The Baltics: Europe’s Most Efficient Production Hub
 Why the Baltics deserve a Closer Look
For producers and agencies accustomed to Western Europe’s rising costs and heavy bureaucracy, the Baltic region — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — is a refreshing alternative.
These three countries combine Northern European precision with the agility of smaller markets: world-class crews, modern equipment, fast-turnaround permits, and striking location diversity within just a few hours’ drive.
Through GPN’s regional partner Nafta Films, producers gain access to a full-service network that operates seamlessly across borders — offering a single point of contact for everything from permits to post-production. Beyond service production, Nafta Films is also highly successful in the entertainment sector and is actively involved in projects in Finland, extending its reach beyond the Baltics.
“We treat the Baltics as one production ecosystem,” says the Nafta Films team. “Whether you’re shooting in Tallinn, Riga, or Vilnius, the same standards, crews, and logistics apply. We are also happy for clients to suggest new locations they’d like to explore in the region — including Finland.”
Permits & Regulations: Streamlined and Predictable
Film permits in the Baltics are known for being quick, transparent, and English-friendly — keeping productions agile and stress-free.
There are also solid incentives available for long-form projects.
Ask us for a tailored breakdown based on your format and shooting plan.
Locations: Compact Diversity in Every Direction
The Baltics deliver what every producer dreams of: maximum visual range, minimum logistics.
Urban: Medieval cobblestones, art nouveau facades, brutalist towers, and modern glass buildings — often within a few blocks.
Nature: Lakes, forests, dunes, and endless coastlines — all film-friendly and accessible year-round.
Architecture: From Soviet modernism to Nordic minimalism, each country offers architectural contrasts that can double for anywhere in Europe.
“You can shoot a medieval fantasy in the morning and a high-tech automotive spot by afternoon,” says the Nafta Films production team.
“That’s what makes the Baltics unique — the geography and style change instantly without changing country.”
🎬 Bonus:
Compact geography means short unit transfers and longer shooting days — an underestimated cost-saver when daylight and logistics are at a premium.
Cast & People: Naturally Diverse, Commercial-Ready
The region offers exceptionally diverse local cast — across ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities — making it easy to find authentic faces for global commercial campaigns. Casting houses are fast, flexible, and accustomed to international expectations.
Crew, Equipment & Infrastructure
Baltic crews are small but remarkably skilled, multilingual, and accustomed to international commercial standards.
Language: English proficiency is near-universal across all departments.
Crew structure: Flat, flexible, and non-union — ideal for fast-paced or multi-location commercial shoots.
Equipment: ARRI, RED, and Sony systems widely available; motion control and drone setups on demand.
Art & design: Exceptional local talent in production design, costume, and art departments — influenced by Scandinavian and Eastern European schools.
Pick-Up Reality Check:
Unlike major hubs such as London or Berlin, the Baltics don’t have a “grab anything on the corner” system. Everything can be sourced — but most items need to be planned and ordered, not collected last minute. Nafta Films makes this part of early prep to keep pace smooth.
Weather & Shooting Conditions
Understanding local light and seasonality is key to unlocking Baltic production value.
Season | Conditions | Production Advantage |
Summer (May–Aug) | Up to 21 hours of daylight | Long shooting windows, warm weather, yet sun is never higher than 55°- even at noon during summer |
Autumn (Sept–Oct) | Soft light, vivid colors | Ideal for natural & lifestyle content |
Winter (Nov–Feb) | Shorter days, snow landscapes | Perfect for winter and nights shoots |
Spring (Mar–Apr) | Crisp light, mild weather, longer nights from March 21 onwards | Flexible season with fewer tourists |
âś… Pro Tip:
As the sun in the Baltcs never rises higher than 54 degrees (and that’s the height of the summer), we have naturally cinematic light that’s very dramatic and flattering on skin without a need for huge diffusion frames :)Â
The “Baltic golden hour” also lasts much longer than in Southern Europe — giving cinematographers up to 6 hours per day of natural light transitions for magic-hour shots.
Here’s a useful tool to help visualize the sky colors and magic hour times throughout the year:
Why Producers Choose the Baltics
âś” Cost-effective, transparent incentive systems
✔ Compact geography — film three worlds in one day
âś” Fast, predictable permits and English-speaking officials
âś” Highly skilled, adaptable crews
âś” Reliable infrastructure with Northern European standards
âś” Diverse locations and authentic visuals
✔ Strategic EU location — no customs barriers for EU productions
Life After Wrap: Culture, Food & Recharge
Clients often say this is one of the best surprises about shooting here:
vibrant bars and restaurants,
strong sauna culture,
and the uniquely Baltic luxury:
ending a long shoot day with a sauna + cold swim that resets your brain.
It’s not only efficient — it’s enjoyable!
GPN Partner Spotlight: Nafta Films
As GPN’s partner across the Baltics, Nafta Films is uniquely positioned to deliver cross-border production service. One production team covers all three Baltic countries — and increasingly Finland, where they now support clients exploring new Nordic possibilities.
Founded in 2001, Nafta Films has produced and serviced award-winning commercials, features, and branded content for international agencies and studios. Their team handles every aspect:
Location scouting & feasibility
Incentive consultation & budgeting
Permits, logistics & crew coordination
On-set management & post support
“For us, production intelligence means understanding not just where to shoot — but how to make it seamless.
Our clients trust us because we make the Baltics feel like one unified production environment.”
— Nafta Films team
The Baltics are no longer an “emerging” region — they’re a fully realized production hub for global agencies and filmmakers who value quality, efficiency, and authenticity.
From Tallinn’s digital precision to Vilnius’s cinematic range, the region offers the perfect balance between creative flexibility and production reliability.
With GPN and Nafta Films, you don’t just shoot in the Baltics —
you unlock an entire region’s intelligence.