Hollywood, interest in shooting films in Albania

2025-05-27 15:57:00, Sociale CNA

A group of major Hollywood representatives, Warner Brothers, Disney, Paramount Amazon, Universal, HBO, called "FamTourAlbania", is closely visiting the locations and geographical opportunities that Albania offers for international filming and co-productions.

The group was brought to Albania by Philip Gilpin Jr., CEO of Catalyst Story Institute. At one of the meetings on their agenda in Albania, with members of the American Chamber of Commerce, potential businesses, and professionals from various fields, the group got a 360-degree view of the Albanian landscape.

“AmCham Albania has as its fundamental objective the strengthening of economic ties with the US and the promotion of American investments that contribute to sustainable growth and innovation,” said the Executive Director of the American Chamber, Neritan Mullaj, during his greeting.

The tour of big names in the film industry is not only a chance for the creative industry, but an opportunity to introduce our people and their potential, our culture and hospitality, said Mr. Mullaj.

The same perspective, but seen from the eyes of an investor, was shared by American Chamber President Grant Van Cleve, who encouraged film industry representatives to look at the possibility of investing in a country where drastic changes are taking place, as Albania has the potential to become a vibrant part of this ecosystem, offering unique landscapes, competitive costs, and an ever-growing base of creative and technical talent.

Catalyst Story Institute, which has just inaugurated Tirana Training Institute, has begun work on the latter and has ambitious plans.

The training center will be dedicated to preparing a skilled workforce for all job positions required by the film and creative industries. This is more than an investment in infrastructure – it is an investment in people, in talent, and demonstrates Albania’s capacity to place itself on the map of the global creative economy.

The global film and television industry generates hundreds of billions of dollars each year, not only through the content we see on screens, but also through the vast networks of local businesses that support production – from construction and hospitality, to technology and design.

"Although the film industry is not in our priority sectors, the impact it brings makes us attentive to the legal infrastructure and facilities it will need," said Laura Plaku, Director of AIDA, during her greeting.

The Hollywood group, on their several-day tour of Albania, will have the opportunity to closely visit the locations and geographical opportunities that Albania offers for international filming and co-productions, but also learn about Albanian history and hospitality. / Monitor Magazine