How Vienna Turned Film Into an Economic Growth Engine

Cities today are competing on far more than infrastructure, they’re competing on culture, creativity, and the industries that attract global talent.

In this episode of The Connector, Harper B Founder Belinda Coates sits down with Anu Shanker, Managing Director of HQ7 Studios, to explore how Austria is using the film industry as a powerful driver of economic growth and city transformation.

What’s happening in Vienna isn’t just about building studios, it’s about building an ecosystem. A long-term investment in film is helping reshape the city, retain creative talent, and position Austria on the global stage in a way that goes far beyond traditional economic models.

Belinda and Anu unpack why Austria made the decision to back a local film industry, how film-led investment is physically changing Vienna, and why creative industries are increasingly seen as a form of economic resilience. They also explore how integrated production hubs are attracting global filmmakers, the role of purpose-built sets, and what cities like Australia and the UK can learn from Vienna’s approach.