French Government Introduces Tax Credit To Attract Filmmakers

The French government is to introduce a tax credit to encourage filmmakers from around the world to make films in France.
Productions shot in France will now get back 20% of the production costs of the movie.
This follows a decision from the French parliament just before Christmas to extend the domestic tax credit to all of the world's film and television makers.
The new regulations will take up to €4 million off the costs in a film's production budget.
Not only that, but the tax credit is open to documentary makers, television productions and animation productions that choose to shoot some or all of their work in France.
The move is designed to reverse the trend that has seen moviemakers choosing low-cost Eastern Europe to shoot their films and should bring back to our screens some of the world's most stunning and unique cinema backdrops.
The tax credit will reverse the situation where, for example, the soon-to-be released film from Quentin Tarantino set in France was actually shot outside the country.
With the new measure, shooting costs will now come closer to those of other European countries. Films coming to France will also discover there is a huge pool of fluent English-speaking technical talent, plus studio facilities, CGI and other post-production infrastructure.
Invest in France Agency UK and Ireland Chief Executive Philippe Yvergniaux, welcomed the decision. He said: "France is making itself more and more attractive to all kinds of businesses in many different sectors.
"The film tax credit is yet another example of the way France is re-engineering its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment."
The new tax credit rules state that the filming must take place over at least five days and spend at least €1 million to qualify.
However, 'megastar' salaries will not be included in the package.
(KMcA/BMcC)