TOP 5 SURPRISING FACTS: Why Hollywood fell in love with Finland

Hollywood and beyond – the Nordics are becoming a destination for filmmakers seeking fresh locations and production-friendly environments.

Finland is the happiest country in the world – for the eighth year running!

Did you know that Emma Thompson, Glenn Close, Jason Segel and Juliette Lewis and Saoirse Ronan are but some of the Hollywood star wattage drawn to Finland to film here?

Here are five reasons why Finland has become the film industry's best-kept secret:

1. Money Talks - and Fast

Production companies can get up to 40% of their costs back through incentives. Also, while the Nordic countries are often labeled as expensive, many foreign productions are pleasantly surprised by how cost-efficient Finland can actually be. Producers who have used Finland’s incentive model often describe it as fast, transparent, and effective—reflecting the country’s overall efficiency. The incentive application process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and decisions can be made within weeks without any tricky application periods. The best part? Money lands in the account within 30 days, no bureaucratic nightmares.

Discover more about the incentives on offer in Finland

2. Real Snow is the New Gold

While others spend millions creating artificial snow, Finland offers the real winter wonderland package.  Finland’s expertise in cold-weather filmmaking, the “snow-how,” ensures that working in winter conditions is safe and comfortable for cast and crew. Film crews are even treated to Northern Lights shows after a manageable 10-hour workday - topped off with an authentic Finnish sauna experience. 

Finland overall is designed to operate in cold conditions. Even with heavy snowfall overnight, our roads are drivable in the morning, planes take off as scheduled, and yes – kids walk to school.

Read about Finland’s icy landscapes in action

3. Versatile Hidden Gems - Undiscovered Locations of your DP’s dreams

Finland offers fresh locations that audiences haven't seen before. From ultra-modern tech hubs to medieval castles, and from Arctic wilderness to urban grit - all with world-class infrastructure and surprisingly low location fees. Need a film-ready ice road, a luxurious villa with very modest rental costs, or permits that actually arrive quickly and without heavy bureaucracy? It’s all handled without hassle and no unnecessary last-minute surprises. A major bonus is the long-lasting magical light – every DP’s dream. In summer, the golden hour can stretch for hours, while in winter, the low-hanging sun paints the landscape in soft hues all day long.

Feast on some location eye candy from Finland

4. "Finnish Calm" - Hollywood's New Crush

The Finnish film crew is famous for being unshaken by unexpected challenges. As one international actor put it; “There’s no panic on a Finnish set. Everything is handled with this calm, focused energy.” There’s a quiet confidence in how Finns approach their work and things just get done, without unnecessary small talk or ego games. Another aspect is how Finns mean exactly what they say and when a Finn promises something, it happens. There’s no need for five follow-up emails or second-guessing, no pointless meetings, no over-explaining, no drama – just solutions.

Read what Emma Thompson had to say about Finnish crews

5. The World's Happiest Surprise Package

Drinkable tap water, fresh air, and local, unprocessed food… International film crews often leave Finland feeling healthier than when they arrived. In the 'Happiest Country,' everything runs like clockwork—without the fuss. International guests notice the sense of security everywhere; after all, Finland is famous for lost wallets being returned untouched. Ultimately, happiness in Finland isn’t about big smiles and carnivals – it’s about feeling well and being safe.

The Result? Productions that film in Finland keep coming back. Maybe it's because in Finland, promises aren't just kept – they're exceeded.

Learn more reasons why Finland is the happiest country in the world