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Film Production Services
in Latvia
AN-03 101 IM-03 150320-0.docx
Art Novo Valdeku iela 65-33, Rīga, Latvia, LV-1058, +371 29 464 262@gmail.com
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Service
Organization:
Art
Novo

Registration
Nr.
40003596959
(Latvia)
July
17th,
2002

Contacts:

Alvis
Mengots
(CEO)
+371
29
464
262
artnovo@inbox.lv

Ed
Kalvins
(Project
Manager)

+371
29
255
223

ed.kalvins@tpriga.lv
Address:
Valdeku
iela
65-‐33

Rīga,
Latvia,
LV-‐1058

Additional
Information:
www.artnovofilmproduction.com

Form
of
Business:

Film
Production

Areas
of
expertise:

Filmmaking

TV
shows

Education

Objectives:
To
provide
international
film-‐makers

with
economical
and
unique
venues.

To
establish
a
major
film-‐making

studio
in
Riga,
Latvia.

To
become
a
significant
part
of
the

global
movie
industry.
Providing film production companies with cost effective and experienced
film production services in Latvia.
The OPPORTUNITY -
The Latvian Film Production Industry has a rich
and established film production history providing both local technical
expertise, equipment, facilities and talent. It is located in the cultural
capital of Northern Europe which provides unique architecture and/or a
multitude of beautiful natural surroundings for film venues in a stable,
robust growing economy that uses the Euro and is a member of NATO.
The CHALLENGE: - To provide easy access to Latvia for international
film producers wishing to use Latvia as a venue and benefit from the
numerous advantages offered.
The COMPANY:
Art Novo is a privately owned film production company promoting the
development of the international movie industry in Latvia by acting as a
general contractor / marketing company bringing together leading Latvian
companies, associations and institutions that provide services and
education to the film production industry to provide one-stop shopping for
its clients.
Art Novo services include providing all generations of actors and
actresses, filmmaking equipment and gear (video cameras, lights, dolly
tracks and camera cranes), office premises and filmmaking pavilions
(green background) as well as arranging filming locations and set design
and construction.
Art Novo’s specialization includes, but is not limited to the following:
• feature-length films
• shorts,
• animation,
• documentaries,
• commercials
The Benefits: -
Favourable Latvian tax laws, lower labour costs and
experienced personnel are key factors. There is also a possibility for EU
financing for projects, and refunds for expenses. Geography plays a key
role by providing excellent venues in Latvia itself, and allows Latvia to be
a bridge between Western Europe/North America, and Russia/India. Art
Novo has established a team of professionals with local and international
experience, as well as service providers to the film industry in Latvia. This
sets the stage for a profitable business relationship in a unique market.
The Result: An economical and professional environment for film
production.

in Latvia
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1 ABOUT LATVIA and ECONOMIC FACTORS
Latvia is positioned between Russia and central Europe, and as such, is at the geographic centre of northern
Europe. Latvia also has an established film production industry (see section 3).
Latvia
Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and began the difficult process of
converting from a planned to a free market economy. In the mid 90’s, Latvia was experiencing the
challenges of economic transition, including multiple banking crises, economic boycotts by Russia,
unfamiliarity with western (particularly European) practices and politically-related development issues.
Latvia is a western state that abides by EU regulations, having joined the European Union and NATO in
2004. This provides a more stable and predictable foundation.
The Economy
Post economic crisis Latvia has enjoyed a stable and growing economy, a trend which continues following
the adoption of the Euro on 1st
January 2014. There remains a positive outlook and Standard & Poor’s,
recently changed long and short-term local and foreign currency sovereign credit ratings on Latvia from
BBB-/A-3 to BBB/A-2, and Latvia’s transfer and convertibility (T&C), as of March, 2014, the rating now
stands at BBB+ and the (T&C) at AAA.
Latvia has benefited from its history with established traditions in banking, manufacturing, education and
development that provide the foundations for future growth and development, but shares strong ties with
both Russia and the west.
Latvia has favourable company tax rates of 15%. There are no restrictions on the repatriation of profits or
the transfer of funds from the country. A cash rebate of up to 20% of the total eligible expenses spent is
also available. Latvian tax laws favours investment and allow Latvia to compete favourably with “off-
shore” companies.
For further information see http://www.liaa.gov.lv/about/latvia-facts.

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The Advantages of working in Latvia
Latvia is in the European Union and borders the CIS and so is well positioned to serve both.
The Riga International Airport is a regional hub with convenient connections to the rest of the world and
the immediate region. Distances to major cities are quite small: Tallinn - 310 km, Helsinki - 397 km, St.
Petersburg - 570 km, Moscow - 917 km, Minsk - 475 km, Vilnius - 293 km, Kaliningrad - 385km, and all
are accessible by road transport. Riga is a central location. The studio is close to the Airport which helps
optimize and reduce travel time.
Low labour costs and a skilled labour force, as well as relatively inexpensive land provide a decided
financial advantage of operating in Latvia.
There is a possibility for EU financing, but the project will be based on private funding in the initial stages.
Local municipalities are enthusiastic about such projects because of their potential benefits to the local
economy.
Latvia’s nature and natural surroundings are a big asset which serve as a drawing card for industries such
as film production.
Latvia has the 5th
fastest Internet in the world (July 2013 data) with average peak broadband speed 140 %
faster than the global average.
Latvian’s unique architecture and landscapes can be used in wide variety of films.

in Latvia
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Related industries in Latvia
Latvia has deeply entrenched tradition in the performing arts which include song, dance and live theatre.
This provides the support for a highly professional and capable film production industry.
Riga boasts one of the top-class operas in Europe, the National Opera (http://www.opera.lv/en/home),
while the National Theatre (http://www.teatris.lv/lv/) and Dailes Theatre (http://www.dailesteatris.lv/),
amongst others, are part of the region’s “Broadway of Northern Europe” having served Latvia for well for
over 100 years, with Song and Dance Festivals (http://www.dziesmusvetki.tv/en/) having proven to be not
only spectacular, but enduring. City festivals (http://www.rigassvetki.lv/2013/home/startpage/en/) such as
the annual Riga City Festival show how the high technical quality is even passed on to the community at
large.
The National Opera The Dailes Theatre The National Theatre
Song and Dance Festivals City Festivals

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The film industry in Latvia
The first cinema opened in Riga in 1895, and is still in operation today. The first documentary was made
in 1910 featuring the arrival of Czar Nicholas II in Riga. The first feature film was produced in 1913
followed by two the next year. The first sound film was produced in 1934. The Riga Film Studio was
established in 1940. In 1957, actress, then director Dzidra Ritenberga received the Volpi cup at Venice
Film Festival as the best actress in film Malva. Between 1961 and 1963, the Riga Film Studio Šmerlis
pavilions were one of the largest in Northern Europe. In the coming years it produced about 10 feature
films, as well as puppet and animated films, documentaries, science and educational films, and
newsreels. Latvian animation began in the 1960s with films using appliqué technique. The 1970’s brought
the golden age of Latvian cinematography when numerous Latvian classics were produced, while the
1980’s was the documentaries era. In 1989 the FELIX award for the Best European Documentary went to
film Crossroad Street by Ivars Seleckis. During the last decade, Latvian features, short films and animated
films have taken part in major film festivals including the Berlin Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival,
Venice Festival, Annecy Animated Film Festival, Pusan Film Festival in Korea, Leipzig Festival,
Amsterdam Documentary Film Festival, etc. Of note is that 50 animation professionals produced about
45,000 drawings for the 2004 Animated film The Triplets of Belleville (Canada/France) which was
nominated for two American Film Academy Oscar Awards, including the nomination for the best film in
this category.
Recently, the film industry has been adapting to the new reality of the market economy. There are around
25 – 30 active production companies working in Latvia, though some of them deal mainly with the
production of commercials. Others are involved in contract work internationally. Our film professionals add
to their skills participating in courses all over Europe, as well as in practical work when working as service
companies for film productions from abroad.
http://www.latfilma.lv/
http://filmriga.lv/en/brief-survey-of-latvian-film-industry
http://www.mediadesklatvia.eu/arhivs-media-programma/english/characteristics-of-the-film-industry-in-
latvia/

in Latvia
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2 THE ORGANIZATION
Latvia has all the ingredients for becoming a centre for film production, though it has two main difficulties that
has prevented its development to date. These are:
• Most companies are relatively small with minimal permanent staff to reduce expenses and avoid
financial commitments. For larger productions, these companies network with others locally to
provide the required services, and hire free agents on a contract basis. This works well and
effectively in the small local market where everyone knows everyone else, but is not conducive to
attracting foreign business.
• The film production industry has had problems adjusting in the post Soviet era, when it was working
with the much larger market of the Soviet Union. This, together with the recent world economic
crisis, has left the industry in need of re-orientation towards the west, but without the funding
resources to do so, as existing companies struggle to exist. This has limited the amount of marketing
and promotion that Latvia can afford to promote its many benefits.
Art Novo is a privately owned production company registered in Latvia in 2002 by its owner, Alvis Mengots,
an experienced Motion Picture Producer, for the development of international movie industry projects in
Latvia by acting as a marketing organization and general contractor coordinating leading Latvian companies,
associations and institutions that provide services and education to the film production industry to provide
one-stop shopping for its clients in the film production industry.
The Art Novo mission is to become a significant part of the global movie industry.
Art Novo currently provides all generations of actors and actresses, film-making equipment and gear (video
cameras, lights, dolly tracks and camera cranes), office premises and filmmaking pavilions (green
background) as well as arranging filming locations. Art Novo also offers a variety of services to the film
production industry including providing and managing creative and technical crews and resources, working
with creative specialists (especially screenwriters, directors and actors from Europe and Russia) and running
production and post-production processes and coordination, and set design and construction. Other services
include project management and administration, and coordinating legal, financial, IT, transport and other
related services.
Art Novo has the management resources to manage the administration and promotional activities that it has
undertaken on behalf of its partners.
Some Western film producers have expressed interest in cooperating with Russian film producers. Because
of past experiences, Art Novo has established long term relationships with Russian movie industry leaders
and developed a wide network of Russian movie industry players (actors, scenarists, cinematographers,
marketing specialists, etc.). Art Novo boasts continuing good relations with many “Soviet Movie School”
specialists, who continue to be successful and whose productions are highly appreciated in Russia and
elsewhere.
Art Novo works with the Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration as well as Riga
School of Arts and Crafts to provide special programs for the training of specialists for film production.
Though Art Novo currently offers international production companies venues, equipment and services for film
production in Latvia, its ultimate objective is to build a modern film studio in Riga with the involvement of
strategic partners.
To summarize, Art Novo is able to provide most of the facilities and equipment required for the film
production industry by international clients. This will significantly reduce transport costs for those using Latvia
as a venue. The main benefits will include:
• lower movie production costs in comparison to other studios located in Western Europe,
• convenient transport to or through the Riga airport,
• available facilities and equipment
• local talent and experience

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Partner Companies / Organizations
Agreements are in place with the following companies and organizations to provide their services through Art
Novo, or to develop expertise in development and educational programs to ensure the continued
modernization of the industry.
• Filmu studija Rija,
• Cinevilla Studio,
• Rīgas Kinostudija,
• Platforma Filma,
• Filmu studija Deviņi,
• Rīgas Darbnīca decorations, restoration, furniture
• Studio “Centrums”
• Arkogints film cameras
• SDG Lighting
• TV- kino serviss dolly tracks and camera cranes
• Latvian Filmmakers Union
• Latvian Theatre Professionals Union
• “Dzintarkrasta filma" fund - Film Education and Production.
• Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration - film production industry
studies and training
• Riga School of Crafts
• “Stylefoto” photo studio
• “Positive art” media production
Other organizations with which cooperation arrangements are being made:
• Latvian Academy of Culture
Art Novo has a close working relationship with these companies by virtue of the fact that it represents them to
ensure that any client receives the required services in an easy and cost effective manner.
Art Novo appreciates and acknowledges the morale support of the Latvian Ministry of Culture and its
National Film Centre of Latvia, and the Economics Ministry given to Art Novo in their letter of support
received in a letter dated May 25, 2014.
Examples of productions in the main categories include:
• feature-length films: Dream Team 1935 (2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DdPZQEjjLI
• shorts: FROSTY FLOVERS, (2001) - BEST ART DESIGN at the National Filmmaker’s Award "Lielais
Kristaps" (Latvia). Best International Photography – Official Jury Award at the 6th Belo Horizonte
International Short Film Festival (Brazil)
• animation: at the 65th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in 2012, the International Federation of
Film Critics (FIPRESCI) presented the FIPRESCI award to “IN THE FOG”, a co-production of
Germany, Latvia (Rija Films), the Netherlands, Russia and Belorussia.
• documentaries: MY HUSBAND ANDREI SAKHAROV (2006) http://vimeo.com/12267182
Other examples available on request.

in Latvia
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3 OPERATIONS
Specialization - The main sectors serviced by Art Novo or subject areas addressed include:
• feature-length films
• shorts,
• animation,
• documentaries,
• commercials
Available Facilities - Pavilion facilities offered include:
• 1,000 m2
• 800 m2
• 600 m2
• 500 m2
• 300 m2
Available Equipment - The main film production equipment includes, but is not limited to:
• cameras
o ARRI Alexa EV-1, sup.9, HS 120fps
o ARRI Alexa XT
o ARRI Alexa EV-1, sup.9
o RED EPIC-X
o RED ONE MysteriumX
o Vision Research Phantom Miro LC320S
o Canon C300
o Canon 5D Mark III, body, EF Mount
o ARRIFLEX 16SR 3 HS Advanced Gate: S16 - Ground Glass
o ARRIFLEX 435 Xtreme Gate: N35 or S35 - Ground Glass, Arriglow
• cranes
o jib 3 - 13 m cranes
o telescopic 3 - 20 m cranes
• lighting systems
o HMI up to 12,000 W
o TUNGSTEN up to 12,000 W
o FLUORESCENT
• sound systems
Personnel resources
• producers / directors - 600
• operators (film) - 20
• operators (TV) - 70
• actors - 1,200
• make-up artists - 200
• Latvian Song and Dance festivals occur every four years and mobilize some 30,000 performers who
are drawn from choirs and dance groups from around the country. These groups rehearse regularly
and participate in smaller festivals in the region. This is a potential source of personnel.
Client Requirements
Although Art Novo can provide the equipment, services and facilities required for most standard applications
relative to the size and capacity of the local industry, Art Novo is prepared to consider the acquisition of any
specialized equipment or meet other specific and unique Client requirements. This is also part of the
modernization program that Art Novo has undertaken and can be discussed with the Client based on the
Client’s Requirement Specification.
The intention is to provide most equipment and personnel on location in Latvia to avoid transportation costs
where possible.

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4 KEY PERSONNEL
Alvis Mengots has been the Owner and CEO of Art Novo since 2002. He is a film industry professional with
a Master of Arts degree from the University of Moscow, and who acquired his academic training from the All-
Union State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, first at the operator level, then proceeding to his Masters
and becoming a qualified film director. Some of his class-mates from his university days are now leading film
producers in Russia, and an invaluable networking source. Alvis received much of his practical technical
experience as a cinematographer or director of photography in more than 40 feature movies at the Riga Film
Studio, and then assumed positions as the President of the Alpha Alliance advertising agency and then
Director of TV35. He has served as a Vice-chairman of the Board of the Riga Film Studio and as a Board
member of numerous film productions related funds. Alvis thus combines both management experience and
a wealth of hands on technical experience.
Titles that Alvis has participated in since 1969 include:
• in the feature-length film category: Stari stiklā, Šauj manā vietā, Uzbērums, Klāvs Mārtiņa dēls,
Šūpoles, Meldru mežs, Kara ceļa mantinieki, Egle rudzu laukā, Velna kalpi velna dzirnavās, Pieskāriens,
Pūt, vējiņi, Melnā vēža spīlēs, Robina Huda bultas, Šīs bīstamās balkona durvis, Ģimenes melodrāma,
Nāve zem buras, Zem apgāztā mēness, Puika, Aiz stikla durvīm, Nepabeigtās vakariņas, Novēli man
lidojumam nelabvēlīgu laiku, Spāņu variants, Laikmeta griežos, Izmeklēšanā noskaidrots, Spēle,
Tereona galva, Aizmirstās lietas, Vainīgais, Vakara variants, Vilkatis Toms, Šāviens mežā, Aveņu vīns,
Stari stiklā, Tikšanās uz piena ceļa, Radinieks, Aija ( 2. sērijas), Pa baltā furgona pēdām, Mērnieku laiki (
3 sērijas), Par mīlestību pašreiz nerunāsim, Vecās pagastmājas mistērijas, Sēņotāji
• in the documentary category: Latvija de jure, Dienvidu elektriskie tīkli, Latvenergo, Tērauda dzīsla
(Latvijas dzelzceļš), Daugavpils- mana pilsēta, Ventspils koks, SEB banka, SWED banka , Rīgas cirks
• in the shorts category: produced for LTV (Latvian Television) over 60 informative shorts and over 200
economically related shorts.
• in the commercials category: produced for LTV (Latvian Television) over 60 commercials
Film Production Industry Specialists
Film production technical specialists include personnel from partner companies.
• Vilnis Kalnaellis – Producer and President of Latvian Film Producer Association. Graduated from the
Petersburg Institute for Cinema Engineers in 1985. Participated in more than 300 festivals and received
35 national and international awards. In 2007 his production company Rija Films received the
CARTOON nomination for the Best European Producer.
• Andrejs Ekis - Movie producer and script write. Graduated with a Master's degree in Cinematography
and Film/Video Production from the Petersburg Institute for Cinema Engineers in 1987. Owner of the
Cinevilla Studio.

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The following personnel are expected to support Art Novo’s administrative. Current services presently
provided by partner companies.
Operations/Administrative Management
• Ed Kalvins is the owner and CEO of Technical Partners International Inc. of Canada and “TP Riga” SIA
of Latvia, and is a Latvian-Canadian living in Latvia and serves as the Project Manager for Art Novo. He
is a Canadian engineer with extensive Project Management, Production Management and Engineering
Management experience. Ed developed the PM-PROformance™ System, a hands-on project
management system suitable for project implementation. His 20 years’ experience in Latvia provides for
a deep understanding of local conditions, while his western background helps him relate to North
American requirements. Ed’s team provides the necessary back-up for project management services.
• Robin De Morgan is an independent investment banking professional and Chartered Accountant from
the United Kingdom, with experience of property and infrastructure developments, both in the UK and
internationally. He is the former CFO of the Hongkong Land Group and has worked closely with two
separate merchant banking organisations on business development strategies and raising related
funding. He has been closely involved in numerous development projects in Latvia and the Baltics, and
is a trade development advisor for the Middle East Association having most recently lead a trade mission
to Kurdistan and Iraq. Robin is helping market Art Novo services and represents Art Novo in England.
• John Birchmore, the owner of SHREW’s Ltd. of the UK, has extensive experience commissioning start-
up projects in the Baltics and Russia as well as the UK and acts as an advisor to UNDP and EBRD on
development. His team provides the necessary technical expertise. Because of John’s extensive
business development work in Latvia, he is well connected to the Latvian business community in the UK.
John is helping market Art Novo services and represents Art Novo in Scotland.
• Valters Kronbergs – Lawyer (Kronbergs & Čukste). LLB (Queen’s University, Canada), BA Hons.
(University of Toronto, Canada). Member of the Ontario and Latvian bar, who has been practicing law in
Latvia since 1993. Specialist in Latvian real estate, construction, energy and utilities, transportation and
corporate commercial law.
• Inguna Gustava MBA (Riga Business School, Riga Technical University), BA, MA – mathematics
(University of Latvia) is an experienced general manager covering management, company budgets and
financial control, staff recruiting and training, marketing and sales.
• Inese Mičule - BA - Mathematics and Physics (University of Latvia), MBA (Riga Business School, Riga
Technical University, Latvia). Financial executive. Experienced at the director level responsible for
finance, sales or marketing in major consumer goods manufacturing companies
• Inga Mengote BA - (University of Latvia), MBA (RPIVA) – Management professional. Buildings and
maintenance operations specialist.
• Ivars Grislis – BSc - Mechanical Engineering (Riga Polytechnic Institute, Latvia). BA - Economics (Riga
Polytechnic Institute, Latvia). Senior Engineer. Systems maintenance specialist
• Uldis Kurms – BA (Riga Technical University). Logistics specialist.
• Indra Sproge-Kalvina - BA - Management Studies (University of Latvia). Sales and customer service
specialist.
• Henrik Mjoman – Recruitment Specialist (Prime Recruitment). Experience in personnel recruitment and
management training.
• Inese Tomasa – MA Languages (University of Latvia). Tourism and hospitality industry specialist.
Exchange rates as of Wednesday, January 14, 2015 are:
• 1.00 EUR = $1.1804 US
• 1.00 EUR = £0.7753 GBP
Contact Information
Mobile E-Mail SKYPE
Latvia Alvis Mengots +371 29 464 262 artnovo@inbox.lv almega24
Latvia Ed Kalvins +371 29 255 223 ed.kalvins@tpriga.lv ed.kalvins
England Robin De Morgan +44 7891 236895 demorganra@gmail.com robin.demorgan
Scotland John Birchmore +44 1968 660022 john.birchmore@SHREWS.co.uk john.birchmore

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Art novo film production in latvia

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Art novo film production in latvia