Following the boost given to the local industry with a new film law passed in December, this September will see the opening of Hungary's most advanced film studio - which will boast Central Europe's largest sound stage.

As founder and managing director Robert Szabados told Screen International the Stern Film Studio is compatible with all the relevant international criteria thus perfectly fitting to host international super-productions.

The Stern Film Studio located on the outskirts of Budapest will initially feature two sound stages of 24,000 sq. feet, 16,150 sq. feet. The $19m (HUF 4bn) project was funded from private investment and its long term goals include a further two sound stages as well as a film school which are likely to be opened towards the end of 2005. A post-production facility is to be added at a later stage.

With the recent passing of the Hungarian film law it is hoped that international film productions will return to Hungary to take advantage of the 20% tax rebate on money spent in Hungary.