North Carolina faces a long-term production challenge as it is set to cancel its generous 25% filming incentive on 1st January 2015. The state has recently hosted high-profile productions like Under the Dome, but lawmakers want to redirect funds to boost other parts of the economy.
New TV drama Da Vinci’s Demons filmed its first season on location in and around Swansea in south Wales, doubling the region for 15th Century Italy. The show is a fictionalised account of the early life of Leonardo Da Vinci as he faces political and supernatural turmoil in Florence.
London’s Underground train network remains a popular filming location in the year of its 150th anniversary. A dedicated Film Office liaises between Location Managers and specific stations, and the network hosts around a dozen features every 12 months, plus numerous smaller projects.
The British Government has announced that location filming tax relief will continue to be available for production in the UK through to the end of 2015. Projects budgeted at more than GBP20 million can get a 20% rebate, while those spending less than GBP20 million can access 25% tax relief.
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.
The shoot of Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus has wrapped in Belgrade and the positive buzz could result in a national rebate launch, according to a Reuters report.
Latvia has launched a new filming incentive scheme that will entitle eligible productions to a rebate of up to 15%.
New York’s existing USD420 million tax credit scheme could be extended through to 2015 following new information highlighting how the state’s industry has benefitted, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Serbia may introduce a 15% filming incentive within the next eight weeks in a bid to encourage more production companies to film in the country.
The Utah Film Commission has just announced an increase of 50% to the rebate of the MPIF (Motion Picture Incentive Fund). The cap stays at $500,000 with an obligatory