At the Los Angeles’ Made in Hungary event, Government Commissioner Csaba Kael announced that Hungary’s influential film incentive has been extended thru 2030, Budapest Reporter writes. This highly successful scheme, which has attracted projects to Hungarian studios like Origo Studios, Korda Studios, and NFI Studios, was launched in 2004 as Central Europe’s first of its kind and has since transformed Hungary into the region’s largest production hub.

With annual production spending now topping USD 910 million, Hungary has quadrupled its production volume over the last five years, cementing its status as a top filming destination.

At the event, Kael highlighted the program’s impact on Hungarian cinema, noting that “Hungary’s film industry is now globally recognized, with award-winning productions and a rich collaboration network spanning studios and professionals from around the world.” The announcement comes on the scheme’s 20th anniversary, a milestone commemorated with the first Made in Hungary event in Los Angeles.

The Hungarian Film Incentive offers a 30% rebate on direct expenses incurred during film production in Hungary, covering various costs such as location fees, equipment rental, and professional services. This rebate, available through local business partnerships or via a state-backed Collection Account managed by the National Film Institute (NFI), continues to attract a steady influx of productions, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films and commercials.

In a historic first, the NFI presented Poor Things with the Best International Production Filmed in Hungary Award during the Made in Hungary festival. This award honors productions filmed in Hungary that have achieved notable success in American distribution or streaming. Celebrated at the Melrose Rooftop Theater, the accolade further emphasizes Hungary’s prominent role in international cinema.