For photographers or filmmakers, choosing the right location isn’t just about stunning visuals—it’s also about making the most of financial incentives. Many countries offer generous tax rebates, cash grants, and logistical support to attract international productions. Whether you're looking for vast desert landscapes, bustling cityscapes, or historic settings, here are some of the best countries to shoot in right now, including the hidden gem of the Middle East—Jordan. Here are 10 locations to check out:
1. Canada 🇨🇦
Why Film Here?
Canada has long been a favorite for Hollywood productions, offering everything from metropolitan backdrops in Toronto to the snow-capped peaks of Alberta. Major cities double for U.S. locations, making it a cost-effective choice for American studios.
Incentives:
- Up to 35% refundable tax credit on labor costs (varies by province)
- Additional regional incentives in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec
- World-class film studios and highly skilled crews
Famous Films Shot Here:
- The Revenant (Alberta)
- Deadpool (Vancouver)
- The Shape of Water (Toronto)
Iconic Locations:
- Banff National Park, Alberta – Majestic mountains and pristine lakes
- Old Montreal, Quebec – European-style streets perfect for period pieces
- Vancouver, British Columbia – A go-to location for urban and wilderness settings
For more information on shooting here, visit Vancouver Island North Film Commission
2. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Why Film Here?
With a rich cinematic history and home to some of the world’s best production facilities, the UK is a go-to for major blockbusters and high-end TV series.
Incentives:
- 25% tax rebate on qualifying UK production expenses
- Additional incentives in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Access to legendary studios like Pinewood and Shepperton
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Harry Potter series
- The Batman
- Game of Thrones (Northern Ireland)
Iconic Locations:
- The Scottish Highlands – Dramatic landscapes used in fantasy and adventure films
- London – A classic backdrop for spy thrillers and period dramas
- Oxford & Cambridge – Stunning university campuses for intellectual settings
For more information on shooting here, visit Creative England, Filming In England or British Film Commission
3. Spain 🇪🇸
Why Film Here?
From the Moorish architecture of Andalusia to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, Spain provides a variety of breathtaking locations for filmmakers.
Incentives:
- Up to 30-50% tax rebate on eligible expenses
- Special incentives for filming in Canary Islands (50%) and Navarre (40%)
- Growing industry with experienced crews
Famous Films Shot Here:
- House of the Dragon
- The Bourne Ultimatum
- Game of Thrones (Seville)
Iconic Locations:
- Seville – Moorish palaces and historic architecture
- Canary Islands – Otherworldly volcanic landscapes
- Barcelona – A blend of Gothic and modernist architecture
For more information on shooting here, visit Spain Film Commission or Castilla y León Film Commission
4. Italy 🇮🇹
Why Film Here?
Italy’s historic cities, stunning coastlines, and picturesque countryside have made it a cinematic icon for decades.
Incentives:
- 40% tax credit for eligible productions
- Additional regional incentives in Lazio, Sicily, and Puglia
- Strong support for international productions
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Gladiator (Rome)
- The Talented Mr. Ripley (Amalfi Coast)
- No Time to Die (Matera)
Iconic Locations:
- Rome – Timeless landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican
- Amalfi Coast – Cliffside villages with breathtaking sea views
- Venice – A dreamlike city of canals and bridges
For more information on shooting here, visit Roma Lazio Film Commission
5. Jordan 🇯🇴
Why Film Here?
Jordan has become a leading destination for filmmakers, offering breathtaking desert landscapes, rich historical sites, and unmatched versatility. Its diverse geography allows it to double for Mars, ancient civilizations, Middle Eastern cities, European villages, and even futuristic worlds—making it a perfect backdrop for any genre. Despite regional challenges, Jordan remains one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East, with strong government support for international productions. Additionally, its compact size allows productions to move seamlessly between diverse locations in just five hours, maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Incentives:
- 10-25% cash rebate on eligible expenses
- Fast-track film permits via the Royal Film Commission
- Comprehensive production support for scouting, logistics, and crew
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Dune: Part One & Part Two – Wadi Rum’s surreal landscape as an alien world
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
- Aladdin
- Lawrence of Arabia
- The Martian – Wadi Rum as the Red Planet
- John Wick: Chapter 4
- Sergio
- Moon Knight
Iconic Locations:
- Wadi Rum – A cinematic desert, perfect for sci-fi,action, and period films
- Petra – The legendary rock-carved city, ideal for adventure and historical epics
- Amman – A dynamic blend of modern and ancient settings, doubling for multiple cities worldwide
For more information on shooting here, visit The Royal Film Commission
6. Georgia (USA) 🇺🇸
Why Film Here?
Georgia has become one of the biggest film hubs in the U.S., offering diverse locations and some of the most generous tax incentives in the country.
Incentives:
- Up to 30% tax credit for productions spending at least $500,000
- No cap on tax credits, making it attractive for major productions
- A strong local film industry with skilled crews and soundstages
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Avengers: Endgame (Atlanta)
- Stranger Things (Atlanta & Jackson)
- The Walking Dead (Senoia)
Iconic Locations:
- Atlanta – A versatile city doubling for New York, Chicago, and even futuristic settings
- Savannah – Historic architecture and charming Southern streets
- The Blue Ridge Mountains – Scenic landscapes ideal for adventure and drama films
For more information on shooting here, visit Film Savannah
7. New Zealand 🇳🇿
Why Film Here?
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and cutting-edge production facilities, New Zealand is a filmmaker’s dream.
Incentives:
- Up to 40% rebate through the New Zealand Screen Production Grant
- Strong government support and streamlined permit process
- Home to world-class VFX studios like Weta Workshop and Weta Digital
Famous Films Shot Here:
- The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit trilogies
- Avatar sequels
- The Chronicles of Narnia
Iconic Locations:
- Fiordland National Park – Towering fjords and waterfalls
- Tongariro National Park – Home to Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings
- Hobbiton – The preserved film set used in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings
For more information on shooting here, visit New Zealand Film Commission
8. Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪
Why Film Here?
With futuristic cityscapes, vast deserts, and generous financial incentives, Abu Dhabi is a rising star in the film industry.
Incentives:
- 30% cash rebate on production expenses through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission
- No VAT on film-related services
- Access to top-tier studios like twofour54
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Dune: Part One & Part Two (Liwa Desert)
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Abu Dhabi desert scenes)
- Fast & Furious 7 (Etihad Towers)
Iconic Locations:
- Liwa Desert – Endless sand dunes perfect for sci-fi and adventure films
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A stunning architectural marvel
- Yas Island – A futuristic setting with high-tech architecture
For more information on shooting here, visit Abu Dhabi Film Commission
9. South Africa 🇿🇦
Why Film Here?
South Africa offers diverse landscapes, from savannas to bustling urban centers, all at competitive costs.
Incentives:
- Up to 35% rebate on qualifying expenses through the South African Film and Television Incentive
- A well-established film industry with experienced crews
- Competitive labor and production costs
Famous Films Shot Here:
- District 9
- Mad Max: Fury Road (Namib Desert, near South Africa)
- Black Panther (Wakanda landscapes inspired by South Africa)
Iconic Locations:
- Cape Town – A scenic city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture
- The Drakensberg Mountains – A stunning backdrop for fantasy and action films
- The Karoo – A semi-desert region ideal for Westerns and post-apocalyptic movies
For more information on shooting here, visit Gauteng Film or Big Sky Productions
10. Croatia 🇭🇷
Why Film Here?
With historic cities, beautiful coastlines, and medieval castles, Croatia has become a prime destination for filmmakers.
Incentives:
- 25% cash rebate on qualifying expenses (up to 30% for productions in underdeveloped areas)
- Experienced crews and cost-effective production
- A variety of locations, from medieval towns to Mediterranean beaches
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Game of Thrones (Dubrovnik as King’s Landing)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Robin Hood (Dubrovnik)
Iconic Locations:
- Dubrovnik – The real-life King’s Landing with medieval walls and coastal beauty
- Plitvice Lakes – Stunning waterfalls and lush greenery for fantasy settings
- Split – A blend of Roman ruins and picturesque waterfront scenery
For more information on shooting here, visit Filming in Croatia
Honorable Mentions: Thailand 🇹🇭
Why Film Here?
Thailand’s tropical landscapes, ancient temples, and modern cityscapes make it a highly versatile filming location.
Incentives:
- Up to 20% cash rebate for international productions
- Low production costs with highly skilled local crews
- Strong government support for foreign filmmakers
Famous Films Shot Here:
- The Hangover Part II (Bangkok)
- The Beach (Maya Bay)
- Mortal Kombat
Iconic Locations:
- Bangkok – A bustling metropolis with neon-lit streets and temples
- Phi Phi Islands – Idyllic tropical beaches featured in The Beach
- Chiang Mai – A mix of lush jungles and historic temples
For more information on shooting here, visit Thailand Film Office
Honorable Mentions: Greece 🇬🇷
Why Film Here?
Greece’s iconic architecture, sun-soaked islands, and rich history make it a favorite for filmmakers.
Incentives:
- 40% cash rebate for international productions
- Cost-effective production with experienced local crews
- Spectacular landscapes that blend history and natural beauty
Famous Films Shot Here:
- Mamma Mia! (Skopelos)
- The Bourne Identity (Mykonos)
- James Bond: For Your Eyes Only
Iconic Locations:
- Santorini – Whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets
- Athens – The Acropolis and ancient ruins for historical dramas
- Meteora – Monasteries perched on towering rock formations
For more information on shooting here, visit Athens Film Office or Hellenic Film Commission
Emerging Markets
- Saudi Arabia – Investing heavily in film production infrastructure, with state-backed initiatives, new studios, and diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to futuristic cityscapes. Saudi Arabia Film Commission
- Colombia – Strong tax incentives, a variety of stunning natural and urban locations, and an increasing presence of international productions. The country offers both modern cityscapes and lush rural environments. Film Commission Colombia
- Serbia & Hungary – Affordable European locations with experienced film crews, well-equipped studios, and a mix of historic and contemporary settings. Hungary, particularly Budapest, often doubles for Western European cities, while Serbia provides flexible production costs. Film in Serbia and Hungary National Film Commission
Choosing the right country for your next production is a mix of budget considerations, visual aesthetics, and logistical support. Whether you need snow-capped mountains, ancient ruins, or futuristic landscapes, these countries offer world-class filming locations along with financial perks. If you’re planning your next project, consider these top filming destinations—your dream location might just come with a financial bonus!
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Article Thumbnail: Noel Hendrickson
Header Image: APIX Fotografie
