Serbia Offers Cash Rebates for Foreign Film Makers
Government incentives, low production costs and high quality facilities are lined up to put Serbia back on the map as a competitive production hub for cash-strapped international film makers.
Before the break-up of Yugoslavia, Serbia was considered to be one of Europe’s foremost filming destinations, popular for its varied locations, experienced crews and modern studios. Serbia’s unique mix of buildings and towns reflect its rich history and provide a range of ready-made backdrops for major productions.
Now, as the country builds closer ties with the European Union and other trading partners, long-ignored roads to international cooperation have re-opened and Serbia is again being embraced by location scouts from Europe and the US.
Movies are a lucrative business for all involved, with positive knock-on effects that should not be under-estimated. As well as boosting government coffers, tourism, investment, jobs and international trade can all receive a valuable shot in the arm by a country’s increased screen presence.
These are all valid reasons for Serbia’s Ministry of Trade and Agriculture to up its game and compete for foreign film investment by establishing the Serbia Film Incentive. Serbia is already ahead of the game, being up to 25% cheaper than other states in the region, and this new incentive should further improve the country’s slate.
This latest financial carrot will offer a 15% cash rebate on goods, products and services purchased for international productions spending more than two million Euros in Serbia. There will be a further 12% rebate on people costs on any international production, including foreign crew and talent, when they are paid in Serbia during production.
While this rebate is currently for productions slated for 2011, it is hoped that it will deliver enough success to extend the project into 2012. All the while Serbia remains outside the EU, such incentives will be available to the government.
The Serbian Film Incentive is the latest move by the government and film industry to strengthen Serbia’s appeal to production companies. Other successful initiatives include the excellent FilminSerbia website and the Serbia Film Commission, which lobbied hard for this incentive.
Serbia’s comparatively low costs, skilled technicians and a healthy film-making heritage have attracted a number of multi-million Euro productions in past years, including Ralph Fiennes directorial debut Coriolanus, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Gerard Butler.
As well as citing Serbia’s low production costs, Fiennes has said that Belgrade was chosen for its atmospheric buildings and willingness to help, avoiding any need to build costly sets. The production was supported by the government-backed Serbian Film Commission.
Such decisions should be more common, as this package of incentives enhances the country’s compelling offer and gives Serbia a financial leg-up to cement its future as the go-to destination for regional and international producers.
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