While Zagreb hosts the filming of the thriller 'Snake Island' with Adrien Brody and Sean Penn, HAVC director Chris Marcich reveals the concrete figures behind the incentive program for foreign productions.
As central Zagreb echoes with scenes of war barricades and extras in Ukrainian uniforms, another financially significant story unfolds behind the scenes of the Hollywood thriller 'Snake Island.' This is the incentive program that has positioned Croatia as an attractive location for major international productions for years, bringing over 300 million euros in direct investments to the country in the past 14 years.
Chris Marcich, director of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), emphasized the program's importance to the domestic economy in a statement to In Magazin. "The program, which has been in place for 14 years, means a lot to us. Through this program and because of it, over 300 million euros have been invested in Croatia," Marcich stated.
This money isn't just for location costs; it covers a wide range of services, from accommodation and logistics to hiring local film workers and companies. Each such production, Marcich explains, represents a significant boost to the local economy.
The current project by director Doug Liman, inspired by the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, is a prime example of this in practice. The film crew, led by Oscar winners Adrien Brody and Sean Penn, will spend a total of 19 shooting days in Croatia.
"They're filming here today, then heading by sea to Pula, where they wrap up at the beginning of September," Marcich revealed about the production schedule. After cameras captured scenes in front of the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb, the entire crew moves to the coast, where they will finish the Croatian part of the shoot in Pula in early September 2026.
However, financial gain isn't the only benefit Croatia receives from major studios. Marcich highlights the invaluable experience domestic professionals gain by working alongside international experts.
This is especially true for young people just entering the film world. "They learn something. The trainees on set also learn, building their future careers with the experience gained from shooting such projects," said the HAVC director, emphasizing that the program creates long-term value for the entire domestic film industry.
The incentive program, which has proven its worth over the past 14 years with over 300 million euros in investments, is the main reason foreign productions increasingly choose Croatia. While the cameras of 'Snake Island' will stop rolling in early September, the economic and professional footprint left by such projects continues to build the country's reputation as a desirable destination for the global film industry.
