Filming in Latvia: The Versatile Backlot of the Baltics

Latvia is the heavyweight of the Baltic film industry. With a long history of cinema dating back to the Soviet era, it possesses the largest infrastructure in the region, including massive sound stages and a deep pool of experienced talent. For foreign productions, Latvia is often the "chameleon"—a country that can double for almost anywhere in Europe.

At Spot Locations, we love Latvia for its architectural diversity. You can find convincing doubles for Paris, Berlin, or Moscow within a 20-minute drive of each other. It is a workhorse destination that combines artistic flair with practical production muscle.

Riga The City of Many Faces

The capital, Riga, is the jewel of the location library. It is famous for having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.

The Paris Double: Streets like Alberta iela are lined with ornate, decorative facades that easily pass for wealthy districts in Paris or Vienna. This makes Riga a favorite for period dramas and luxury brand commercials.

The Soviet Legacy: Step outside the Old Town, and you find brutalist aesthetics that are in high demand. The TV Tower (one of the tallest in the EU) and the sprawling suburban districts offer the geometric, concrete look needed for dystopian narratives or gritty urban stories.

Rundāle Palace and Historic Manors

If you need Versailles but cannot get permission to shoot in France, Latvia has the answer. Rundāle Palace, designed by the same architect who created the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, is a stunning Baroque masterpiece. It features gold-leaf halls, massive crystal chandeliers, and manicured French gardens. It has hosted major international productions (like Catherine the Great) because it offers imperial grandeur that is film-friendly and accessible.

Jurmala and The White Coast

Just a short drive from Riga lies Jurmala, a resort city famous for its wooden villas and 33 kilometers of white quartz sand beaches. Unlike the rocky coasts of the Mediterranean, the beaches here are wide and flat, offering expansive horizons. It is an excellent location for "Hamptons-style" coastal shoots, wellness campaigns, or summer lifestyle commercials.

Logistics and The "Riga Effect"

Latvia offers a cash rebate of up to 25% (combining national and city funds) for international productions. But the real value is in the infrastructure. Riga International Airport is the busiest in the Baltics, making it easy to fly in talent. The local rental houses are stocked with the latest Arri and Panavision glass, and the construction teams are legendary for building high-quality sets on Latvia’s large sound stages.

Why Latvia for Your Next Shoot?

Latvia is the safe pair of hands. It has the track record, the equipment, and the "look" to handle big-budget requirements. Whether you need a generic European city, a specific historical period, or a high-tech studio build, Latvia delivers it with professional polish and cost-efficiency.