Video Production in Iceland: Why Global Brands and Filmmakers Choose Icelandic Production Companies
Iceland has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for film, TV, and commercial shoots in the world. With its otherworldly landscapes, dramatic lighting, and professional film infrastructure, the country has established itself as a go-to hub for creative video production. Whether you are a global brand seeking a breathtaking backdrop for a commercial, a filmmaker pursuing cinematic beauty, or a music video director chasing the perfect visual story, Iceland offers everything you need through its growing production companies in Iceland.
In this article, we’ll explore why Iceland has become a global video production hotspot, the advantages of hiring a production company in Iceland, and how businesses, brands, and filmmakers can benefit from producing content in this remarkable Nordic nation.
The Allure of Iceland’s Landscapes
One of the primary reasons production companies and creative directors flock to Iceland is the natural scenery. Few places on Earth can match the sheer diversity of landscapes available within such a compact region. From volcanic deserts and glacial lagoons to moss-covered lava fields and dramatic black-sand beaches, Iceland’s topography looks like a blend of multiple worlds.
This variety has made Iceland the backdrop of choice for numerous Hollywood blockbusters, high-budget commercials, and international music videos. Movies like Interstellar, Batman Begins, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Thor: The Dark World used Iceland’s terrain to double for alien planets, mystical realms, and remote landscapes.
For commercial brands, these landscapes add production value without requiring international crews to travel across multiple countries. A single day’s drive in Iceland can take a crew from towering waterfalls to arctic glaciers, giving unparalleled diversity of shots.
Why Choose a Production Company in Iceland?
While Iceland’s beauty is undeniable, successfully filming there requires local expertise. This is where a production company in Iceland becomes indispensable. Local production teams understand the challenges of Icelandic weather, logistics, and permits.
Benefits of Hiring an Icelandic Production Company
- Location Management
- Iceland has hundreds of potential filming sites, but not all are easy to access. Production companies know which locations are feasible, secure permits quickly, and handle negotiations with landowners or municipalities.
- Iceland has hundreds of potential filming sites, but not all are easy to access. Production companies know which locations are feasible, secure permits quickly, and handle negotiations with landowners or municipalities.
- Weather & Logistics Expertise
- Iceland’s weather can change in minutes, creating challenges for international teams. Local production crews have contingency plans, flexible schedules, and the right equipment to handle unpredictable conditions.
- Iceland’s weather can change in minutes, creating challenges for international teams. Local production crews have contingency plans, flexible schedules, and the right equipment to handle unpredictable conditions.
- Professional Crew & Equipment
- Many Icelandic production companies provide top-tier cinematographers, lighting specialists, drone operators, and sound engineers. This eliminates the cost of flying large crews from abroad.
- Many Icelandic production companies provide top-tier cinematographers, lighting specialists, drone operators, and sound engineers. This eliminates the cost of flying large crews from abroad.
- Cost Efficiency
- Iceland offers competitive tax rebates of up to 25% on film and video production costs. By working with a production company in Iceland, foreign clients can maximize these incentives while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Iceland offers competitive tax rebates of up to 25% on film and video production costs. By working with a production company in Iceland, foreign clients can maximize these incentives while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Safety & Compliance
- Filming near glaciers, volcanoes, or geothermal areas comes with risks. Local crews are trained to prioritize safety while still capturing dramatic visuals.
- Filming near glaciers, volcanoes, or geothermal areas comes with risks. Local crews are trained to prioritize safety while still capturing dramatic visuals.
Iceland as a Commercial Video Production Hub
Beyond Hollywood, Iceland is increasingly popular for commercials, branded content, and corporate videos. Leading car manufacturers, fashion brands, and tech companies regularly choose Iceland to showcase their products in a cinematic, adventurous context.
Imagine a sleek car racing across a winding road framed by volcanic cliffs, or a drone shot capturing athletes running across icy plains—these visuals instantly elevate brand identity. A video production in Iceland specializes in creating this type of high-impact storytelling for international brands.
For businesses, Iceland provides:
- Global Appeal – Iceland’s landscapes are instantly recognizable yet feel universal, resonating with audiences worldwide.
- Versatility – Whether the tone is luxury, adventure, sustainability, or innovation, Iceland’s natural settings adapt seamlessly.
- Eco-Credibility – With sustainability being a major brand focus, filming in Iceland’s pristine nature aligns with eco-conscious messaging.
Corporate and Event Video Production in Iceland
It’s not just films and commercials—corporate clients also look to Iceland for unique event coverage and brand storytelling. From global conferences in Reykjavík to product launches set against glaciers, production companies in Iceland offer live streaming, event coverage, and corporate storytelling packages.
With Iceland being well-connected to both Europe and North America, it has become a favored destination for international conferences. Production companies in Reykjavík can provide bilingual crews, high-quality editing, and post-production services tailored to corporate clients.
Music Videos and Creative Content
Iceland is also a magnet for musicians and creative artists. Iconic music videos by bands like Coldplay and artists like Justin Bieber (I’ll Show You, filmed at multiple Icelandic locations) showcase how the country’s surreal landscapes elevate artistic storytelling.
Independent artists, too, turn to Iceland for affordable yet visually stunning productions. Local production companies offer end-to-end services, from location scouting and crew support to editing and color grading, making the process smooth and professional.
Post-Production Excellence
While Iceland is famous for its landscapes, its production companies also excel in post-production. Many provide editing, VFX, animation, and sound design services that meet international standards.
This ensures that a project doesn’t just capture breathtaking visuals but also delivers a polished final product. Whether it’s color grading to highlight the icy blues of a glacier or adding subtle VFX enhancements, Iceland’s post-production specialists are highly skilled.
The Tax Incentives Advantage
A huge benefit of video production in Iceland is the 25% reimbursement scheme on production costs. This rebate applies to feature films, TV shows, documentaries, and commercials that meet specific criteria.
A local production company in Iceland ensures that clients benefit from these incentives by handling all the paperwork and compliance details. This financial advantage often makes Iceland more cost-effective than many other European filming destinations.
Challenges and How Local Production Companies Solve Them
While Iceland offers incredible opportunities, there are challenges too:
- Unpredictable Weather: Storms, snow, or rain can appear unexpectedly. Local production companies adapt with flexible planning.
- Remote Locations: Some sites are accessible only by 4×4 vehicles or helicopters. Production companies provide the logistics.
- High Demand: Popular filming sites can get booked or crowded. Local crews know alternative hidden gems.
By hiring a production company in Iceland, international clients can focus on creativity while professionals handle the practicalities.
Conclusion
Iceland has established itself as one of the premier destinations for video production. Its dramatic landscapes, professional crews, tax incentives, and global accessibility make it a natural choice for filmmakers, brands, and artists alike.
Whether you are producing a Hollywood film, a global brand commercial, a corporate event video, or a music video, Iceland delivers cinematic excellence. By partnering with a production company in Iceland, you gain not only access to world-class locations but also the local expertise that ensures a smooth, safe, and cost-effective production process.
