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Studio Tours & Production Hubs: Where Vice Media and Disney+ Content Is Being Made in Europe

UUnknown

2026-03-04

11 min read

Where Vice Media and Disney+ EMEA shoot in Europe—studio tours, hotspots, festivals and creator tips for 2026 travel.

Want to visit the places where Vice Media and Disney+ content actually gets made? Start here.

Media-minded travelers and aspiring creators: your time is limited and so is your travel budget. You want the insider route—studio tours, production hotspots, film markets and festivals where the biggest streaming players are spending—and you want it now. In 2026, with Vice Media remaking itself as a production studio and Disney+ EMEA staffing up to scale local originals, Europe and the broader EMEA region are buzzing with new access points for fans, freelancing filmmakers and content creators.

The big picture in 2026: why Europe matters to Vice Media and Disney+ EMEA

Two recent developments changed the map for traveling creators in 2025–2026. Vice Media has been reorganizing after its bankruptcy, hiring senior execs to reposition as a studio player rather than just a production vendor. Meanwhile, Disney+ EMEA has promoted commissioning leads and doubled down on long-term scripted and unscripted development in London and across the region.

"Vice Media is expanding its C-suite as it moves past its production-company-for-hire era toward rebooting itself as a studio." — Hollywood Reporter (Jan 2026)

"Disney+ EMEA has promoted four executives as content chief Angela Jain sets the team up for long term success in EMEA." — Deadline (2026)

Translation for travelers and creators: more commissioning meetings, more regional shoots, more festivals and markets to attend—and more public-facing studio activities, pop-ups and tour opportunities that double as networking moments.

Top European & EMEA production hubs to prioritize in 2026

The usual suspects remain essential, but note the 2026 shift: platforms are favoring a mix of iconic legacy studios and fast-growing cost-efficient hubs that offer strong tax incentives. Here are the places to book first.

United Kingdom — London + Pinewood/Shepperton/Leavesden

Why go: London is Disney+ EMEA’s commissioning heart for English-language originals and home to many production offices. Pinewood, Shepperton and Warner Bros. Leavesden (Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter) host high-end TV and film production—and run public tours, special events and open days on predictable schedules.

Tour tip: Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in advance for content-friendly times (early morning for low crowds).
Festival + market tie-ins: BFI London Film Festival, Raindance, and the London Screenings market—great for networking with buyers and indie producers.

Italy — Rome (Cinecittà)

Why go: Cinecittà is both a tourist draw and an active studio complex. The 2020s saw renewed investment in Cinecittà’s facilities for streaming-era productions; in 2026 it's frequently hosting international co-productions and themed exhibitions.

Tour tip: The Cinecittà Experience gives behind-the-scenes access and set recreations—ideal for reels and storytelling content.
Timing: Rome’s festival calendar pairs well with on-site workshops during the summer months.

Germany — Babelsberg (Potsdam) and Berlin

Why go: Babelsberg is one of Europe’s oldest large-scale studios and a go-to for high-end VFX and period drama. Berlin’s production scene (and the Berlinale film festival) make it a top destination for networking and co-production markets.

Festival + market tie-ins: Berlinale and the Berlinale Co-Production Market—key for TV/streaming execs seeking European partners.
Tour tip: Babelsberg offers guided tours and public events; align your visit with studio open days to access behind-the-scenes stages.

Czech Republic — Prague (Barrandov Studios)

Why go: Barrandov is a magnet for international shoots due to competitive tax rebates and a deep base of skilled crew. Expect to find Disney+ and other platforms shooting in and around Prague, especially for period and ensemble dramas.

Tour tip: Barrandov runs guided tours and has regular trade open days—perfect for portfolio footage and crew meetups.

Hungary — Budapest (Korda Studios)

Why go: Korda Studios is one of Europe’s fastest-growing facilities for large-scale TV drama and tentpole production. Its massive water tank and backlot are increasingly attractive to streaming platforms optimizing for cost and technical capability.

Ireland — Dublin & Ardmore Studios

Why go: Ireland’s tax credit system and rising local talent pool make it a favorite for drama and documentary shoots. Ardmore runs industry events and occasional public tours tied to national film events.

Spain — Madrid/Barcelona

Why go: Spain’s studios and southern locations (e.g., Almería) offer sunny shooting windows and rebates; Barcelona has an energetic indie production scene and festivals.

Morocco & North Africa — Ouarzazate (Atlas Studios)

Why go: Atlas Studios and surrounding desert locations remain major draws for historical and large-scale fantasy shoots. Expect occasional platform-driven tours and set visits during production lulls.

United Arab Emirates & Abu Dhabi — twofour54

Why go: Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 has positioned itself as a regional production hub offering studio space, co-production incentives, and industry events—popular for MENA-targeted Disney+ and other platform projects.

Studio tours & public access: which ones are worth traveling for

Not all studios welcome the public, but many run scheduled tours, experience centers or occasional open days that are perfect for short visits and great social content:

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Leavesden) — highly polished visitor experience; book months ahead, ideal for cinematic B-roll.
Pinewood Group events — tours and themed showcases when productions allow; follow their event calendar.
Cinecittà Experience — guided walkthroughs and set pieces in Rome; great for historical content and interviews.
Babelsberg Studio Tours — public tours and curated backstage days align with Berlin festival season.
Barrandov & Korda open days — trade-access days are a chance to meet crew and scouts; combine with a networking pitch.
Atlas Studios (Ouarzazate) — occasional set visits and local guide-led tours that create dramatic landscape footage.

Festivals, markets and pop-ups where Vice and Disney+ decision-makers show up

Your travel plan should anchor around the right festivals and markets: these are where commissioning editors, producers and execs mingle with creators. In 2026 expect heightened platform presence and special events by streaming giants.

Cannes (MIPCOM & MIPTV) — the ultimate content market. Buyers, licensors, and platform execs (including Disney+ distribution teams) attend.
Berlinale & Berlinale Co-Production Market — strong for arthouse and prestige TV projects; Berlin is also home to many regional offices.
Venice Film Festival — high-profile premieres and executive panels.
Series Mania — the festival dedicated to TV series; increasingly where European streaming originals debut and are commissioned.
Raindance & BFI London Film Festival — great for indie creators and documentary-focused networking (noticeable for Vice-type content).
Local pop-ups — studios and platforms have been running branded pop-ups (screenings, panels and creator workshops) across 2025–26—monitor social channels for short-notice events.

Actionable playbook: how to plan a 5–7 day media-production trip

Below are two practical itineraries—one for a London-centric trip and one for a Central Europe hub trip—plus a checklist of how to get access, meet execs and create market-ready footage for your channels.

Itinerary A — London sprint (3–4 days)

Day 1 — Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Leavesden) in the morning, Pinewood Group event in the afternoon; evening: Raindance/BFI panel (if timing aligns).
Day 2 — Meetups: book a co-working studio space or attend a film networking brunch; spend late afternoon at a studio open day or industry screening.
Day 3 — Industry market or masterclass (BFI or private workshops), rooftop content shoot for reels highlighting studio façades and backlot themes.
Optional Day 4 — Short train to Shepperton or Shepperton location visit (check access requirements beforehand).

Itinerary B — Central Europe hub (Prague + Budapest, 5–7 days)

Day 1–2 — Barrandov Studios tour, meet local fixers and scout Prague locations; attend a local festival screening if possible.
Day 3 — Travel to Budapest; evening: networking event or film industry meetup.
Day 4 — Korda Studios tour and backlot shoot day; meet local production service companies for crew hiring tips.
Day 5 — Pitch prep and quick portfolio meetings; create a short sizzle reel from studio footage.

How to get access, book tours, and meet execs—practical tips

Book months ahead: Popular studio tours and festival markets sell out early. Use official booking pages and subscribe to studio newsletters for pop-up announcements.
Work trade angles: If you’re a freelancer, register as press/industry where possible—many studios offer trade access to verified industry visitors.
Use festivals as a bridge: Buy a market accreditation (e.g., MIPCOM, Berlinale Co-Production Market) to access networking lounges and pitch sessions.
Leverage social proof: Send short, platform-tailored reels linking to prior work when requesting meetings. Executives want concise, tangible evidence you can deliver audience-engaging pieces.
Hire a local fixer: For studio access and location scouting, a local production service or fixer speeds up permissions and translates permit rules.
Know your legal basics: Bring release forms for any person on camera, and check each studio’s photography/filming rules—many restrict filming in active stages.
Respect NDAs and privacy: If you’re allowed on set, don’t post restricted content. A short-form teaser is fine; raw behind-the-scenes on active days can cause legal headaches.

Budget, booking hacks and last-minute tips for 2026

2026 travel patterns show two trends: platforms increasingly host short experiential pop-ups, and studios monetize fan experiences. That opens opportunities for last-minute travelers but also raises prices for peak dates.

Budget tip: Look for weekday tours—cheaper and less crowded. Off-season festivals (late autumn and winter) often have lower accommodation costs.
Last-minute bookings: Follow studios’ and festivals’ social accounts—flash releases for leftover tickets are common.
Deals: Combine a market pass with studio tours—some festivals negotiate group rates with nearby studios and experience centers.

Create platform-ready content from your trip (gear and storytelling tips)

You’re traveling to capture sharable moments—make them count.

Gear: Mirrorless camera or high-end phone, compact gimbal, on-camera mic, spare batteries and an SSD for backups.
Shot list: 1) Establishing exterior, 2) Close-up craft details (props, clapperboards), 3) B-roll of walkways/backlots, 4) Short interviews (1–2 minute) with local crew or fixers, 5) A 15–30 second sizzle reel for social platforms.
Narrative: Frame visits as a story: "Why this studio matters in 2026" or "Inside the sets where X show was filmed."
Distribution: Post a short reel within 24–48 hours while your visit is topical; longer behind-the-scenes pieces can appear as blog posts or YouTube vlogs later.

How to turn a studio visit into professional momentum

Being seen at the right festivals and tours is one thing—turning that into work is another. Use these proven approaches to convert visits into leads or gigs.

Follow up within 48 hours: Send concise emails with a link to your best 60-second reel and a one-sentence value proposition (e.g., social short-form doc series concept).
Pitch formats platforms love: For 2026, platforms favor serialized formats (short-run 6–8 episodes) with strong social-first hooks—and localized stories for EMEA markets. Tailor pitches accordingly.
Network sideways: Meet line producers, UPMs and casting directors; they often have more immediate hiring power than commissioners.
Volunteer strategically: Offer to shadow or assist on a day of shooting if access rules allow—this is real experience and an excellent networking tool.

Safety, permits and responsible tourism

Studios and production sets are workplaces. Respecting rules keeps doors open for others and protects your reputation.

Always ask for explicit permission before filming on location or within studio precincts.
Adhere to health & safety instructions—sets can be hazardous.
Be mindful of local communities and environmental constraints, especially in sensitive locations like desert sets or historic sites.

What to watch in late 2026 and beyond

Expect two continuing trends: 1) platforms will expand regional commissioning—meaning more local shoots, festivals and development labs across EMEA; and 2) studio tourism will professionalize—studios will offer more structured visitor experiences tailored to content creators, not just tourists.

For aspiring creators, that means more chances to be seen, but also more competition. The smart play is to combine travel with a clear content plan, a short-form demo and a network follow-up workflow.

Quick checklist before you go

Confirm studio tour dates and book tickets.
Secure festival/market accreditation if applicable.
Pack the right gear and release forms.
Prepare a 60-second reel and 1-page pitch.
Schedule follow-ups for all contacts within 48 hours post-trip.

Final takeaways — make your next trip more than a selfie

In 2026, the convergence of studio investment and platform commissioning across Europe and EMEA creates a unique window for travelers who want more than sightseeing: the chance to learn, network and get production experience. From London’s commissioning corridors (where Disney+ EMEA has doubled down) to the growing backlots of Budapest and Prague (favored for tax incentives and scale) and the continued cultural pull of Cinecittà and Babelsberg, there are structured ways to turn visits into career momentum.

Actionable next step

Pick one studio and one festival to attend in the next six months. Book the studio tour, prepare a 60-second reel that ties your personal brand to local stories, and reserve time for two purposeful follow-ups with production contacts. Treat the trip as a mini-campaign—plan pre, during and post content and you’ll transform travel into opportunity.

Ready to plan? Subscribe to our newsletter for a downloadable Studio Tour Packing List and a 2026 Festival Calendar for media creators, or click through the linked studio booking pages to secure spots before they sell out.

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Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.