Written by on Aug 17, 2015. Posted in Incentive News

Thailand plans new filming incentive

Authorities in Thailand have announced plans to launch a filming incentive programme for the first time. The country attracts hundreds of international productions every year but has had only limited success with high-profile western shoots.

Lawmakers are reportedly considering launching a rebate worth between 15% and 20% of eligible local production spending. Bonuses would be put in place for shoots that portray Thailand in a positive light and employ local crew.

“Thailand will get multiple benefits from the incentives,” said Rachvin Narula, co-founder and executive director of Bangkok-based Benetone Films, in comments to The Location Guide.

“The obvious one is of course the additional foreign exchange earnings for the country. It will also benefit the skill development for the film industry’s crews. Larger projects will raise Thailand’s profile with an increase in tourism.”

Recent high-profile international features shot in Thailand have included Nicolas Winding Refn’s gangster drama Only God Forgives (above) and the upcoming drama No Escape, which follows a US family caught in a military coup.

Thailand is most popular as a commercial filming location, but has suffered an international production decline over the past 18 months. According to figures from the Thailand Film Office, international production filming fell 12% in 2014 and has fallen by a dramatic 48% so far this year.

The country offers many advantages to filmmakers such as great locations and a skilled, cost-effective crew base. A filming incentive programme will help broaden the country’s international appeal and help the industry compete with neighbours like Singapore and Malaysia.

(Photo: Wild Bunch)