European Union (EU) plans to lower the filming incentives that can be paid to non-European projects have been criticised. The European Film Agency Directors (EFADs) has called for clarity as changes to the EU Cinema Communications law would impact filming incentives across Europe.
Authorities in Michigan have announced their film fund will be doubled on a short-term basis in a bid to attract more location filming projects. Sharp revisions last year left the state with an annual fund of just USD25 million but this will be doubled for 12 months from October 2012.
Based in the heel of Italy, the Apulia Film Commission has launched its International Film Fund at the AFCI and The Location Guide Lounge at the Cannes Film Festival. The fund is worth EUR500,000 for 2012, with a per-production cap of EUR200,000.
Ireland and South Africa have signed a location filming co-production deal at the Cannes Film Festival. The agreement will mean each country will benefit from the other’s filming incentives and both will be aspiring for more productions of the scale of Steven Soderbergh's Haywire.
Abu Dhabi has launched a 30% rebate as a location filming incentive. Starting from September 2012, it will be available for features, TV shows, documentaries, commercials and music videos.
New Mexico paid nearly USD23 million in tax credits to Marvel’s Avengers feature when it filmed on location in the state, but got a return of around USD90 million in production spending. The film has been a stunning success, making a billion dollars worldwide in just a few weeks.
South Africa has improved its location filming incentives and expanded them to include post-production. The move could help it attract more features like superhero drama Chronicle.
A new report from accountancy giant Ernst & Young has assessed the benefits of location filming incentives in the US. It coincides with a report from New York on the state’s location filming success through features like Men in Black 3.