Written by Murray Ashton on Nov 18, 2011. Posted in Uncategorised

Location feedback - filming in Latvia

With Mark Whittow-Williams – commercials producer - Academy Films, London.

What productions have you shot in Latvia?

Cow & Gate baby food for Ogilvy, Mistletoe Kisses, chocolate bar for TBWA, Homebase DIY chain for Leo Burnett, Coca Cola drink for McCanns.

Was filming in Latvia a good experience overall?

Excellent, the only low are the art departments but as long as you have reference pictures they can make/source anything. Oh, and Ryan Air... fly Air Baltic.

Did you find all the crew, cast and equipment you needed in Latvia? Did they live up to your expectations?

The crew are very proactive... the sparks came from Lithuania... the camera department from Latvia.

If you shot there again are there any crew members or pieces of kit you would ship in?

No... maybe some wardrobe depending on the job.

Did Latvia work from a budget point of view? Were there any good or bad surprises which affected your budget?

No, it was very cost-effective.

Were there any problems arranging visas, insurance or money transfers etc?

No.

How did you get there and where did you stay?

Ryan air and now only Air Baltic... don't TOUCH Ryan Air. Various hotels from The Bergs to the Raddison... all good.

Why did you opt to shoot in Latvia?

Cost.

What do you know now that you would have liked to know before shooting in Latvia and that you would like to pass on to others?

Be clear about what you want and be patient, they will try their utmost to make it happen.

Are there any individuals or services, film friendly hotels or restaurants that you would like to give a special mention?

The Bergs Hotel.

Thank you.