As productions look to begin moving in the wake of coronavirus, Austria was the first country to address the problem that insurers are not providing coverage for possible forced shutdowns or delays to a production due to Covid-19. A EUR25 million government backed fund will pay out grants of up to USD2.8 million per production to cover losses incurred. While international productions are yet to return to shooting in Austria, Sky Deutschland mini-series Ich und die Andere has resumed production.
Austria offers a great mix of spectacular mountainous landscapes and historical architecture. Famous for its alpine lakes and green hills, the Central European country has always attracted international shoots.
In 2019, the Fox Searchlight feature film Downhill shot in Austrian ski resorts of Ischgl, Fiss and Kaunertal. The pure alpine settings in the mountainous region are accessible and have the built up infrastructure needed for filming.
Austria was also a key location for James Bond Spectre. The production filmed at Lake Altausee in the centre of the country before shifting to Tirol in the west for a snowy chase scene.
Other major productions to have shot in the country in recent years include Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation . Vienna’s rich architecture was the setting for dramatic stunt work on central venues, including the Vienna State Opera building.
Centralised production support is available through Location Austria, and through regional bodies like Cine Tirol.
James Bond in Tirol is the ultimate accolade for Cine Tirol, as the driving force for the region of Tirol as a filming location. This movie will draw the attention of the entire film industry to our region and help facilitate the acquisition of further international follow-up projects.
Johannes Köck, Director of Cine Tirol
Austria has more forested regions than any other European country (46% of the total area). Higher mountain regions lie in the western Alpine climate zone. Toward the east, annual precipitation declines and the difference between summer and winter temperatures increases.
Austria lies approximately on the same latitude as the US states of Maine and Washington. A moderate climate prevails throughout the four seasons. Typically there are cold winters and warm summers with moderate precipitation. In July and August temperatures climb but the nights stay cool. Precipitation is evenly spread throughout the year.
