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. 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 overIceland, 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.
Photo credit Promote Iceland
Renowned for its out-of-this-world landscapes and extreme, unique environment has confirmed its status as filmmakers favourite as it celebrates a deluge of blockbuster movies and TV productions recently filmed on the island.
With much anticipated Hollywood films including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Thor 2: The Dark World and Noah set for release between December and 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.
Moderate temperatures and its geographical location mean that Iceland is the ultimate choice for filmmakers, with summer offering some of the longest daylight hours on the planet, a staggering 21 hours a day between mid May and mid August, providing the perfect location for length shooting days. In winter, the average number of daylight hours is five hours, which offers the perfect mix of prolonged twilight and atmospheric conditions.
Another attraction for filmmakers is 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.
- 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
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Inspired By Iceland http://www.inspiredbyiceland.com
Promote Iceland http://www.promoteiceland.is