Austria

AUSTRIA smooth drama

From the scenic landscapes of lake Altaussee to the Vienna opera house, Austria offers filming locations that capture the essence of the country, all the while catering to the production needs of international filmmakers.

Productions shooting in Austria will get a notable fillip when the Austrian government introduces their 35% incentive for film and TV production.

Starting 1 January 2023, the automatic, non-repayable subsidy will contribute EUR5 million per film and EUR7.5 million per series. Applications will need to be made by a production service company based in Austria. There’s a 30% cash rebate for each project, plus an additional 5% green bonus, dependent on implementation of environmental sustainability criteria.

Film in Austria, the film commission for the country, told Variety: “The previous lack of an effective instrument to attract foreign production and to create qualified jobs has so far caused film productions to migrate to neighbouring countries and thus the loss of know-how and skilled workers at home.”

Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu, chairman of Film and Music Austria, said: “The fact that the funding system itself is not capped is a real sensation. This means that there will no longer be a race to submit funding applications. Instead, you release the brakes on creative potential.”

The Lower Austrian Film Commission, drawing attention to the glories of the south commented: “[It] offers a truly rich and diverse palette of locations – from a wide range of natural landscapes, to historic religious buildings, castles and palaces, not to mention industrial complexes and modern architecture in both urban and rural contexts.”

One natural feature this landlocked nation is not blessed with is a coastline – but it does possess the stunning Lake Altaussee a huge, mirror-like lake in the heart of the Alps. If you recognise it that would most likely be from Spectre and the scene in which Daniel Craig rowed out into its middle.

Acclaimed Austrian filmmaker Jessica Hausner recently shot drama Club Zero in the country. The pan-European co-production stars Mia Wasikowska and was part financed by the Austrian Film Institute, Vienna Film Fund and Film Industry Support Austria. Another recent Austrian production is Marie Kreutzer’s Corsage for which Vicky Krieps won the Best Performance prize in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard as Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

“AUSTRIA PROVIDES A NEW 35% STATEBACKED INCENTIVE TO SHOOT AMONG ITS BEAUTIFUL CITIES AND ALPINE PEAKS .” LOCATION HIGHLIGHT Salzburg is the quintessential Austrian city, home to some of the most identifiable locations from the 1965 film classic, The Sound of Music. Famous sites around the area include Leopoldskron Palace (pictured above), Frohnburg Palace, the Mirabell Palace Gardens, the old town of Salzburg, and the basilica in Mondsee. Salzburg, the fourth largest city in Austria, sits on the border with Germany enjoying a direct view of the Eastern Alps and surrounded by picturesque mountainous peaks, floral open fields, and baroque architecture. Also known for being the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg boasts a wealth of culture. Known as the stage of the world it offers 4,500 different cultural events every year, housed at internationally recognised venues like the Salzburg marionette theatre which has been entertaining the public since 1913 with musicals.

Images: © Cine Tirol Film Commission, & Paul Sprinz.