British Film Commission and the Italian Film Commissions sign Memorandum of Understanding at Cannes’s 75th Anniversary

Written by Joe Jackson on May 20, 2022. Posted in Awards and Festivals

The British Film Commission (BFC) and the Italian Film Commissions (IFC) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The UK and Italy are both recognised as leading production centres for film and high-end TV production, and this agreement is designed to enhance collaboration between their respective screen industries. The MoU was signed today at The Italian Pavilion, Le Majestic Hotel 10, Cannes.

30% foreign production incentive revealed at Cannes 2022's Indian Pavilion

Written by Joe Jackson on May 20, 2022. Posted in Incentive News

India has unveiled a new incentive scheme for international productions. Up to 30% of qualifying expenditure (capped at USD260,000) can be reimbursed by the federal government. A 5% boost (capped at USD65,000) will be granted if 15% or more of a production’s workforce are from India. Anurag Thakur – the country’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) – revealed the news at Cannes Film Festival’s newly-inaugurated Indian Pavilion.

Gunnersbury Park Museum transforms into Victorian hospital for The Essex Serpent

Written by Joe Jackson on May 19, 2022. Posted in On Location

Gunnersbury Park Museum plays a Victorian hospital in new mini-series The Essex Serpent. Based on the award-winning novel by Essex author Sarah Perry, the show stars Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes. The Essex Serpent premiered on Apple TV this week, and London-based location specialists FilmFixer helped transform the museum during the shoot.

São Paulo's latest incentive scheme offers 30% cash rebate and USD8 million production fund

Written by Joe Jackson on May 19, 2022. Posted in Incentive News

Spcine – São Paulo’s state-owned film and audiovisual company – has unveiled the second edition of its cash rebate programme. The latest instalment offers a 30% cash rebate for filmmakers working in São Paulo. A fund worth USD8 million will support national and international productions who choose to shoot in the city, offering four times the amount of 2021's production funding. This pioneering initiative is a joint venture between the City and State Governments.

Film USA reveals debut pavilion schedule for Cannes Film Festival 2022

Written by Joe Jackson on May 18, 2022. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Film USA has released its pavilion schedule for Cannes Film Festival 2022. A range of events and special talks have been organised to help attendees understand the breadth and depth of America's filmmaking scene. There are several opportunities to learn from industry specialists and interact with members of the international production community, including the FOCUS London and makers & shakers Awards mixer.  This is Film USA's first time at the festival.

USD350 million film studio will be developed in Ghana

Written by Joe Jackson on May 18, 2022. Posted in General Interest

A major new film studio and production house is being built in Ghana. The construction will be located across approximately 321 acres, creating one of the first major studios of its kind in Africa. Entrepreneur Nana Dakrabo I – also known as Michael B. Pratt – is leading the development of this state-of-the-art facility. He will partner with musician and producer Koby Maxwell, actor Michael Blackson and Washington DC’s WEG Studios, aiming to invigorate Ghanaian media production.

UK Global Screen Fund extended for three more years with GBP21 million boost

Written by Joe Jackson on May 17, 2022. Posted in General Interest

The government has confirmed that the UK Global Screen Fund will be injected with additional funding worth GBP21 million. Following a successful GBP7 million pilot year, this boost is set to extend the project for three more years. Administered by the BFI, the fund is designed to support independent companies and productions. More than 65 awards were granted using the UK Global Screen Fund during its pilot year.

Entries now open for makers & shakers Awards 2022!

Written by Joe Jackson on May 17, 2022. Posted in Awards and Festivals

The Location Guide, makers magazine and the FOCUS show are calling for entries to the makers & shakers Awards 2022. Launched at BAFTA in December 2019, the ceremony celebrates excellence in global production. The incoming makers & shakers Awards takes place on 7th December 2022, the final day of the annual FOCUS show in London. The awards are free to enter - and you can nominate yourself as well as your colleagues.