The Baltic States — Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania — are gearing up for a surge in local TV productions, with international partners being welcomed with open arms. The region is being touted as an intriguing environment, blending contemporary and innovative elements with a rich Soviet heritage that adds a unique flavor to its storytelling.
Toomas Ili, head of content at Elisa Estonia, is optimistic about the potential of the Baltic States in the TV production landscape. He highlights the beauty of the region’s scenery and architecture, which has caught the attention of Hollywood productions looking for fresh locations. The recent Ukrainian-Estonian drama “My Dear Mother,” set to premiere at Berlinale Series Market Selects, is a testament to the region’s storytelling prowess.
According to Ili, the Estonian TV industry has come a long way in the past six years, with a significant improvement in production quality and storytelling. The success of shows like “Von Fock,” a period crime drama co-produced with Italy, Latvia, and Germany, has set a new standard for ambitious projects with international potential.
Director Arun Tamm emphasizes the importance of collaboration and co-productions in elevating the Baltic TV industry to new heights. He believes that projects like “Von Fock” can pave the way for more high-quality productions and showcase the region’s talent on a global stage.
While the Baltic States have made significant progress in TV production, challenges remain, particularly in securing adequate funding for ambitious projects. Edith Sepp, head of the Estonian Film Institute, stresses the need for increased cash rebates and higher budgets to attract international partners and compete in the global market.
Jevgeni Supin of Zolba Productions echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of co-productions and partnerships with foreign collaborators to create competitive and compelling content. He believes that the Baltic region has immense potential for creative storytelling, given its unique landscapes and strong tax incentives.
With projects like “Troll Farm” from Lithuania, “Soviet Jeans” from Latvia, and the success of recent co-productions, the Baltic States are slowly but surely making their mark in the TV industry. The region’s creators are gaining recognition for their innovative storytelling and willingness to push boundaries.
In Latvia, initiatives like the TV series funding competition organized by Latvian Public Service Media (LPSM) are helping to nurture local talent and explore the country’s cultural identity through storytelling. Projects like “The Last Divorce of Communism” and “Soviet Jeans” are gaining international acclaim and showcasing Latvian filmmakers on a global stage.
Despite the challenges of securing funding and breaking away from stereotypes, Baltic creators remain determined to tell fresh and unexpected stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. With continued support from government bodies and funding agencies, the Baltic States are poised to become major players in the global TV production landscape. Between 2022 and 2024, a significant boost in funding of €6 million ($6.2 million) led to the production of four new TV shows, with one standout series being “Soviet Jeans.” This marked a turning point for Latvian TV production, as it showcased the potential for local series makers to reach a wider international audience, thanks to the support of the National Film Centre.
The success of series like “Emily, Queen of the Press,” “Soviet Jeans,” and “Mutiny” has paved the way for future projects, but continued funding is essential to sustain this momentum. The involvement in programs like Eurimages series support is crucial for fostering international cooperation and expanding the reach of Latvian productions.
Meanwhile, Lithuania has also been making strides in the film industry, with a robust film tax incentive program attracting foreign productions to the country. The flexibility of the system, with an annual budget cap of €55 million ($57 million), ensures stability and room for growth, making Lithuania an attractive destination for filmmakers.
Vilnius, in particular, has become a popular choice for filmmakers looking to recreate European cities on screen, thanks to its versatile locations. While the absence of a large sound stage remains a challenge, opportunities for collaboration with neighboring countries like Estonia could help fill this gap and strengthen regional partnerships.
Recent productions like “Chernobyl,” “Stranger Things,” and “Sisi” have showcased Lithuania’s potential as a filming location, with historic sites like Lukiškės Prison playing a pivotal role in projects like Netflix’s “Clark.” The Vilnius Film Office has seen an influx of international productions, highlighting the city’s appeal as a filming destination.
Looking ahead, the Baltic region shows great promise for growth in the film industry, with opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing among neighboring countries. By working together, Latvia and Lithuania can capitalize on each other’s strengths and address industry challenges, ultimately strengthening the film industry in the Baltic States.
