Top 5 Shoot Locations in Belgrade, Serbia

Architecturally diverse, cost-efficient (with a 25% rebate), and filmmaker-friendly – welcome to Serbian capital, Belgrade. Whether you’re looking for the rugged geometry of Brutalism, remnants of the Ottoman empire, or quaint cobblestone streets, the Balkan metropolis has it all.

“The city has a lot of different locations conveniently close to one another, the weather is nice (most of the time), and it’s a great time in between shoots with its restaurants and bars. It isn’t hard to get a permit for filming and the city is full of very professional film crew.” That's according to SheFilms, a Belgrade-based production house. Its team are experts on the scene, having brought a wide span of international clients to the capital, including LTX Studios, Intersport, World Gold Council, Playtika, Hisense, Artlist, and Saudi National Day.

If you’re interested in being next on its streets, here are SheFilms’ top five Belgrade backdrops.

New Belgrade 

First up is the municipality of New Belgrade, a business hub on the left bank of the Sava River. Striking Brutalist blocks soar in this district – such as the Karaburma, which the locals have nicknamed Toblerone Tower for its jutting triangular corners – providing a dramatic setting for futuristic, urban, or dystopian themes.

SheFilms comments, “New Belgrade is great logistics-wise, and known for its Brutalist architecture that looks amazing on camera and gives a unique vibe to music videos, commercials and movies.”

Residential Belgrade

Venture inside Belgrade’s buildings and you’ll find a vast array of interior styles. SheFilms notes, “Residential Belgrade is filled with many different architecture styles because of its history, so there is a possibility to find a place that can work for any aesthetic or mood!” Cosy or sleek, modern or vintage, romantic or minimal, filmmakers can find a variety of settings for interior scenes.

Streets

Out on its streets – whether historic, cobblestone alleys or bustling, cosmopolitan pavements – Belgrade can shapeshift into any number of European cities to suit your scenic needs. As SheFilms explains, “We all know that in many movies Belgrade has been Paris, London and many different cities. Since it is very versatile it can be portrayed as many different places with a little effort!”

Above: Photo by Aleksandr Zykov (licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Energoprojekt

The Energoprojekt building, designed by architect Milica Šterić, is primed for industrial or corporate settings. Though Modernist, its varied corners can be used for many different eras.

Above: '"Energoprojekt" building, Block 11a, New Belgrade' by Ljiljana Sundać (licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0)

Avala Tower and Monument

30 minutes from Belgrade, standing on Mount Avala, you’ll find the Avala Tower – a functioning telecommunications tower offering a sweeping panorama and a symbol of Belgrade’s resilience, having been bombed and rebuilt. Rising triumphantly, it’s the tallest structure in Serbia, with the antenna-topped concrete tripod proving the perfect addition to sci-fi settings.

At the very top of the mountain is the nearby Monument to the Unknown Hero, constructed to honour the Serbian soldiers who died in World War I. A uniquely stunning location, the man-made granite memorial provides a sharp contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding forests.