Hollywood scouts Albania as next film destination

Top executives from HBO, Warner Bros, Disney, Amazon, Paramount, and NBC Universal have arrived in Albania this week, in a sign of the country’s efforts to join the global stage of high-end cinema production.

Why this is important: This is the first time Albania has drawn such direct interest from the biggest names in Hollywood. If successful, it could open the doors to international film co-productions, boost cultural tourism, and position Albania as a competitive location in the global film industry.

Context: The high-level industry delegation is currently touring southern Albania, scouting historical towns, natural landscapes, and unique architectural sites as potential film sets. Their visit is driven by growing international curiosity toward Albania’s visual diversity, competitive production costs, and improving conditions for creative partnerships.

According to film executives, Albania’s mix of ancient history, unspoiled coastlines, and mountain villages offers a versatile backdrop for multiple genres—from historical dramas to action thrillers and modern indie films.

What happened: For the first time, Albania has formally entered the radar of the world’s most powerful entertainment companies. Representatives from major studios—including HBO, Disney, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros, Paramount, and NBC Universal—have begun on-the-ground assessments of Albania’s potential as a shooting destination.

They are also in discussions with local institutions and production houses about logistics, incentives, and co-production opportunities. The Albanian government has recently improved its legal and financial framework to attract film productions, offering tax incentives and streamlined permitting.

What’s next: Following this exploratory visit, film professionals are expected to draft reports and pitch Albania internally to their respective studios. If greenlit, it could lead to location shoots as early as 2026. For Albania, this marks a major step toward achieving its long-standing dream: a place in the global cinema spotlight.