Interview with Márta Fekszi, CEO, Origo Film Group, Hungary

16 Jan Interview with Márta Fekszi, CEO, Origo Film Group, Hungary

What key factors make Hungary so appealing to global moviemakers? How has this positioning evolved, especially now that moviemaking is a strategic sector for the national economy?
Hungary’s appeal is a blend of reliability, value and versatility. We offer world-class infrastructure, highly skilled crews and a deep well of architectural and natural diversity—all within a compact geographical footprint. Budapest alone can double for dozens of cities. Over the past two decades, our role has evolved from a hidden gem to a strategic cornerstone. With films now officially recognized as a key sector in Hungary’s economy, we benefit from strong government support, which helps ensure long-term stability for investors and studios alike. This recognition affirms what we’ve known internally for years: moviemaking is not just art — it’s a high-impact industry. Equally important, Budapest is a safe, welcoming city—and Origo Studios itself—is known for its secure, professional and friendly work environment for both crew and talent. We understand that creative excellence thrives in an atmosphere of trust and comfort.

How has Hungary’s 30% tax rebate, now in its 20th year and extended through 2030, helped strengthen the country’s global reputation?
The tax rebate has been transformative. It sends a clear message: Hungary is open for business and committed to the long game. Over 20 years, this policy has brought in thousands of international productions and generated billions in economic value. It also creates predictability—a rare commodity in global moviemaking. Producers know they can count on Hungary not just for short-term savings, but for consistent, transparent financial planning. That’s a major reason why studios return, project after project.

With potential U.S. policy shifts like a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies, how might partnerships be affected and what opportunities does Hungary present for American investors in this new landscape?
The proposed tariffs are understandably causing concern. But change often opens new doors. In fact, Hungary offers a rare combination of affordability, quality and political alignment with the West. For U.S. investors, that’s crucial. Hungary, and Origo Studios specifically, has already partnered with major American studios including Warner Bros., Netflix, and Paramount. As economic pressures mount, we expect more U.S. producers to explore international co-productions, long-term infrastructure investment and even content development here. Hungary is not just a location, it’s a gateway.

Could you share a brief history of Origo Studios and highlight key milestones and standout productions?
Origo Studios was founded in 2010 with a clear mission: to build a full-service production facility that meets and exceeds Hollywood standards. Since then, we’ve hosted over 200 international productions, including Blade Runner 2049, Dune, The Martian and Moon Knight. Our biggest milestones include the construction of Central Europe’s largest sound stage, our Emmy-winning post-production work and most recently, the launch of our sustainability and talent programs. We are proud not just of what we’ve built, but of how we’ve continued to evolve.

What key facilities and services set Origo apart in today’s competitive market and how does your infrastructure adapt to changing production needs?
Origo is truly all-in-one. We offer nine sound stages—including one of the biggest in Europe—as well as on-site post-production, VFX and set construction. Our backlot can simulate multiple environments and our stages are equipped with advanced acoustic design, HVAC and power redundancy. What sets us apart isn’t just scale, it’s adaptability. Productions today are faster, more complex and more global. Our team works closely with clients to tailor our infrastructure to their specific needs, from green screen LED setups to large-scale stunt environments. We don’t just provide space — we provide solutions.

How do initiatives like Origo Talent and the Green Filming Initiative reflect your commitment to the community and the environment and can you share examples of their impact?
We believe success must be sustainable — both environmentally and socially. Origo Talent mentors emerging Hungarian moviemakers, giving them access to world-class tools and international mentorship, putting Hungary’s next generation on the global map. Our green filming initiative includes carbon tracking, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving system and a green vendor program. For example, in one recent production, we cut diesel use by 40 percent by switching to hybrid generators. These aren’t just box-checking programs—they’re embedded into our studio culture. We also operate a high-capacity waste management system, where organic waste is recycled and all waste is collected selectively—radically reducing our environmental footprint. Each production receives detailed CO₂ efficiency metrics and sees savings on utility bills we issue, helping them meet carbon neutrality and emission reduction targets more transparently and effectively.

With nearly ten years leading Origo and a background in diplomacy, what are your proudest achievements and your vision for the next five years?
I’m proudest of two things: building trust and building bridges. As someone with a background in diplomacy, I’ve always believed that relationships drive results. Whether that’s securing multi-year partnerships with studios or earning the trust of young Hungarian talent, I’ve focused on people as the foundation of growth.
Looking ahead, I see Origo evolving into a true global production hub—not just a service provider, but a co-creator. We’ll invest in original content, new technologies like virtual production and deeper talent development. My vision for Hungary’s movie industry is simple: that we’re not just part of the story—we help write it.