Hollywood in Hungary

[ 0 ] June 30, 2010 | The Hungarian Girl

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008) was the first American production to shoot at the Korda Studios in Hungary.

Hungary has made appearances in a variety of foreign films and television productions. With its ever-expanding capacity of production facilities and unique varied locations, Hungary is making it’s mark in Hollywood. Cities like Budapest have been able to pass off as London, East and West Berlin, Paris and even Buenos Aires. Hungary has also provided significant tax incentives to foreign productions making it a very budget very location.

So, if you’re eager to see Hungary on the big screen, take a closer look at some of these productions.

Bel Ami (2011)

Starring Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman, this upcoming film follows a young man’s rise to power in Paris by manipulating a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy mistresses. Budapest’s New York Palace Hotel is featured in the film. Rumour has it that Pattinson’s girlfriend Kristen Stewart came to Budapest to spent time with him and to celebrate her birthday in the capital city.

The Pillars of the Earth (2009)

Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men collide through 40 years of social and political upheaval that affect the progress of the cathedral and their fortunes. Filming of this mini-series took place throughout Hungary and Austria.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Set during World War II, this film is seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, an eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. Most of the film was shot in Budapest with local Hungarian crew members and studio space being used.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)

In this superhero sequel, Hellboy must defeat the evil prince before The Golden Army can destroy humanity’s existence. The film was the first American production to shoot at Korda Studios in Hungary. The creature shop was led by the company Spectral Motion, and Filmefex contributed work in makeup and prosthetics. The latter company designed a creature for the troll market scene and built several statues and full-sized replicas of the Golden Army.

Munich (2005)

Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath, this film is about the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day. The hotel lobby of the Marriott Budapest Hotel, Puskás Ferenc Stadium, and Tököl Airport are just a few of the recognizable locations seen in this film.

I Spy (2002)

Based on the 1960?s television series I Spy. Two agents are reluctantly paired for a dangerous mission to recover a missing jet. Hungary’s most famous landmarks, Buda Castle and Széchenyi Chain Bridge are featured in this action film.

An American Rhapsody (2001)

A young Hungarian girl struggles to find her place in the world when she’s reunited with her parents in the USA years after she was left behind during their plight from the communist regime in the 1950s. Budapest Ferihegy Airport makes a cameo.

Sunshine (1999)

Sunshine tells the story of a Jewish family living in Hungary through three generations, rising from humble beginnings to positions of wealth and power in the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire. The film includes many historical buildings and monuments throughout Budapest.

Evita (1996)

The hit musical based on the life of Evita Duarte, a B-picture Argentinean actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinean president Juan Peron, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina. The streets of Budapest are made to look like Buenos Aires. The Museum of Ethnography and Liberty Square can also be seen in the film.

Music Box (1989)

Music Box tells the story of a Hungarian-American immigrant who is accused of having been a war criminal. The plot revolves around his daughter, an attorney, who defends him, and her struggle to uncover the truth. Principal photography for the film started on location in Chicago, but for later scenes of the film the production was actually moved to Budapest, as the director wanted authenticity in what he considered some of the key scenes.