Austria has lost the opportunity to host the production of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, with Vienna and Salzburg once under serious consideration as filming locations. As reported by The Germany Eye, HBO officially withdrew its plans due to Austria’s ongoing delays in implementing clear regulations for the national film funding program FISA+.

Introduced nearly three years ago, FISA+ was designed to make Austria more competitive in attracting international film and television productions. Yet, despite its strategic importance for the country’s economy and cultural influence, the program still lacks the finalized guidelines necessary for production companies to apply for financial support.

The absence of a functional application process has effectively put a freeze on incoming projects. Not only has The White Lotus been affected, but other high-profile productions, such as The Hunger Games, are also reportedly reconsidering Austria as a filming destination.

The impact of these missed opportunities extends beyond the creative sector. Local businesses, from hospitality to logistics, often benefit from the surge in tourism and spending that large productions bring. Moreover, Austria’s cultural and economic reputation stands to gain significantly from hosting globally recognized series and films.

Film industry professionals are now urging the Austrian government to act swiftly. “There’s a narrow window in which Austria can position itself as a global filming hub,” one stakeholder told The Germany Eye. “But right now, we’re falling behind.”

Without immediate clarification and operational readiness of the FISA+ framework, Austria risks continuing to lose out on film projects that could drive economic growth and elevate its standing on the international cultural stage.

Source: Austria Loses ‘White Lotus’ Production Due to Film Funding Delays