Iceland is one of the most exotic destinations on earth when it comes to video production. If you’re up for the challenges and rewards of doing media production in Iceland, this article is your ideal starting point for what’s to come. Start here, take some notes, and prepare for incredible landscapes.
What to expect when working in media production in Iceland
What to expect from media production in Iceland? Being such a remote country from pretty much any place on earth, Iceland is a tad difficult to reach from mainland Europe or the Americas. Very few airports in Europe cater for direct flights to Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. This means that flights are usually more expensive than, say, a regular London to Madrid trip. Another thing to look for is hotels, which are also more expensive given the remote features of the place. Food, as well as other basics like transportation on the island, are more expensive than mainland Europe as well.
When it comes to the actual media production in Iceland, you may want to opt out of bringing your stuff on the island. Renting equipment in a place like this might prove to be hard, even impossible, as there aren’t many large cities and stores to go to. This means it’s better to carry some via air or water, instead of renting on the ground. This also works as a rule when you think about hiring people in Iceland, as it mostly is cheaper to fly in actors, crew, and staff than getting some on the ground.
A null issue is language. Taught as a second language in school, most Icelandic people speak English fluently. Because of this, should you encounter any issues while on the ground, you can ask for help at literally any street corner.
Famous landmarks for filmmaking in Iceland
With production for any work with video being a little more expensive than usual in Iceland, it still is well worth the financial hustle. Iceland is one of the most remote, unique, beautiful countries on the planet. Going to Iceland means encountering active volcanoes, roaming geezers, serene lakes and rivers, endless peaks, and other natural phenomena. One of the most spectacular natural shows you can see in Iceland is the aurora borealis. This spectacle of light is a must when organizing your media production in Iceland.
No matter the form of your video production, you’ll most likely want some shots with the aurora in them. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous stretch of natural wonders Iceland has to offer. Besides this, other famous places to shoot while in Iceland are the precious waterfalls, such as Gullfoss, Skogafoss, or Seljalandfoss. Take a look at the spectacular Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon as well, for some out-of-this-world shots of icy waters. All in all, despite being expensive, Iceland is a marvel of nature for all filmmakers in all domains. It shows the pure, undisputable beauty this planet of ours has to offer.