Among the participants was John Rakich, President of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) and an experienced Supervising Location Manager and Scout. Visiting Norway for the first time, John shared his impressions of the country’s film potential.

How film-friendly everything is here really stood out to me. The landscapes, the environments — they’re ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.
— John Rakich

First Impressions of Norway

Q: John, you are a highly experienced Supervising Location Manager and Location Scout, visiting Norway for the first time. Can you tell us a little about your impressions after a few days experiencing Bergen, Hardanger, and Oslo — and what you think others might be surprised to know about Norway?

A: First off, Norway is a very beautiful country. And to answer your question — how film-friendly everything is here really stood out to me. The landscapes, the environments — they’re ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. The support network, the industry, and the infrastructure you have here truly make it very appealing to filmmakers.

A view from the RIB boat in Hardangerfjord, showing dark rock cliffs with thin waterfalls trickling down into calm, reflective water. The autumn landscape and rugged mountains in the distance capture the raw beauty of Western Norway.
View from the RIB boat on the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
A view from the RIB boat in Hardangerfjord, showing dark rock cliffs with thin waterfalls trickling down into calm, reflective water. The autumn landscape and rugged mountains in the distance capture the raw beauty of Western Norway.
View from the RIB boat on the Hardangerfjord, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
I had never been to a fjord before. It was an incredible experience — beyond what I could have imagined, and something I’ll never forget.
— John Rakich

A Country Built for Film

Q: From a Location Manager’s point of view, what makes Norway stand out, and what kind of productions do you think would thrive here?

A: Its unique level of natural beauty — and the distinctiveness of the architecture and buildings — really suit projects looking for incredible landscapes and authentic settings. You could handle productions of any size here. Smaller ones could come for specific segments, but even large-scale productions would find what they need.

What’s quite fascinating in the cities of Oslo and Bergen is the skyline. There aren’t massive skyscrapers blocking the view, so you get this wonderful tableau of different types of buildings when you look across the cities, with interesting rooftops.
— John Rakich
Night view of Bergen’s city center featuring the illuminated Bergens Tidende sign and Hotel Norge. The wet cobblestone streets reflect the city lights as people walk through the square.
Evening stroll through Bergen’s city center,
Interior of Frescohallen in Bergen, showing candlelit tables beneath tall arched windows and colorful frescoes on the walls. Once a historic bank building, it now serves as a restaurant blending art, history, and modern dining.
Dinner at Frescohallen in Bergen — a former bank hall turned elegant restaurant, surrounded by restored frescoes and grand architecture.
View from a cliffside in Hardanger showing a rushing waterfall cascading into the valley below. Participants from the fam trip stand at the edge, looking out over the river, winding road, and patchwork of forests and fields framed by mountains.
Taking in the view above a waterfall in Hardanger.
Three words to describe Norway: Awesome. Inspirational. Overwhelming.
— John Rakich
A panoramic sunset view from MUNCH in Oslo, showing the golden light reflecting across the Oslofjord and the city’s waterfront. The Oslo Opera House and surrounding harbor are visible below, capturing the calm beauty of the capital at dusk.
Sunset view over Oslo from MUNCH, overlooking the Oslofjord and the Opera House.
The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, a cream-colored historic building under a clear blue sky. People walk across the square outside the museum, which houses exhibitions about peace, conflict resolution, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, located on the city’s waterfront between the City Hall and Aker Brygge.

Behind the scenes

The familiarization trip was hosted by the Norwegian Film Commission in collaboration with regional partners including Western Norway Film Commission. We extend our thanks to Radisson for their generous support in providing accommodations, Zefyr Media Fund and Virke Film and TV Producer’s Association for hosting industry networking events, and to Shooting Location Marketplace for the opportunity to host the trip following their market.

During the trip, the participants met with around 60 Norwegian industry professionals representing more than 40 companies, building valuable connections and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
The trip offered a unique opportunity for international film professionals to experience firsthand what makes Norway a world-class filming destination — from majestic fjords to dynamic urban architecture.

Interior view of the Oslo Opera House showing the warm wooden design of the auditorium, rows of red seats, and the stage set for a production. The architecture combines sculptural forms with intimate acoustics, making it one of Norway’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
Inside the Oslo Opera House — one of Europe’s most striking modern performance venues.
Exterior view of the Oslo Opera House on a clear autumn day. The building’s sloping marble roof leads down to the water, inviting visitors to walk across it, while the glass façade reflects the surrounding cityscape and blue sky.
The Oslo Opera House — a striking example of contemporary Norwegian architecture and a symbol of the city’s creative spirit.
John Rakich is an accomplished Supervising Location Manager and Location Scout with more than 25 years of experience.

About John Rakich

John Rakich, DGCO/ATAS/LMGI, is an accomplished Supervising Location Manager and Location Scout with more than 25 years of experience across long- and short-form features, as well as numerous television series for major studios and streaming platforms.

Currently serving as President of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI), John is also a former board member of the Directors Guild of Canada Ontario (DGC Ontario) and a member of both the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

Beyond his leadership roles, John lends his expertise to several municipal, regional, and international advisory boards, where he provides strategic insight on a broad range of industry issues. A sought-after speaker, he regularly appears at universities, international film festivals, and industry conferences. His thought leadership extends to key topics such as production sustainability, global filming incentives, workforce development, education, and the economic impact of location-based production—championing the art and value of location storytelling around the world.