The weather in Poland varies depending on the season. The country has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best filming seasons in Poland are typically in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-November), when the temperatures are mild and the weather is generally dry.
Poland offers a diverse range of filming locations, from historic cities to natural landscapes. Some of the best filming locations in Poland include:
Krakow – The historic city of Krakow offers a stunning backdrop for period films, with its Gothic architecture and medieval streets.
Overall, Poland offers a wide range of filming locations, from historic cities to natural landscapes, making it a versatile and attractive location for film and TV productions.
Poland has a growing photo, video, TV, and film industry, and there are several rental studios and film backlots available for productions. The quality of these facilities can vary, with some being more modern and well-equipped than others.
In major cities like Warsaw and Krakow, there are several rental studios that offer a range of services, including green screens, lighting equipment, and editing suites. These studios can accommodate a range of productions, from small-scale photo shoots to large-scale film and TV productions.
Poland also has several film backlots, including the Gdynia Film Center and the KADR Film Studio, which offer a range of outdoor sets and sound stages for productions. These backlots can be used for a range of productions, from period dramas to modern action films.
The quality of photo, video, TV, and film studios rental and film backlots in Poland is generally good, with a range of facilities available to accommodate different types of productions.
Poland has several cities with advanced photo, video, TV, and film facilities. Some of the cities with the most advanced facilities include:
Warsaw – The capital city of Poland is home to several modern studios and post-production facilities that cater to film and television productions.
Krakow – Known for its historic architecture and scenic locations, Krakow has several modern studios and facilities that cater to film and television productions.
Poland has a rich history of film production, with many acclaimed films and filmmakers over the years. Here are some notable films produced in Poland:
“Ida” (2013) – Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, “Ida” is a critically acclaimed drama film that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015.
These are just a few examples of the many acclaimed films produced in Poland over the years.
The cost of filming in Poland can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, crew size, equipment needed, and production scale. However, generally speaking, Poland is considered to be a relatively affordable filming destination compared to many other European countries, including some of its neighbors.
Poland has a lower cost of living compared to many other countries in Europe, which can translate into lower production costs. Additionally, the country offers a range of financial incentives and rebates for foreign productions that choose to film in Poland, which can help to offset some of the costs.
While the cost of filming in Poland may not be the cheapest in Europe, it is generally considered to be a good value for money, especially given the country’s well-developed film infrastructure and talented crews.
There are no specific regions in Poland that are considered to be off-limits for filming. However, as with any country, there may be certain areas or situations that require special permits or clearances to film.
For example, if you are planning to film in a public space, such as a park or a busy street, you may need to obtain a permit from the local authorities. Additionally, if you are filming in a sensitive area, such as a government building or a military installation, you may need to obtain clearance from the relevant authorities in advance.
Filming Permit
Permits and permissions for filming in Poland can vary depending on the location and the nature of the shoot. However, in general, here are some of the permits that you may need to obtain:
Visas for foreign crew
Foreign film crew members who are citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need visas to work in Poland. However, if they plan to stay for more than 90 days, they must register with the local authorities.
For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visa is required to work in Poland. They will need to apply for a type D visa for employment purposes, which can be done at the nearest Polish embassy or consulate in their home country. It’s important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks, so it’s recommended to start the process well in advance of the planned filming dates.
The visa requirements can vary depending on the individual’s nationality and the length of their stay, so it’s best to consult with a local production company or the Polish embassy/consulate in advance to ensure that all necessary requirements are met.
Film crews in Poland are generally considered to be highly professional, with many skilled and experienced professionals in the industry. The quality of crews can vary depending on the specific project and budget, but overall, Poland has a reputation for having a strong film industry with talented crews.
The art department in the Polish film industry is quite good, with skilled professionals in the areas of art direction, set construction, and props making.
Poland has a long history of art and design, and this has translated into a strong tradition of visual storytelling within the film industry. Many of the country’s leading filmmakers and production designers have backgrounds in art or design, and this has helped to foster a strong creative culture within the industry.
In recent years, the Polish film industry has become increasingly international in scope, with many foreign productions choosing to shoot in the country. This has helped to raise the profile of the industry and attract talented artists and designers from around the world.
Overall, the art department in Poland is well-regarded both domestically and internationally, and the country has a strong reputation for producing visually stunning films.
Local Equipment Rental
Poland has a number of reputable photo, video, TV, and film equipment rental companies, catering to both local and international productions. Some of the leading rental companies in Poland include:
Panavision Polska – offering high-end camera and lighting equipment rentals for film, TV, and commercial productions.
Camwerk – specializing in rental of cameras, lenses, and accessories for film and video productions.
B-Service – providing rental of cameras, lighting equipment, grip equipment, and production accessories for film, TV, and commercial productions.
Arri Rental Poland – offering a wide range of cameras, lighting, and grip equipment rentals for film, TV, and commercial productions.
ATUT Rental – providing rental of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and other production accessories for film and video productions.
KMT Film – offering rental of cameras, lighting equipment, sound equipment, and other production accessories for film and TV productions.
These are just a few examples of the many equipment rental companies operating in Poland.
Bringing Equipment into Poland
According to the information provided by the Polish Customs Administration, ATA Carnet is recognized in Poland and can be used to temporarily import filming equipment into the country without having to pay customs duties or taxes.
However, it is important to note that there are certain requirements that must be met in order to use ATA Carnet. The equipment must be intended for temporary use, and the ATA Carnet holder must be able to provide proof that the equipment will be exported from Poland within the allotted time frame. The equipment must also be listed on the ATA Carnet.
Additionally, there may be certain restrictions on the types of equipment that can be imported, and permits or licenses may be required for certain types of equipment or filming activities. It is recommended that filmmakers consult with the Polish Customs Administration and/or a local customs broker for specific information and guidance on the importation of filming equipment.
Poland has a strong tradition of theater and acting, and as a result, there is a large pool of talented actors and actresses in the country. There are several casting agencies in Poland, some of which specialize in specific types of talent, such as child actors or voiceover artists.
Maya Casting Agency,
Gudejko Talent Agency,
Casting Plus,
Margo Casting Agency and
Open Cast.
These agencies have a good reputation and are known for providing high-quality casting services. The talent pool in Poland is diverse, with actors and actresses who can perform in a variety of languages, including Polish, English, and other European languages.
Post-production and animation/VFX in Poland are well-developed and highly regarded in the industry. Poland has a strong tradition in animation and film production, with many talented artists, animators, and post-production professionals.