This comprehensive guide to global production incentives asks: why not film in Fiji when you can recoup 50% of your production budget?

Filming a movie internationally has more benefits than merely exotic locale. In an effort to create jobs and stimulate local economies, many countries worldwide essentially pay productions to shoot within their borders. These production incentives vary significantly in structure and scope from country to country, but the end goal is universal: a symbiotic financial relationship between the country and foreign film productions. For a film with limited resources, shooting abroad could be just the ticket.

There are, of course, caveats to consider when comparing incentives. Each country stipulates a unique set of requirements, but the main issues to flag are the minimum amount of qualifying local expenditure (which can be high), local employment regulations, and whether or not the country requires the film to pass a cultural eligibility test.

International production incentives should not be confused with co-productions, which are multi-country productions that operate based on government treaties.

Here are the most common forms of incentives:

Cash rebates function similarly to grants and are paid to the production company in percentages based on qualifying local expenditures, including labor, production costs, and other services
Tax incentives are similar to rebates, but the production company must file a tax return to claim the funds. In turn, the company will receive a credit for taxes owed on qualifying local expenditures, including labor, production costs, and other services
National or regional film funds are limited government-sponsored grants for which a production must specifically apply
Tax shelters, relief, or waivers allow investors tax breaks on their investments

Below, we've broken down the world's most attractive production incentives by continent. Based on our research, you should start thinking seriously about setting your next film in Colombia (60% cash rebate), Fiji (50% cash rebate), or Canada (30% to 70% tax credits).

Best in Eastern Europe

Estonia

Film commission: Estonian Film Institute
Financial incentive: Up to 30% cash rebate for film productions. There are also hefty sums available for development, pre-production, post-production, and distribution
Requirements: The amount of aid is calculated as a percentage of the costs done in Estonia (up to 30%) and paid out retroactively after all the expenses are audited. The maximum grant can be applied if the film production uses Estonian-based filmmakers, actors, and other production crew. It can also be applied if the story is set in Estonia

Best in Western Europe

Ireland

Film commission: Irish Film Commission
Financial incentive: 32% tax credit on local Irish expenditures
Requirements: The production company must reside in Ireland, or trade through a branch or agency; not connected to a broadcaster.

Best in Scandanavia

Iceland

Film commission: Film in Iceland
Financial incentive: 25 % cash rebate on all eligible expenses
Requirements: Must submit a relatively simple production plan

Best in Asia

Singapore

Film commission: Media Development Authority of Singapore
Financial incentive: In 2004, the Singapore Tourism Board introduced the "Film in Singapore Scheme," which promotes production in the country by subsidizing up to 50% of qualifying expenses incurred in Singapore, including local talent, production staff, and production services. Additionally, there are various grants available through the MDAS, including a "Production Assistance" grant that supports up to 40% of qualifying expenses.
Requirements: Films and television shows must portray Singapore in a favorable light.

Best in Oceania

#1: Fiji

Film commission: Film Fiji
Financial incentive: Film Fiji offers a whopping 47% tax rebate on production spend in the country.
Requirements: The production company most be locally registered in Fiji; in addition, you must demonstrate an ability to release and distribute the film in a major international market.

Best in North America (excluding the US)

#1: Canada

'The Revenant,' shot in CanadaCredit: 20th Century Fox

Film commission: Divided among provinces, with the most generous being Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and British Columbia
Financial incentive: Depending on the province, producers can access combined federal and provincial tax credits ranging from 32% to 70% of eligible labor, as well as tax incentives on local qualifying spend ranging from 20% to 30%.
Requirements: Varies depending on province

Best in Latin America

#1 : Colombia

'Embrace of the Serpent,' shot in ColombiaCredit: Oscilloscope Laboratories

Film commission: Colombia Film Fund
Financial incentive: Two-tier cash rebate system provides 40% for film services (including services related to post-production, artistic, and technical services), and another 20% for film logistical services (including services provided for transport, accommodation, and food)
Requirements: Production must be partially or totally filmed in Colombia, with a minimum $600,000 local spend
Notes: Medellin is the only city in Colombia that offers rebates in addition tothe above incentives; you can receive up to 15% of production spend in the city

Best in the Middle East

#1: United Arab Emirates

Film commission: Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Financial incentive: 30% cash rebate on production spend; no sales tax
Requirements: Must pass the National Media Council content clearance

Best in Africa

#1: South Africa

Cape Town, South AfricaCredit: Shutterstock

Film commission: National and Film and Video Foundation, Trade and Industry Department of South Africa
Financial incentive: 20% tax credit (production), 25% tax credit (post-production)
Requirements: 100% of the filming must be done in South Africa, and there is a $1.5 million minimum spend
Notes: There are lucrative regional film funds in Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, and the Eastern Cape

Author: Emily Buder

Source: Article, Image