FamTourAlbania is the name given to a delegation of top Hollywood representatives from Warner Brothers, Disney, Paramount, Amazon, Universal, and HBO, brought to Albania by Philip Gilpin Jr., CEO of the Catalyst Story Institute. One of the key meetings in their packed agenda was with the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania. As part of their visit, the group met with the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania, joining a roundtable with AmCham leadership, business representatives, and creative industry professionals. The meeting offered a comprehensive 360-degree view of Albania’s economic landscape, production capacity, and growing talent pool.
“At the core of AmCham Albania’s mission is the strengthening of U.S.–Albania economic ties and the promotion of American investment that drives sustainable growth and innovation,” said Neritan Mullaj, Executive Director of AmCham, in his welcoming remarks. He noted that hosting leaders from Hollywood’s creative ecosystem is not just a milestone for the film sector, but an opportunity to showcase Albania’s talent, culture, and renowned hospitality to the world.
AmCham President Grant Van Cleve echoed this sentiment from an investor’s perspective, encouraging Hollywood representatives to see Albania as a country undergoing dynamic transformation. “Albania has all the ingredients to become a vibrant player in the global film ecosystem—unique locations, competitive production costs, and a fast-growing pool of technical and creative talent,” he said.
As part of this initiative, the Catalyst Story Institute inaugurated the Tirana Training Institute, a center dedicated to training a skilled workforce for all roles in the film and creative sectors. “This is more than an investment in infrastructure. It’s an investment in people, in creativity, and in Albania’s future role in the global creative economy,” added Gilpin. Globally, the film and television industry generate hundreds of billions of dollars annually—not only from on-screen content, but also from a vast network of supporting industries, including construction, hospitality, technology, and design. Albania’s unique natural landscapes and strategic location make it an increasingly attractive destination for international productions.
During the meeting, Laura Plaku, Director of the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA), acknowledged the industry’s transformative potential: “Even though film is not currently a top priority sector, its wide-reaching impact makes us focus closely on the legal infrastructure, incentives, and support mechanisms needed to foster growth.”
As part of their multi-day tour, the Hollywood delegation is set to explore various potential filming locations across Albania, gaining first-hand experience of the country’s geography, production capacity, and cultural richness.
