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WEATHERING STORMS Iceland is well known as a location destination but isn’t widely recognised for studio and full-service production. Gunnlaugsdóttir argues the industry has grown beyond that. “At RVK, we have invested in production infrastructure, including one of the largest studio facilities in Europe, because we know the country can support much more than location shooting.” Gunnlaugsdóttir suggests that numerous factors have driven the growth in Iceland becoming a popular destination for international productions. While Iceland’s natural environment is often the first attraction, the real reason productions keep coming back is that the production community has become more mature, experienced and home to internationally sought-after talent. “Iceland gives access to unique environments, but also to people who know how to work in those conditions,” she adds. “Shooting in Iceland requires local knowledge, as well as planning and experience, especially when productions are working in remote areas or with
need at all levels,” she continues. “The Icelandic cost rebate has also been an important part of the growth. The reimbursement scheme makes the country more competitive. The incentive works best when it is combined with strong local partners who understand the creative, logistical and financial realities of production.” According to Leifur B Dagfinnsson, CEO and founder of Truenorth, Iceland currently offers 8000 sq m of stage facilities, including production offices, workshops and supporting infrastructure, providing everything that is needed to service projects of every scale. And there are even plans to double that capacity in the future. Dagfinnsson adds that, beyond the financial incentives, Iceland offers something few countries can match: “An incredible diversity of locations within short travel distances, a safe and efficient working environment, experienced English-speaking crews and a long track record of hosting some of the world’s biggest film and television productions.”
changing weather and light. Having the right Icelandic production partner can make a major difference.” There is also a creative incentive, and Iceland has a strong identity on screen. “It can represent other worlds, remote landscapes or extreme environments, but it can also bring its own cultural and cinematic character to a project. For many productions, that combination is very valuable,” Gunnlaugsdóttir says. As the weather is so temperamental, productions will often rely on studios for weather cover, waiting for storms to pass. “There is a saying in Iceland: ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes because it’s constantly changing’,” says Tómasson. “International productions are beginning to realise that Icelandic cinematographers are prepared for the weather conditions and know how to handle the changes. Due to this, DOPs from here are often used in main or second units. For example, a scene in the final episode of Stranger Things was filmed here and I was hired to shoot it due to adverse weather conditions and crew unavailability.”
IF YOU don’t like the weather , WAIT FIVE MINUTES BECAUSE IT’S constantly changing ”
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