Iceland Invites Filmmakers for Movies and TV Shows
Iceland informs about an array of movies and TV productions recently filmed on the island.
With upcoming Hollywood films including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Thor 2: The Dark World and Noah set for release by March 2014, Iceland is fast being recognised as the must-go-to location for directors looking for a visual feast of stunning backdrops and diverse scenery, suggests Promote Iceland.
Iceland, often mistaken as a cold, hard to reach country, but which, in reality is less than 5 hours by plane from New York, is popular with producers and filmmakers who are attracted by its raw, volcanic landscape, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, black deserts and variety of locations.
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From iconic films such as Die Another Day (2002) to Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise (2013), Iceland has played the part of alien planet, raging battlefield, tropical Pacific Island, the Himalayas in scenes shot all over Iceland, from Stykkishólmur in the Westfjords to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
TV productions including 2013 Emmy nominated Game Of Thrones can also call Iceland their home, according to Promote Iceland.
Another attraction for filmmakers could be the financial incentive Iceland provides. The government currently operates a generous reimbursement scheme for foreign film productions, offering a 20% refund on qualified expenditure in the country for feature films and TV projects.
Einar Hansen Tomasson, Film Commissioner, Film In Iceland said: “As well as offering a simple incentive scheme with limited red tape, the multitude of landscapes in Iceland mean that every type of backdrop is accessible within a matter of hours. In addition, the Icelandic production crews are highly respected for their hard work ethic and quality, making for a smooth running filming experience. All of these elements mean that film budgets go much further in Iceland.”
Popular films shot in Iceland
- Noah (2014) – Fossvogur, Reykjavík, Reynisfjara
- Oblivion (2013) – Highlands (Drekavatn)
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – All over Iceland
- Thor 2: The Dark World (2013) – Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skógarfoss waterfall, Skeiðársandur, Dómadalur
- Prometheus (2012) – Dettifoss, Highlands (Dómadalsleið, Landmannalaugar
- Flags of our Fathers (2006) – Reykjanes Peninsula
- Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) – Snæfellsjökull
- Die Another Day (2002) – Vatnajökull (meaning Glacier of Rivers), also known as the Vatna Glacier
Inspired by Iceland is a public private act – between the Icelandic government, City of Reykjavik, and companies in the travel industry, and in trades and services. More than 100 companies are involved. Promote Iceland is the developer and the executive of the campaign.
