Strengthening Croatia’s Creative Future: Inside Zagreb’s Partnership with Stage 32 Certification

On behalf of the Zagreb Film Office, it is my privilege and pleasure to celebrate our partnership with Stage 32 Certification, an amazing resource for the creative community of Zagreb, Croatia. As someone deeply committed to the growth and global competitiveness of Zagreb’s filmmakers, storytellers, and crew, I am genuinely excited about the doors this partnership opens for our local talent.

The Stage 32 Certification program is far more than a badge, it’s a transformative training program that equips Zagreb’s artists with practical, internationally recognized skills essential for working and thriving in today’s film, television, and digital media industries.

Our recent webinar with Stage 32’s David Zannoni, and Sam Sokolow offered deep insights into global production standards, career-building strategies, and concrete guidance on overcoming the day-to-day challenges faced by our filmmakers both on local projects and in collaborations abroad. We are especially grateful for how this training addresses the unique strengths and challenges of our region, with resources and mentorship tailored specifically for Croatian creatives.

By giving our community this access to Stage 32 Certification, our partnership is truly breaking down barriers that have previously restricted access to world-class industry training. Our vision at the Zagreb Film Office is to empower filmmakers, not only to tell local stories with confidence, but to compete on the international stage. The tools, mentorship, and global network offered by Stage 32 are already inspiring fresh ambitions and new career pathways in our community.

Why does Stage 32 Certification make a difference in Croatia?

• Real-World Skills: The curriculum covers exactly what crew and creatives use daily on set—focused, actionable skills that immediately translate to real production scenarios.
• Industry Recognition: Upon completion, participants receive credentials and certification that global producers and studios respect, opening the way to exciting opportunities both in Croatia and beyond.
• Meaningful Connections: Certified professionals are included in an international network, making it easier to find work locally and to branch out into the broader European and worldwide market.

Thank you, David and Sam, for your unwavering commitment to nurturing talent in Croatia, and for your confidence in Zagreb’s creative potential. Our partnership with Stage 32 Certification challenges us to excel, invest in our growth, and dream bigger for our film and television future. As we strengthen our collaboration with Stage 32, I look forward to witnessing the lasting impact this will have, not only for individual film professionals, but for Zagreb’s standing as a film destination with stories and skills for the world.

Together, let’s continue learning, innovating, and building a film community in Zagreb that is truly world-class.

What has been filmed in Zagreb, Croatia?

Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, has served as a backdrop for numerous acclaimed films and TV shows, attracting international and local productions alike. Among the most notable is Orson Welles’ classic The Trial (1962), which transformed Zagreb’s striking architecture into Kafka’s Prague. The Oscar-winning musical Fiddler on the Roof (1971) filmed many of its iconic scenes in Zagreb and the surrounding villages, while the emotionally charged drama Sophie's Choice (1982) also used Zagreb’s cityscape to evoke wartime Poland. Hollywood action hit Armour of God starring Jackie Chan featured thrilling chase scenes through Zagreb’s Dolac Market and Upper Town. More recently, the action-comedy The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard with Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek, and Canary Black included Zagreb among its dynamic filming locations. The city has also hosted productions like The Hunting Party with Richard Gere and the acclaimed Croatian film Fine Dead Girls. On the television front, Zagreb has been the setting for beloved domestic series such as Smogovci and SRAM (intl SKAM), and international hits like Hotel Portofino, The Ipcress File, Mc Mafia, Strike Back and many more.

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: These are a group of courses that make up a master's knowledge of a particular discipline. You will need to take all of the courses in a Master Certification track and pass a test in each course in order to be Master Certified.

Current Master Certifications Include:

• Production Accounting Master Certification
• TV Production Management Master Certification
• Feature Film Production Management Master Certification
• Line Producing Master Certification
• Producer Key Legal Agreements Master Certification
• Script Supervising Master Certification
• Location Management Master Certification
• Production Coordinator Master Certification
• Production Assistant Master Certification
• Assistant Director Master Certification
• Post-Production Supervision Master Certification

Individual Certifications: These are individual courses that focus on a particular skill set, in which you will watch the course and then be tested at the end to receive your certificate.

Current Individual Certifications Include:

• Budget Creation
• Production Scheduling
• Call Sheets
• Production Accounting 101
• Payroll Accounting and Management for Film & TV
• Cost Reporting
• US Tax Incentive Management
• Script Supervision 101
• Script Supervision: Script Timing & Page Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Continuity Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Script Notes & Lined Script Pages
• Script Supervision: On Set Continuity
• Script Supervision: Progress Reports & Work Flow
• Production Wrap Deliverables
• Final Delivery Elements Of A TV Show
• Final Delivery Elements Of A Feature Film
• Option/Purchase/Shopping Agreements
• Feature Film Financing Agreements
• Investor Agreements
• International Co-Production Agreements
• Crew Agreements
• Talent Agreements
• Distribution & Sales Agency Agreements
• Fundamentals Of Location Management
• Location Scouting
• Location Management: Budgeting & Scheduling
• Location Management: Contracts, Risk Management & Negotiating
• The Fundamentals of Production Coordinating
• Production Coordinator: Logistics
• Fundamentals Of Production Assisting
• Production Assistant: On Set Protocols
• Production Assistant: Paperwork & Department Interaction
• Fundamentals Of Assistant Directing
• Assistant Director Scheduling
• First Assistant Director On Set Protocols
• Key 2nd Assistant Director Protocols & Call Sheets
• 2nd 2nd Assistant Director Protocols
• Fundamentals of Post-Production Supervision
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a TV Series
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a Feature Film
• Post-Production Supervisor Scheduling & Budgeting
• Post-Production Coordinator & Production Assistant Protocols

What Happens After You Get Certified?

Once you complete a Stage 32 Certification, you will:

• Be included in a global database searchable by industry professionals, film commissions, and studios.
• Receive a certification badge on your Stage 32 profile, which is visible to over 1.3 million members worldwide.
• Gain credentials to display on your social media, resume, and LinkedIn profile.
• Be recognized as a qualified industry professional, making it easier for you to get hired and advance your career.

Get Certified. Get To Work. Start By Clicking Here!

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