Production Service Network grows its global organisation
The Production Service Network (PSN) has announced four new partners are joining its worldwide organisation. Malaysia, Serbia, Belgium and Czech Republic will be bringing unique elements to the network which now covers 46 countries worldwide.
As a one-stop-shop for on-location shoot support, PSN connects international producers requiring local expertise to trusted local production service companies around the globe. Michael Moffett, founder of PSN, comments that “All of our partners are carefully vetted and hand-selected to provide producers with a market niche and the local shoot support they require. In one capacity or another our network has already worked with all four of these partners. PSN has evolved into a community built on trust amongst partners, as well as industry colleagues and we’re all really excited for what they will each bring to the table”.
At the helm of PSN Belgium is veteran producer Leila Fisher who earned her stripes servicing foreign film and photo shoots in South Africa before returning to her homeland.
Fisher explains that “whilst Belgium may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, it has so much to offer in terms of diversity of cast, locations and production expertise. We’re a film-friendly country with everything from characterful old buildings to cutting-edge modern architecture. We will bring a wonderful mix of nature and urban settings, all within an hour of one another”. Fisher welcomes the opportunity to join the network commenting that “it allows us to pitch for work around the globe (with Michael’s passion and dedication) as well as giving our clients trusted, high quality production companies to work with in every imaginable destination.
Belgium is known to be a film-friendly country. Permitting road closures within just 10 working days guarantees ease of shooting. Drone filming in urban areas can also be achieved with clearly defined fly-zone permits issued by authorities. Indoors, there are great studios, stages, and one of the largest water-tank installations in Europe.
Belgium has a number of film funds that are available to national and co-productions. Commercial productions are also attracted to what the country has to offer, facilitating productions for brands such as Unilever and Partena.
Malaysia was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to introduce a cash rebate of 30% in 2013. Having elevated the tropical nation into a must-consider film production hub of the region, feature films such as Crazy Rich Asians, Kabali, Blackhat, Don and Don 2, Anna and the King, Entrapment, and Police Story 3 are among the titles to shoot extensively in Malaysia. Commercials don’t qualify for cash back, but projects still benefit from the team’s local production know-how. Headed up by Pete Singh, PSN Malaysia's production capacity extends to nearby Singapore where they have a fully staffed office.
Pete Singh, PSN Malaysia comments: “We’re fortunate to have a huge variety of locations in our arsenal from high-rise buildings and ritzy malls in Kuala Lumpur to fishing villages of the Bajau Laut sea gypsies in Semporna, every destination is vibrant with breath-taking aesthetics. What’s more, we’re an affordable and competitive shoot destination and we’re thrilled to join PSN’s growing resourceful network.”
Georgiana Doman, formerly at PSN Romania, extends the reach of her production team by opening a fully-staffed office in Belgrade. Serbia has recently increased its tax rebate for all productions to 25% and is one of the few countries worldwide to extend this rebate to commercials, documentaries, and short films. The world-class studio facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, English-speaking crew and film-friendly locations have put the country on the map for producers. It's a simple and efficient process to apply for permits to shoot in most places in Serbia.
Doman has a history of working with PSN noting that “our company in Romania was amongst the first to be invited to become a member of the Production Service Network. The team at PSN has extended constant support since we joined so it seemed natural that we could become the Serbian partner when we opened our doors in Belgrade”. Serbia is fast becoming one of the top shoot-friendly locations due to several factors. Doman explains; “the no-visa-required policy teamed with highly attractive tax incentives is something we try and educate as many producers about as possible”.
Recently, Serbia attracted the BBC’s international crime drama McMafia that chose to double Prague, Moscow and Istanbul in Belgrade. Additional scenes for Netflix feature Ibiza also shot throughout the country showcasing the versatility of its locations.
PSN Czech Republic is led by former CFP Europe VP, Petr Keller. His production house has shot with the likes of Guillermo Del Toro and Tim Pope. They use their formidable experience to apply the best options for the budget in their country.
The Czech Republic is well known to have sufficient studio space, equipment and crew to handle multiple productions of all sizes without any disruption. Stages of all sizes and world-class post facilities are ready to plug and play for producers.
The State Cinematography Fund provides 20% cash rebate to feature films and TV series as well as animations. In 2017, A&E decide to base its production of Knightfall at Prague’s Barrandov Studios due to the incentive, depth of crew and locations that could double for 14th century Paris.
Keller outlined why joining PSN was a smart move for his company, saying “I was so glad to find PSN, a network which understands the future of production service. As things move faster and our worldwide environment changes, it’s so important for us to be connecting global professionals in order to deliver the best possible service to their clients and partners. The Czech Republic has a long-time filmmaking tradition offering a vast selection of locations, studio space and experienced crew. We bring all this along with a very professional and cost-effective postproduction VFX and CGI offering”.
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