Written by new-contact on Feb 5, 2015. Posted in General Interest

Finnish film commissions prepare for Berlinale location filming lunch

Finland’s film commissions and The Location Guide have organised a lunch at Berlinale tomorrow (6 February) to promote Finland’s production industry among location professionals in Germany. The Berlinale is one of the world’s top film festivals.

Johanna Karppinen is head of Favex (Finnish Film & Audiovisual Export), which is currently working with Finland Film Commission.

“Favex continues working hard to promote Finnish audiovisual content internationally as well as lobbying for improvements domestically,” says Johanna Karppinen, CEO of Favex: “Getting a filming incentive to attract international productions is very high on our agenda. We are also aiming to secure funding for Finland Film Commission.”

Finland is an increasingly popular but often misunderstood international filming location. The country’s northerly position means that during the winter it offers a snow guarantee and frozen lakes with ice thick enough to drive on. However, it also has warm summers.

Getting a filming incentive to attract international productions is very high on our agenda. We are also aiming to secure funding for Finland Film Commission.

Johanna Karppinen, Favex

Direct flights connect many of the main European cities with Helsinki and regional production support is available.

The Girl King, directed by Mika Kaurismäki, is the latest example of a high-profile Finnish production that was shot partly on location in Turku in south-west Finland. The film will have its market premiere at Berlinale.

Finland’s Berlinale lunch event will help promote Finland’s filming locations and further develop the country’s production brand in Germany’s key marketplace.