The studio was built in 2004 specifically to recreate the 1919 battle scene in the Latvian feature film 'Defenders of Riga'.
The backlot features a permanent, functioning model of an early 20th-century streetcar.
The sets are constructed using a mixture of wood, plaster, and period-accurate materials designed specifically for camera angles and weathering.
The studio grounds have been utilized for various music videos, commercials, and international historical mini-series.
Sections of the studio are designed to be modular, allowing production crews to modify building facades for different script requirements.
The site includes a 'river' section created by excavating a man-made basin that can be flooded or drained depending on filming needs.
Cinevilla Studio is the largest film studio backlot in the Baltic states, constructed specifically for the historical drama 'Defenders of Riga'. Located in the Tukums municipality, the set recreates the urban landscape of early 20th-century Riga, including historical tram lines, cobblestone streets, and facades representing various architectural styles. The site serves as both an active film production facility and an open-air exhibition space for the public. Visitors can walk through meticulously aged sets that simulate different historical periods and architectural zones. The complex includes specialized zones like the Old Riga quarter, a harbor area with mock-up ships, and diverse period-accurate building fronts. It is frequently used by Latvian and international production companies for period filming. The studio grounds encompass a significant area of rural landscape, providing enough space for large-scale outdoor set design.
The cobblestone 'Old Riga' street intersection, which offers the most authentic period backdrop.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the studio grounds are expansive and feature uneven, simulated-historical surfaces.
Check the official website before traveling to ensure the studio is not booked for a private film production, which can close parts of the site.
Bring sun protection and layers, as the open-air nature of the site provides very little natural shade or wind protection.
Do not touch or lean on the building facades, as many are lightweight stage sets designed for appearance rather than structural weight-bearing.
Open seasonally; typically closed during winter months and on specific days when private film productions occupy the entire site.
