Written by on Mar 28, 2011. Posted in Incentive News

Serbia launches 15% film incentive

Serbia has decided to compete more effectively with its European neighbours by launching a new filming incentive worth up to 15%. The new cash rebate is valid for feature films, TV and documentaries that spend at least EUR2 million in Serbia.

In a sign of trepidation from the Serbian Government, the programme is only confirmed for 2011, with expansion depending on how well it does over the next few months. Milica Božanić, Operations Manager with Film in Serbia, said: “This is valid for feature films, TV and documentaries, but not yet for commercials. It’s our first ever filming incentive and so far only budgeted for this year. It’s still very early, but we’ll assess the results later this year.”

This is valid for feature films, TV and documentaries, but not yet for commercials. It’s our first ever filming incentive and so far only budgeted for this year. It’s still very early, but we’ll assess the results later this year.

Eligible goods, products and services purchased in Serbia during a production will receive the rebate, while an additional 12% rebate on Serbian labour is also available.

Serbia hosted USD30 million worth of feature production in 2010, with high-profile projects such as Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus attracted by cheaper general running costs. The new incentive scheme could prove an attractive offer for production companies around the world.

Ana Ilic, the Serbia Film Commissioner, offered: “With the Serbia Film Incentive, the rationale for filming in the country became that much more compelling. We therefore look forward to fielding enquiries and assisting filming in Serbia.”