Written by on Jan 9, 2012. Posted in Incentive News

Serbian Cinema Law intends to make filming incentive available by June

A new Cinema Law has been introduced in Serbia to benefit both domestic and international filmmakers. Serbia officially launched a 15% cash rebate filming incentive in March 2011, but the programme didn’t become a reality in the end because of the country’s economic problems.

The new law is the first of its kind to be launched by the Government in Serbia in 20 years. It makes funding available for Serbian filmmakers, as well as re-introducing the 15% cash rebate for international producers.

There was an honest attempt last year to introduce a 15% cash rebate. However, due to the economic situation, the regulation and the budget for the incentive underwent a revision.

Ana Ilic, Film in Serbia

Ana Ilic is Executive Director of Film in Serbia: “There was an honest attempt last year to introduce a 15% cash rebate. However, due to the economic situation, the regulation and the budget for the incentive underwent a revision.

“Fortunately, the new law on cinematography that was just passed provides film incentives of up to 20% cash rebate on international productions and co-productions. Within the next six months the bylaws and guidelines will be created so that the program can start being implemented.”

Serbia is in the public eye at the moment because of Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus, which filmed in Belgrade and is collecting great reviews. The country has also recently hosted The Raven, Luc Besson’s Lock Out and miniseries Titanic: Blood & Steel.

(Main page image copyright: Goran Aleksic)