hufilmtv1-9, Exercise 1: Why Budapest, and what crews gain

Model answer (check the details):

Why Budapest: its architecture covers many periods and the city can stand in for Paris, Vienna, Berlin or Buenos Aires. Large studios (Mafilm's older sites and the Etyek complex opened in 2007) offer space for big sets. Crews were skilled and costs lower than in many Western cities, and a tax rebate improved the offer.

What local crews gain: steady work, experience with large international productions, training in methods and equipment, contacts, and a pool of skills (builders, stunt teams, effects and post-production firms) that Hungarian films can also use. There are also gains for hotels, caterers and suppliers.

Caution: figures on jobs and income should be checked against official studies, and skills gained do not always flow to Hungarian-language films.