CineWorks is a leading rental company providing equipment for film, TV, and advertising productions. They offer a variety of equipment, from cameras and lenses to lighting and grip gear.

Fintage House Finland:
Fintage House Finland offers a variety of equipment rental services for photo, video, and film productions. They specialize in vintage and classic cameras, as well as modern equipment.

Tack-Film:
Tack-Film offers a wide range of rental equipment for film, TV, and photo productions. They provide cameras, lenses, lighting, grip gear, and accessories.

Grip Helsinki:
Grip Helsinki specializes in providing grip equipment and services for film and TV productions. They offer a wide range of grip gear, including dollies, cranes, and rigs.

These are just a few of the leading companies providing photo, video, TV, and film equipment rental services in Finland. There are many other options available, and it’s recommended to compare prices and services before making a decision.

Bringing Equipment into Finland
If you are traveling to Finland with filming equipment for a temporary stay, you may be required to obtain a Temporary Admission Permit (TAP). This permit allows you to temporarily import your equipment into Finland without paying customs duties or value-added tax (VAT).

The TAP can be obtained from the Finnish Customs authorities, and it is recommended to apply for it well in advance of your trip to Finland. The permit is valid for up to one year, and it covers the import of all necessary equipment for your production, including cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and props.

As for the ATA Carnet, Finland is a member country of the ATA Carnet system, which allows for the temporary importation of goods for various purposes, including filming equipment. Therefore, it is possible to use an ATA Carnet as an alternative to obtaining a TAP.

In summary, both a Temporary Admission Permit and an ATA Carnet are valid options for temporarily importing filming equipment into Finland. It’s recommended to research both options and choose the one that best fits your needs and circumstances.

The talent and casting agencies in Finland are generally considered to be highly professional and efficient. They play an important role in the Finnish film and television industry by helping producers and directors find the right actors, extras, and models for their productions.

The talent pool in Finland is diverse and multi-talented, with many actors having experience in both film and theater. Finnish actors are known for their naturalistic style and ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance.

There are several reputable casting agencies in Finland, including:

Northern Actors:
Northern Actors is a well-established casting agency in Finland, providing a range of talent for film, TV, commercials, and theater productions.

Talent Agency Heli Sutela:
Talent Agency Heli Sutela represents a wide range of actors, models, and voice-over artists, with a focus on providing a personalized and tailored service to their clients.

Talent Center:
Talent Center is a casting agency that represents a variety of actors, extras, and models for film, TV, and commercial productions.

Encore Casting:
Encore Casting specializes in providing extras and background performers for film and TV productions in Finland.

Overall, the talent and casting agencies in Finland are highly professional and knowledgeable, and they can help producers and directors find the right talent for their productions quickly and efficiently.

Post-production and animation/VFX in Finland are highly developed and competitive fields, with many talented professionals and companies operating in the industry.

Post-production companies in Finland offer a wide range of services, including editing, color grading, sound design, and visual effects. Some of the leading post-production companies in Finland include:

Post Control:
Post Control is a full-service post-production company that offers a wide range of services, including editing, color grading, sound design, and visual effects.

Grillifilms:
Grillifilms is a post-production company that specializes in visual effects and animation, providing high-quality services to clients in Finland and around the world.

Post House Helsinki:
Post House Helsinki offers a wide range of post-production services, including editing, color grading, sound design, and visual effects, for film, TV, and commercial productions.

Animation and VFX are also highly developed in Finland, with several companies specializing in these areas. Finnish animation studios are known for their unique artistic vision and innovative storytelling, and many of them have received international recognition for their work. Some of the leading animation and VFX companies in Finland include:

Anima Vitae:
Anima Vitae is a leading animation studio in Finland that specializes in feature films, TV series, and commercials. They have produced award-winning animated films and TV shows that have been distributed globally.

Troll VFX:
Troll VFX is a visual effects and animation studio that has worked on several international film and TV productions, providing high-quality VFX services to clients around the world.

Fake Graphics:
Fake Graphics is a VFX and animation studio that provides high-quality services to clients in film, TV, and advertising. They are known for their expertise in 3D animation and visual effects.

In summary, post-production and animation/VFX in Finland are highly developed and competitive fields, with many talented professionals and companies operating in the industry.