Location Spotlight: Picturesque Poland

From mountains, to beaches, to rocky shore, to architecture, Poland has a little bit of something for everyone when it comes to a shoot. 

We speak to Julia Bidakowska-Andren, executive producer at Tango Production to get a lay of the land and find out why you should take your next production to Poland.

LBB> How would you pitch Poland to any production companies looking to shoot in your region?

Julia> Right now? I would say Poland has excellent production values due to the very favourable exchange rate. 

LBB> What are the main qualities of your region?

Julia> We have incredible landscapes, diverse casting, four distinctive seasons of the year plus a great geographic location in Europe with many international airports around Poland. We also have a long filmic history meaning we have amazing production designers, cinematographers and talent on hand.

LBB> What would you say are the top locations in Poland?

Julia> From mountains, to beaches, to rocky shore, to architecture including plants and wildlife and demographics. That’s the beauty of Poland and it’s an enormous asset – we have it all but many aren’t aware of what we have to offer. We have long sandy beaches in the north, big and small lakes hidden in beautiful, wild forests, rural landscapes and mountains looking similar to the Alps. Besides that are modern, vibrant cities and historical buildings. As Poland is not that big, the distance between all these locations isn’t far either.

LBB> What location would you say is most popular?

Julia> Warsaw. It’s so easily accessible and gives you the best production value for the money as most of the crew are based here. Locations – not only urban ones and modern studios make the city a perfect shooting place. 

LBB> Explain the climate and the best/worst times to shoot in Poland?

Julia> Our four distinct seasons of the year give the best opportunity to shoot here all year round, depending on the script of course. We have beautiful, colourful and mild autumns, followed by our winter season that gives you snowy landscapes in the south of the country. Spring starts mid-March and gives you beautiful, fresh nature and mild temperatures. Summers are hot but generally much greener than in the south of Europe. 

LBB> What specific work permits/Visas are required to shoot in Poland?

Julia> None for most of our clients. 

LBB> How is the infrastructure in Poland for supporting large productions?

Julia> Access to high-level cameras and kit, casting, crews, studios. All major equipment companies have their rentals here and being so centrally located it’s never far to get in from Berlin or London. We have modern studios in different sizes both in Warsaw but also in other cities in the country. The technical crews are amazing and very experienced. A wide range of commercials are shot here but also feature films and Netflix/HBO series. 

LBB> What have been your biggest/most successful production in Poland to date?

Julia> There are so many we like to brag about but from the recent ones I would say the production for the German company Evonik is a perfect example of locations / set constructions and diverse casting. All shot in the Warsaw area with 100% local talent, local production designer and wardrobe stylist. 

DOs and DON’Ts in the Region 

LBB> As an outsider, what would you say are the biggest Dos and Don’ts in the region? For example: religious sites, language, attire to be worn, how to speak to the locals etc. 

Julia> Poles are very open and generous so nothing to worry about! Just come as you are! ☺ 

LBB> What would be your number one tip to any coming to Poland to shoot a campaign/film?

Julia> Even if you don’t feel like it while planning your shoot in Poland, book yourself an additional day to stay back, relax, inhale Warsaw and enjoy the underdog city of Europe. 

Insider Recommendations 

LBB> Where would you suggest a foreign production stay while they are in Poland?

Julia> We have fantastic hotels including all the major international chains and compared to other countries, they are very affordable. 

LBB> Where are the best bars/restaurants? Any hidden gems you could suggest?

Julia> The Polish food scene has developed enormously over the past 10 years so you are never far away from a great place to have your meal or a drink at. Our pastries are world known! Warsaw is in the top 10 of cities in Europe with the most vegetarian restaurants to choose from! Who’d have thought?

LBB> Any other tourist recommendations?

Julia> Whatever you might be interested in - whether it’s history, modern art, classical or modern music or nature you will find it here!