Film Crews in Budapest

Working Conditions

The employment conditions for Hungarian crew members are particularly production-friendly. A standard workweek consists of six days, with a typical workday based on a fixed daily fee for 12 hours, including a one-hour lunch break. While overtime pay increases progressively, the rate only rises every two hours. Additionally, crew members must receive a minimum rest period of 11 hours between consecutive workdays; if this requirement is not met, the missed rest time must be compensated as overtime on the following workday.

Notably, Hungarian crew members do not have an official trade union, which presents several advantages. For instance, the majority of crew members are self-employed, eliminating additional costs such as healthcare, welfare, and pension contributions. This also allows for significantly reduced administrative burdens and greater flexibility in employment arrangements, making it easier to negotiate customized terms such as a more adaptable schedule or a cost-effective wage structure.

Camera Crew

In Hungary, cinematography is taught at a university level at the University of Theatre and Film Arts. During their bachelor’s and master’s studies, students begin working as cinematographers or in various camera crew roles on local and international productions. Cinematography students typically assemble their camera crews from young professionals for student films, creating opportunities for aspiring camera assistants to gain hands-on experience and gradually establish themselves in the industry.

Another advantage of Hungary’s thriving film industry is the accessibility of state-of-the-art filmmaking equipment. Budapest offers a full range of cutting-edge technical gear, with the latest innovations quickly becoming available on the local market. This ensures that camera crews are always working with up-to-date technology, keeping them at the forefront of modern cinematography.

Gaffers and Grips

Hungary boasts a diverse pool of gaffers, ranging from those with extensive experience in lighting large-scale feature films to specialists focusing on commercials and photo shoots.

For a long time, grip tasks in Hungary were handled by the gaffer and lighting team. However, over time, these responsibilities have evolved into a distinct role, though not strictly following the American or British model. In Hungary, grip teams primarily focus on equipment used for camera movement and specialized rigging, while all other lighting-related tasks remain under the gaffer’s supervision.

The unique responsibilities of Hungarian key grips have allowed them to develop deep expertise in specialized camera movement equipment, as well as in sourcing and coordinating the necessary technicians. While proficiency in operating a dolly or slider is expected of any grip, Hungarian grips routinely work with telescopic cranes, modular cranes, jib arms, various types of remote heads, cable cams, and U-Cranes—whether it’s a mini arm mounted on a quad or a full-size setup on a large trailer. Today, all of this equipment is readily available on the Hungarian market, allowing grips to operate at the highest professional standards without compromise.

Art Department

University education plays a crucial role in this field, with programs such as the architecture design master’s course at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design equipping graduates with a solid foundation for entering the film industry. As part of their studies, students must obtain at least one language certification, ensuring they can seamlessly adapt to English-speaking work environments. The film industry takes full advantage of this, quickly integrating them into international commercial and film productions, where they gain valuable hands-on experience. From there, they can climb the industry ladder, advancing to roles such as production designer or art director. The demanding schedules of international productions train them to work with precision under high-pressure conditions and tight deadlines, resulting in a wealth of experienced professionals capable of handling any task—whether as local art directors assisting with international projects or leading entire art departments.

The steady influx of large-scale international productions further drives the ongoing development of Hungary’s art department professionals. A notable example is Blade Runner 2049 (2017), renowned for its striking sets, many of which were designed and built in Hungary with significant local involvement. Additionally, Hungary offers set construction services for productions of all scales, from small commercial shoots to major Hollywood blockbusters such as The Martian (2015) and Hercules (2015), which required the creation of entire settlements and cave systems.

Another byproduct of Hungary’s thriving film industry is the involvement of businesses whose primary market is not film, yet they regularly take on commissions for productions, making them well-versed in the industry’s unique demands. A prime example is a Budapest-based flower shop that specializes in crafting long-lasting wreaths and bouquets using a unique technique but also creates custom floral decorations for film productions. Similarly, many furniture stores, antique dealers, and clothing shops have adapted to working with the film industry, providing specialized services on demand.

Stunts

The number and expertise of Hungarian stunt performers are truly impressive. Countless international and Hungarian blockbuster films and series have relied on their professionalism. An early example is the 2004 film Troy, where 10% of the stunt team was Hungarian—including Brad Pitt’s stunt double. Other notable successes include Game of Thrones and Star Wars, both of which featured Hungarian stunt talent. Additionally, numerous productions filmed in Hungary, such as Red Sparrow (2018) and The Martian (2015), made even greater use of the country’s extensive stunt performer pool.

Animal Trainers

Hungary offers a uniquely diverse selection of animals for film productions, thanks to the country’s exceptional animal trainers. In addition to working with common domesticated animals such as dogs and cats, they are experienced in handling more unusual species, including wolves, reindeer, and even bears.

Hungarian animal trainers are not only skilful in working with various species, but also in creating a safe and animal-friendly environment during production so that the trained animals can feel at ease on set. This is true about shooting with wolves, which is without equal around the world. Although a few special precautionary measures need to be made, these trainers have significant experience to facilitate a comfortable and safe work process among people and animals.

When it comes to domesticated animals like dogs and cats, the availability in Hungary is remarkably high. For instance, during the production of White God (2014), all 280 dogs featured in the film were sourced locally. Beyond this, Hungary’s strength in animal training lies in its extraordinary diversity—productions filming in the country can choose from a wide range of species, including elephants, raccoons, reindeer, lynxes, and many more.