Increased attention to climate change has seen a rise in icy locations from the Game of Thrones and the Fate of the Furious to frozen planets as seen in Interstellar and Oblivion.

Iceland has reigned as one of Hollywood's favored locations for the Arctic tundra, thanks in part to being an early adopter of generous incentives, an experienced crewbase created from a long resume of international projects, and a chance introduction to Hollywood through Clint Eastwood's 'Flags of our Fathers', who came specifically for Iceland’s black sand beaches to match Clint’s creative needs, and proved it could handle a Hollywood feature as the incentive came to pass.

Finland hopes to get in on the action with a new film incentive, joining Nordic neighbors Iceland and Norway as Hollywood's next Arctic backlot with the Finnish, German, and French co-production 'Arctic Circle' as one of the first productions to take advantage.

The Lapland Film Commission has seized the opportunity to get the word out, recently inviting producers and location managers to visit their region, earlier this month for their long winter, and last year to experience the midnight sun of the Arctic summer.

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I had the opportunity to visit with the group this month and have to say that the locations are quite unique and intriguing. The film commission is eager and have lined up many willing partners throughout the region from hotels, property owners, and service providers willing to work with Hollywood. From experienced reindeer and dog handlers, to rally car drivers, Finland offers unique personnel eager to capitalize on the successes of film tourism elsewhere.

Although a 25% rebate sounds generous at first glance, potential liabilities include a €10 million cap and the lack of qualified crew and infrastructure in the North needed to compete with Iceland. Advantages include the availability of crew, equipment, and stages in Helsinki, as well as the neoclassical architecture reminiscent of Moscow and Saint Petersberg.

During the Soviet era, Helsinki frequently portrayed Russia in Hollywood features, Warren Beatty's 'Reds' (1981) and Michael Apted's 'Gorky Park' (1983) chief among them. As we find tensions between Washington and Moscow souring once again, perhaps Finland can again use this as a lure to seduce Hollywood's fickle tastes back from its Nordic neighbors once again.  

Although the Finnish concept of sisu will continue drive the desire to establish their own independent identity, Lapland and Finland in general would do well to put aside regional differences, and accept the architectural comparisons if it means landing a Hollywood feature. More importantly, Lapland and Finland in general must work to collaborate within, understanding that simply having one piece of the puzzle isn't enough to lure Hollywood, but having as many pieces of the puzzle they can cobble together to justify the long trip across the Atlantic.

Whether that means working with Helsinki stages, Estonian locations, or vendors in Oslo, all options should be on the table to faciliate the ease of filming in an all-inclusive package. With the rise in popularity of Nordic noir across the globe, it should be easy for Finland to become a power player in the international film market if it plays its cards right.

Please visit www.businessfinland.fi for more information regarding filming in Finland. For examples of some of the locations available, please visit my album on Facebook.