Film Budget

Film Markets are Back!

2011-09-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Based on all of the big sales at the Toronto International Film Festival happening right now (for example Fox Searchlight’s acquired Steve McQueen’s SHAME and CBS Films acquired Lasse Hallstrom’s SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN), this means there will be more money available for production. Use this heat to your advantage. Don't miss out by being unprepared! Create a budget for your screenplay so that investors take you seriously. Investors, Producers, Foreign Sales Agents and Distributors always request budget numbers and Quick Film Budget can serve all of your budget needs.

Quick Film Budget is pleased to hold our next "How To Get Your Script Into Production" seminar in the New York area:

September 14 at 7pm
Showbiz Store & Cafe
19 W. 21st St.
New York, NY 10010
RSVP to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2080449681/estw

Lastly, in memory of 9-11, Quick Film Budget will donate 10% of all sales from September 11 through 18, 2011 to the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund http://www.answerthecall.org
For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

July Seminars

2011-07-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

QFB is very excited for July. Hope you had a great 4th!
We are pleased to hold three "How To Get Your Script Into Production" seminars in July:

July 7 - 6:30-9:30pm
McFadden's at Citizen's Bank Park
Corner of Pattison and Darien
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
To register go to http://pen77.eventbrite.com/

July 21 - 7-8:30pm
Showbiz Store & Cafe
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

July 27 - 12-2pm
Action On Film Festival
Pasadena, CA (more details to follow)

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Philadelphia Seminar

2011-06-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the details for our seminar next month in Philadelphia:

"How To Get Your Script Into Production"
Thursday, July 7 - 6:30-9:30pm
McFadden's at Citizen's Bank Park
Corner of Pattison and Darien
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

To register go to http://pen77.eventbrite.com/

We are also proud to sponsor the Action On Film Festival this year. We will be giving a seminar there:

"How To Get Your Script Into Production"
Wednesday, July 27 - 12-2pm
Pasadena, CA (more details to follow)

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB now BICOASTAL!

2011-06-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that QFB has expanded to become bicoastal! We will be holding regular seminars on both coasts beginning next month:

"How To Get Your Script Into Production" - July 7th, Philadelphia (more details to follow)

We will also continue with our regular Los Angeles seminars. We will announce our July date shortly.

Also, we are proud to once again sponsor the Bel-Air Film Festival. The festival's film submission deadline is July 13th. Festival winners receive a free copy of Quick Film Budget.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Upcoming Seminar

2011-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

QFB is pleased to announce our upcoming seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":
June 14 - 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Proud Sponsor of Seattle Int'l Film Fest!

2011-05-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

We would like to congratulate everybody involved in the Seattle International Film Festival going on right now! As a sponsor of the competition, we are glad to take part in the award packages.

Become a fan of QFB on Facebook by going to our page and "Like It" by clicking http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quick-Film-Budget/172283295027

QFB is pleased to announce our upcoming seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":
June 14 - 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB Partners with Itzon

2011-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget in proud partnership with itzon – a new film platform. It’s film, but different.
Press Release dated 15/05/2011

Film is changing, TV is changing, distribution and audiences are changing.

itzon is setting out to showcase and market films on a unique online platform by converging TV, Internet video and film festival with the latest in cloud and streaming technologies. The platform delivers a huge range of independent films, documentaries and animations from around the world all scheduled into a linear stream. itzon is a curated, hassle-free, high-definition ‘TV’ experience, available through Internet browsers or Internet-ready TVs. itzon offers the independent filmmaker a way to not only promote their film but to earn revenue from it also.
Quick Film Budget is proud to be supporting the filmmakers by sponsoring the Best Fiction award in itzon’s monthly film festival in May and June.

In addition to the free-to-view linear stream (complete with auto-adaptive bandwidth detection to help eliminate buffering and stalling) www.itzon.tv offers:

· Scheduled listings displayed online and in the weekly digital Whatzon magazine delivered by email to viewers.

· itzonDemand, a Video on Demand (VoD) catch-up service. Viewers can either watch films from the library for free with advert breaks, or purchase credit and watch the films advert-free. In both systems, the revenue generated is shared with the filmmaker.

· A monthly film festival: all accepted film submissions are also part of the itzon festival. Voted for by the viewers and judged by an industry panel.

· Promotion of films that receive rave reviews from the itzon audience to distributors, broadcasters and commissioning editors.

itzon will be marketed globally to attract large viewer numbers and open opportunity for the viewing public to see films they would never get the chance to see in the main-stream cinemas. The itzon team is passionate about providing digital promotion to independent films in all stages of distribution, not just the latest releases. Whether this is a re-launch of a popular film that is now experiencing a plateau in viewing numbers or DVD sales, a date-specific screening, or a simultaneous multiplatform launch, itzon is flexible and curated to maximize the platform for the individual filmmaker’s needs. itzon accepts submissions for review across all genres, from shorts to full-length features.

- End of press release –

Notes to Editors:
For more information on itzon please contact Hannah Vincent, Email: hannah@itzon.tv, Phone: +44 (0) 208 123 3267, Mobile: +44 (0) 7798 694324.

Showbiz Bundles with QFB!

2011-05-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is proud to announce that the Showbiz Stores are now selling Quick Film Budget and Showbiz Budgeting 8 as a bundle for the low cost of $450! To view all of the Quick Film Budget items sold at the Showbiz Store, click the link:
http://www.showbizsoftware.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=quick+film+budget

We've gone global! In the past week, we've made sales in the United States, Canada, England and Australia. It's our most international week of sales yet. We're happy to see that filmmakers from around the world are using Quick Film Budget.

We would like to thank everybody who attended our first "Quick Film Budget Speaker Series: Technicolor 3D Executive" this past week. We would also like to thank Dan Birnbaum for generously giving his time to speak about the future of film and media and answer so many questions. QFB always enjoys meeting our customers and making introductions for indie filmmakers.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Quick Film Budget Speaker Series: Technicolor 3D Executive

2011-05-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget presents Speaker Series: Technicolor 3D Exec
Wednesday, May 11 at 7pm at Showbiz Store (500 S. Sepulveda)
RSVP to info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Quick Film Budget Speaker Series: Technicolor 3D Executive

Join filmmakers Nolan Lebovitz and Adam Lebovitz as they discuss film distribution with Dan Birnbaum, the head of operations and strategy for Technicolor 3D. At Technicolor, Birnbaum works with both studios and exhibitors to distribute 35mm 3D prints to movie theaters. Birnbaum has been an innovator in the visual effects industry since 2002. He began work as a visual effects compositor in the feature film industry in Los Angeles and has worked on designing systems to increase efficiency in visual effects production. In 2007, Birnbaum was part of a team of digital artists that won the Oscar for Achievement in Visual Effects for New Line Cinema’s “The Golden Compass.” He holds a BS in Radio, Television, and Film from Northwestern University and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Following the discussion, there will be a Question and Answer session.

NEWS: We just incorporated our VIDEO TUTORIAL for how to use Quick Film Budget into the homepage. You can find it in the upper right part of the page at www.QuickFilmBudget.com

This week especially, QFB is proud to sponsor the 2011 GI Film Festival (May 9-15). The GI Film Festival is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the service member through the medium of film.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Video Tutorial

2011-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

EXCITING NEWS: We just posted a VIDEO TUTORIAL on how to use Quick Film Budget.

We will ultimately be putting the video on our website. In the meantime, to access the video tutorial click on the youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63anekqOSBo

On a separate note, we would like to thank everybody who attended our seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production" last week. We always enjoy meeting our customers and introducing Quick Film Budget to new indie filmmakers.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Seminar Tonight

2011-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join us tonight at our seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":

April 12th - 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049)

If you would like to inquire about the seminar or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Upcoming Seminar

2011-04-05T07:37:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to announce our upcoming seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":

April 12th - 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049)

We would like to congratulate Efim Reznikov for winning the Green Bay Film Festival! As a proud sponsor of the competition, we are glad to award him one Quick Film Budget.

If you would like to inquire about the seminar or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

New Service

2011-03-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

After receiving this request many times, we would like to announce a new service of "One-on-One Private Sessions" with filmmakers to help them move forward. We can discuss specific step by step strategies for budgeting, producing, casting and distribution. A one hour session costs $199. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

We would like to congratulate Giancarlo Santos & Sean Yu for winning Big Vision Empty Wallet's F*ck Valentine's Day Film Competition. As a proud sponsor of the competition, we are glad to award them one Quick Film Budget.

Quick Film Budget is pleased to announce our upcoming seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":
April 12th - 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Social Media

2011-03-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget would like to thank everybody who attended our seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production" this past week. We always enjoy meeting our customers and introducing Quick Film Budget to new indie filmmakers.

Please remember that many of our producing tips such as the pros and cons for different state tax incentives are all covered in this blog. You can reach our Blog, our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter by clicking on any of the icons in the bottom left corner of our homepage www.QuickFilmBudget.com.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Wednesday Seminar

2011-03-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is pleased to announce our seminar this week "Getting Your Script Into Production":

March 16 at 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (500 S. Sepulveda, LA 90049)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Is the stress and anxiety of pre-production getting to you? Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and increase focus. Take my advice and contact Michelle Sampson. She teaches private lessons and does a group class every Thursday morning in Santa Monica. Visit her website at www.theyogarehab.com for more info.

Upcoming Important Dates

2011-03-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Quick Film Budget is proud to once again sponsor the Bel Air Film Festival and the Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival. Winners of each festival will receive a Quick Film Budget as part of the award package. Each has approaching Early Bird Deadlines:

Bel Air Film Festival - March 9 (Early Bird Deadline)
Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival - May 15 (Early Bird Deadline)

Also, we are pleased to announce our upcoming seminar "Getting Your Script Into Production":

March 16 at 7pm at the Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you would like to RSVP, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Oscar Fever

2011-03-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

The Oscars always inspires me to go make great movies. Whether it's putting renewed efforts into that project you love or renewed motivation to continue looking for a new script to fall in love with, QFB is here to give you the resources to bring that film to life! Our customized film budgets will give answers to potential investors and a financial roadmap to make your movie.

QFB hopes everyone enjoyed the Oscars and that it brings inspiration to all filmmakers!

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Upcoming Film Festival Sponsorships

2011-02-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

Quick Film Budget is proud to sponsor the following upcoming Film Festivals:

GI Film Festival
BVEW's F*ck Valentine's Day Competition
Green Bay Film Festival
UK Film Festival Guild

Thanks to everybody who attended our seminars in Los Angeles. We always enjoy demonstrating the Quick Film Budget technology as well as answering questions. More than anything we appreciate the opportunity to meet our customers and hear about their projects and how Quick Film Budget helps them.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

GROUP COUPON on Feb 16

2011-02-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

We're announcing a... 1 DAY ONLY GROUP COUPON SALE EVENT!

Starting on February 16, the first 5 budgets purchased are 20% OFF! Don't miss out. As soon as we make five sales, the discounted price is over. (*All budgets will be charged $199 at time of purchase and the first 5 will be refunded the difference.)

On a separate note, we are pleased to announce our upcoming seminar:
February 16 at 7pm- Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

If you purchase a budget before the seminar, we can schedule a one-on-one session before or afterwards to discuss your film strategy.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

LA Seminar

2011-02-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Now that Sundance and the Super Bowl are over, it's finally down to business... Get into pre-production mode by creating your budget!

Thank you to everybody in New York who attended our seminar. We always enjoy demonstrating the Quick Film Budget technology as well as answering questions. More than anything we appreciate the opportunity to meet our customers and hear about their projects and how Quick Film Budget helps them.

We are pleased to announce our upcoming seminar:
February 16 - Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you have any questions about attending any one of our seminars, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

February Seminar Schedule

2011-02-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everybody who attended our seminars at the University of Miami and Full Sail University while we were in Florida. Quick Film Budget was happy to bring its talents to South Beach.

We always enjoy demonstrating the Quick Film Budget technology as well as answering questions. More than anything we appreciate the opportunity to meet our customers and hear about their projects and how Quick Film Budget helps them.

We are pleased to announce our schedule of upcoming seminars in February:

February 3 - Showbiz Store & Cafe (New York, NY)
February 16 - Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you have any questions about attending any one of these seminars, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check out QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Seminar Schedule

2011-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Seminars are a great forum for us to demonstrate the Quick Film Budget technology as well as answer questions. We are pleased to announce our schedule of upcoming seminars:

January 26 - University of Miami (Miami, FL)
January 27 - Full Sail University (Orlando, FL)
February 3 - Showbiz Store & Cafe (New York, NY)
February 16 - Showbiz Store & Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

We hope to see you there. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a seminar near you or if you have any questions about attending any one of these seminars, please email us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB Travels!

2011-01-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

In an effort to maintain our relationship with all of our customers throughout the country, we will be traveling more often in 2011. This will allow everybody an opportunity to attend seminars in their region of the country. Last year, we held demonstrations in Los Angeles, Miami and New York. We will keep you up to date on our travels and seminars dates.

We also wanted to share a nice email we received from Matthew & Brian Sanders who won our 2010 Short Film Contest:

"Adam & Nolan,
Thank you for choosing our script Nostalgia. This is truly the break we needed to get something up and running to advance our careers!
We will keep you updated with the creative process as we build momentum. Happy Holidays!"
-Matthew & Brian

It gives us great pride to know that QFB is facilitating new creative voices through our contest. We look forward to running a similar contest again in 2011.

For more film budgeting info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check out QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

2011 Guild & Union Update

2011-01-04T14:04:00.001-08:00

Welcome 2011!

In an effort to constantly maintain the quality of our numbers, Quick Film Budget has updated the film budget wage rates to reflect the 2011 rates for SAG, DGA, WGA, IATSE and Teamsters.

2010 was a fantastic first calender year for QFB. Please keep an eye open for new products and functions on the website in 2011. We intend to continue listening to all of your feedback in order to serve our customers in the best way we can.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

End of Year Discount!

2010-12-30T12:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Remember that QFB's end of year discount is about to end. Use the discount code QFB2010 to receive a 20% discount. Offer expires December 31, 2010.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

From our family to yours, QFB wishes everybody a happy, healthy and production filled 2011!

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

The QFB Short Film Winner is...

2010-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Matthew Sanders & Brian Sanders, the winners of our 2010 Short Film Contest! They will be awarded a check for $1,000 to help produce their short film Nostalgia. In addition, QFB guarantees its acceptance into film festivals as well!

Thank you to everyone who submitted their projects for our 2010 Short Film Contest. The reception was so positive that we are already planning our next contest.

QFB's end of year discount is still available. Use the discount code QFB2010 to receive a 20% discount. Offer expires December 31, 2010.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

End of Year Discount!

2010-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

QFB is excited to announce its end of year discount on all feature film budgets! Use the discount code QFB2010 to receive a 20% discount. Offer expires December 31, 2010.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their projects to our 2010 Short Film Contest. Will notify the winner on December 20, 2010 and will announce the winner to everybody through next week's blast on December 21, 2010.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check out QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

10 Days till Contest Deadline!

2010-12-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Only 10 days left to get your short film made! Visit the QFB homepage to view our 2010 Short Film Contest. The winner will be awarded $1,000 cash to produce their short script as well as guaranteed acceptance into film festivals and online distribution.

Join us at Showbiz Expo on December 4th & 5th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. On Sunday, December 5th at 11 am, we will be delivering a workshop, demonstrating the software and participating in a Q&A session. For more info, go to www.ShowBizExpo.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

RIP Leslie Nielsen

2010-11-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/

I am saddened to say that Leslie Nielsen passed away today. He was a comedic pioneer that showed us that you can make hysterical movies without big budgets as long as Reggie Jackson stars in your movie.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T07:11:00.001-08:00

From our family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a few great Thanksgiving movies:
1) "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray
2) "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" starring Steve Martin
3) "Pieces of April" starrin Katie Holmes

Check out QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Short Film Contest Deadline in a Month!

2010-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

GET YOUR SHORT FILM PRODUCED AND SEEN!

Do you have great ideas? Do you ever feel frustrated, not sure how to get started? QuickFilmBudget.com wants to help. QuickFilmBudget.com is holding a contest to help a filmmaker get their short into production and we’re going to help get it seen by Hollywood at film festivals.

Quick Film Budget is now accepting short scripts (5 pages or less) that present an effective story with a beginning, middle, and end, which can easily be produced. Screenplays can be any genre or subject. Quick Film Budget will judge each submission based on screenplay, budget and a one page filmmaker’s statement. All budgets must be created by Quick Film Budget and can then be modified by the filmmaker before submitting it to the contest.

WHAT DO I WIN?

Winner receives:
$1,000 to produce their short film.
Premier at 2011 Bel-Air Film Festival. The film will also have guaranteed acceptance into the New Filmmakers New York and the New Filmmakers Los Angeles Screenings.

HOW DO I ENTER?

To enter, please register at QuickFilmBudget.com and create your short film budget there. Then, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page. On the Submission Form, you will be required to attach the following:
(1) Screenplay – 5 pages or less
(2) Budget – Must be created by Quick Film Budget and can be modified by applicant. Show us how you’re going to spend the money.
(3) Filmmaker’s Statement – 1 Page or less. Explain the visual design, themes… Why is this film important to you?
(4) Scanned copy of Student I.D. – If applicable

Short Film Budgets cost $149. There is no additional application fee. Students can receive $124 refunded after purchasing their short film budget by attaching a scanned copy of their Student I.D. It will only cost students $25 to enter after the refund. Refund will be enacted within seventy two hours of receiving the Student I.D.

Deadline to enter is December 15, 2010.

Winner will be announced December 20, 2010.

If you have any questions, contact us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com.

AFM Discount Expires Tomorrow!

2010-11-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Remember to use QFB's AFM discount on all your feature film budget needs. The discount code AFM2010 gets a 20% discount through the end of AFM (November 10, 2010).

Only one month left to get your short film made. Please visit the homepage to view our 2010 Short Film Contest. Winner will be awarded $1,000 cash to produce their short script as well as guaranteed acceptance into film festivals and online distribution.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

From The Halls Of AFM...

2010-11-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

From The Halls Of AFM...

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

PAHFest & New Filmmakers LA

2010-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you to PAHFest, LA City College and Madonna University for attending our seminar last week!

Thank you to all who attended the New Filmmakers LA screening! It was a major success.

Remember to use QFB's AFM discount on all your feature film budget needs. The discount code AFM2010 gets a 20% discount through the end of AFM (November 10, 2010).

QFB continues to champion new voices through our contest. Please visit the homepage to view our new 2010 Short Film Contest. We're looking for screenplays under 5 pages. Winner will be awarded $1,000 cash to produce their short script as well as guaranteed acceptance into film festivals and online distribution.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Go to QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

AFM Discount

2010-10-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

QFB announces its American Film Market (AFM) discount on all feature film budgets!

Use the discount code AFM2010 to receive a 20% discount. Offer expires November 10, 2010.

Join us this week as QFB sponsors New Filmmakers LA screening on Friday, October 29. Visit Newfilmmakersla.com for more info.

QFB continues to champion new voices through our contest. Please visit the homepage to view our new 2010 Short Film Contest. We're looking for screenplays under 5 pages. Winner will be awarded $1,000 cash to produce their short script as well as guaranteed acceptance into film festivals and online distribution.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Big Bear & Bel Air Film Festivals

2010-10-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Big Bear Horror Film Festival and the Bel-Air Film Festival! This past weekend, Quick Film Budget sponsored these two wonderful festivals and delivered a seminar in Big Bear.

Next week, we're are a proud sponsor of the New Filmmakers LA screening on Friday, October 29.

QFB continues to champion new voices though festivals and contests. Please visit the homepage to view our new 2010 Short Film Contest. We are accepting screenplays under 5 pages. The winner will be awarded $1,000 cash to produce their short script as well as guaranteed acceptance into film festivals and online distribution.

For more info go to www.QuickFilmBudget.com

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

A Great Short Film

2010-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Since Quick Film Budget started its short screenplay contest, we have been asked several times "what is a good short film?" There are many different good storytelling approaches to short filmmaking. Most importantly, remember that there is not one way to make a great short film.

Over the weekend, the Big Bear Horror Film Festival invited me to give a talk about film budgeting. While I was there, I saw many short films and feature length films. There were many good movies but one really stuck out as great. "The Unfun House" is a computer animated short film by Paul Carty about a trip through an unsafe, "legally challenged" dark ride. Life threatening props and zoning issues are just a few of the problems management ignores everyday. To make things worse, a disgruntled former employee of the ride comes back to wreak havoc during your tour!!! I loved the film for many reasons

1) It maintained a scary and funny tone evenly throughout its entirety.
2) The animation looked professional.
3) The story was perfect for a short film because it presented a few different consecutive experiences from the doomed riders' perspective. Even though each rider's story had a quick beginning, middle and end, the arc of the short film was really about the ride to tell the story about why the ride went from the fun house to the unfun house.

I encourage everyone to watch the short. I could only find a website showing its trailer http://futuremoon3d.com/id5.html

I hope this posting helps give at least a little direction about making short films. Click here more information about the Short Screenplay Contest.

Also, check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

Short Screenplay Contest

2010-10-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR SHORT FILM PRODUCED AND SEEN!

Do you have great ideas? Do you ever feel frustrated, not sure how to get started? QuickFilmBudget.com wants to help. QuickFilmBudget.com is holding a contest to help a filmmaker get their short into production and we’re going to help get it seen by Hollywood at film festivals.

Quick Film Budget is now accepting short scripts (5 pages or less) that present an effective story with a beginning, middle, and end, which can easily be produced. Screenplays can be any genre or subject. Quick Film Budget will judge each submission based on screenplay, budget and a one page filmmaker’s statement. All budgets must be created by Quick Film Budget and can then be modified by the filmmaker before submitting it to the contest.

WHAT DO I WIN?

Winner receives:
$1000 to produce their short film.
Premier at 2011 Bel-Air Film Festival. The film will also have guaranteed acceptance into the New Filmmakers New York and the New Filmmakers Los Angeles Screenings.

HOW DO I ENTER?

To enter, please register at QuickFilmBudget.com and create your short film budget there. Then, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page. On the Submission Form, you will be required to attach the following:
(1) Screenplay – 5 pages or less
(2) Budget – Must be created by Quick Film Budget and can be modified by applicant. Show us how you’re going to spend the money.
(3) Filmmaker’s Statement – 1 Page or less. Explain the visual design, themes… Why is this film important to you?
(4) Scanned copy of Student I.D. – If applicable

Short Film Budgets cost $149. There is no additional application fee. Students can receive $124 refunded after purchasing their short film budget by attaching a scanned copy of their Student I.D. It will only cost students $25 to enter after the refund. Refund will be enacted within seventy two hours of receiving the Student I.D.

Deadline to enter is December 15, 2010.

Winner will be announced December 20, 2010.

If you have any questions, contact us at Info@QuickFilmBudget.com.

The Social Network

2010-10-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I along with hundreds of young adults packed a movie theater in Westwood to see the much talked about "The Social Network". As a drama with a $50 million budget price tag (IMDB) and a young actor, this film is performing in its mid/high box office scenario. Jesse Eisenberg's films continue to make more and more money at the box office ("The Squid and The Whale" $7m, "Adventureland" $16m, "Zombieland" 75m). He's a great actor and is quietly becoming a star.

As I watched the movie, I realized that the majority of the film budget was spent on production design because most of the film is two people talking in a room. Occasionally, there's a scene with more three or four people talking in a room. However, possibly the greatest writer and director of our time make each of those scenes look intriguing as if it's a glimpse into a different kind of life that we usually only hear about (ex: Harvard campus, Palo Alto offices).

As a blog about film budgeting, I thought it was important to note that filmmakers need to understand what their film is and isn't in order to most wisely spend their budget. Fincher knew that his film was not an action popcorn flick but rather a drama set within possibly the most interesting location and smartest/quickest people.

I recommend that filmmakers learn from Fincher and follow suit to stay true to their film and bring out its best.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Sell your film at AFM!

2010-10-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Get your film budget ready for AFM! Why is AFM so important?

The 2010 American Film Market will be held from November 3-10 in Santa Monica, CA.
Foreign and domestic buyers will converge to fill their slates for the upcoming year.
Filmmakers there will have to know the financial model to their projects before discussing it with buyers. This means having a budget.

Quick Film Budget can handle all of your budget needs for AFM.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Bel Air Film Festival

2010-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is sponsoring the 2010 Bel Air Film Festival - October 14-19! Tickets and Festival Passes are available now. For more information visit www.BelAirFilmFestival.com

We will be sponsoring more festivals in the months to come. As QFB's reputation grows, we will continue to create partnerships with festivals we feel truly champion the indie filmmaker.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB adss Short Film Budget!

2010-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is proud to announce it is now offering short film budgets!

After listening to many customers and filmmakers discuss their budgeting needs, we have once again quickly adapted. The short film budget option addresses:

- Any budget under $50,000
- A choice between film stock or digital
- Webseries short film style budgeting
- A rebate of $50 off the purchase price

This should address the needs of students, webseries creators, and filmmakers looking to break into the festival circuits with a fresh edgy short film.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB adds Modifiable Formats

2010-09-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is now modifiable in Showbiz Budgeting and iWork Numbers formats.

This makes four formats users can select for their modifiable budgets:
-Showbiz Budgeting
-Entertainment Partners Movie Magic Budgeting
-Microsoft Excel
-iWork Numbers

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB hires Account Executive

2010-09-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Nolan Lebovitz and Adam Lebovitz, owners and co-founders of Quick Film Budget (QFB), are proud to announce that Jaime Perry has joined forces with QFB as an Account Executive. Perry has a long history in the film and television industries. Most recently, he was the Manager of Business Development for Marketing & Promotions at the Brooks Institute of Photography for six years. Before working for the Brooks Institute of Photography, he worked at Baseline Studio Systems as the point person to the talent agencies.

Whether you are a film student or a professional filmmaker, a film budget is a tremendous tool to bring your project from script into production. “You no longer have to beg a friend to create a movie budget for you. Now, all you have to do is go to QFB and the rest is just mind blowing!” said Perry. QFB will soon be offering budgets for short films in addition to feature length films. QFB's revolutionary approach to budgeting from a "top down" matrix is presently endorsed by several insurance companies. We have given educational seminars at SAG, film schools and film festivals around the country. Perry added, “Quick Film Budget is a game changer for the independent filmmaker.”

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB events in NYC

2010-09-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

QuickFilmBudget.com will be leading two exciting free seminars titled "How To Get Your Script into Production" in New York City.

- We'll discuss Pre-Production and Production strategies

- Nolan Lebovitz ("Tortured" Sony 2008) and Adam Lebovitz ("UNREST" Lions Gate 2007) will reveal film budgeting tips

- QFB Budgeting Technology will be demonstrated

- ATTENDEES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF NEXT BUDGET!

EVENT #1
When: Tuesday, August 31st @ 6:30pm
Where: Digital Film Academy
630 Ninth Avenue, Ste. 901
New York, NY 10036
RSVP: Info@QuickFilmBudget.com

EVENT #2
When: Wednesday, September 1st @ 6:30 pm
Where: Showbiz Store and Cafe
19 W. 21st St., Ground Floor
New York, NY 10010
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/810421994?ref=ecal

See you there!

QFB Seminar at Showbiz Store NYC

2010-08-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

QuickFilmBudget.com will be leading another exciting free seminar "How To Get Your Script into Production".

- We'll discuss Pre-Production and Production strategies

- Nolan Lebovitz ("Tortured" Sony 2008) and Adam Lebovitz ("UNREST" Lions Gate 2007) will reveal budgeting tips

- QFB Budgeting Technology will be demonstrated to create a sample film budget.

- ATTENDEES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF NEXT BUDGET!

When: September 1 @ 6:30pm
Where: Showbiz Store and Cafe NY
19 W. 21st St.
Ground Floor
New York, NY 10010
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/810421994

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

QFB sponsors Big Bear Horror Fest!

2010-08-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Quick Film Budget is now a proud sponsor of the 2010 Big Bear Horror Film Festival! The festival will go from October 15th to the 17th. Make your reservations now!

At the film festival, QFB will be delivering a seminar "How To Get Your Script Into Production".

We will be sponsoring more festivals in the months to come. As QFB's reputation grows, we will continue to create partnerships with festivals we feel truly champion the indie filmmaker.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Showbiz Store now sells Quick Film Budgets!

2010-08-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

ShowbizSoftware.com and its Showbiz Store and Cafe in Los Angeles and New York are now selling Quick Film Budgets!

Quick Film Budget will soon offer its modifiable budgets as a Showbiz Software file as well.

Check out www.quickfilmbudget.com for a sample film budget.

Seminar at Showbiz Store

2010-08-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

QuickFilmBudget.com will be leading another exciting free seminar "How To Get Your Script into Production".

- We'll discuss Pre-Production and Production strategies

- Nolan Lebovitz ("Tortured" Sony 2008) and Adam Lebovitz ("UNREST" Lions Gate 2007) will reveal budgeting tips

- QFB Budgeting Technology will be demonstrated to create a sample film budget.

- ATTENDEES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT OFF NEXT BUDGET!

When: Wednesday Aug 11th @ 7 pm
Where: Showbiz Store and Cafe
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 1st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90049
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/770569795?ref=ecal

Showbiz Store

2010-08-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

Quick Film Budget would like to thank the Showbiz Store and all of the filmmakers who attended our seminar yesterday morning "How to Get Your Script Into Production". Where we give tricks and ways to move your project forward.

For people who missed it, we will be having another seminar at the Showbiz Store.
When: Wednesday Aug 11th @ 7 pm
Where: Showbiz Store and Cafe
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 1st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90049
RSVP: (310) 471 - 9330
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - United Kingdom

2010-08-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/
The aid takes the form of an enhanced tax deduction and a payable
film tax credit. The enhanced tax deduction allows a film production company to
benefit from a higher deduction for certain production costs than the normal UK tax
rules would allow. The payable film tax credit allows the film production company to
receive a cash payment of up to 25% of any tax loss (after applying the enhanced tax
deduction). The costs which qualify for the aid are the pre-production, principal
photography and post-production expenditure by the beneficiary on goods or services
that are used or consumed in the UK (“qualifying UK costs”).
The details of the two components of the aid are as follows:
(a) The enhanced tax deduction allows up to 80% of the total qualifying UK
costs (which can be deducted in full under the normal UK tax rules) to be
deducted again from the taxable profits of the beneficiary at the following
rates: 100% in the case of a film whose pre-production, principal photography
and post-production expenditure is £20 million or less; 80% in the case of films
with a higher production budget. The film production company can set this
additional deduction against income from the film in question, reducing its UK
tax liability for income generated by the film.
(b) The payable film tax credit allows a film production company to claim a cash
payment for any tax loss (after applying the enhanced tax deduction) up to the
80% limit on the qualifying UK costs mentioned above. The UK Government
pays the film production company a cash payment of 25% of the losses in the
case of a film whose total pre-production, principal photography and post-
production expenditure is £20m or less; and 20% in the case of films with a
higher production budget. These losses can no longer be set against income or
relieved in any other way.
The way that the 80% limit on the qualifying UK costs is applied (see paragraph (18))
means that neither the enhanced tax deduction nor the payable film tax credit can be
claimed on the remaining 20% of the qualifying UK costs incurred by the beneficiary
or on other costs related to making the film. Therefore, any expenditure above 80%
(and any non-UK expenditure on the film incurred by the beneficiary) is dealt with
under the UK’s normal tax rules.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

2010-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com/incentives.asp
The Trinidad & Tobago Film Company (TTFC) has recently introduced a competitive rebate program with a view towards attracting International producers to Trinidad & Tobago. This incentive, the Production Expenditure Rebate Program, provides cash rebates up to 30% for expenditures accrued while filming in these two islands. The rebate increases as the budget spent increases.
These rebates apply for the following areas of filmmaking:

Rental of local equipment, supplies and services
Payment to the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services
Wardrobe, props and related items
Location fees
Employment of local cast and crew
Accommodation and food
Local travel and transportation costs (including drivers)
The TTFC will evaluate the applications with special reference to:

The total estimated expenditure in Trinidad and Tobago
The level of employment of Trinidad and Tobago crew
A script that does not portray Trinidad and Tobago in a negative light.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA (ROC) - Taipei City

2010-08-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Taiwan offers a film incentive in the form of a cash grant. The benefit, if all eligibility requirements are met, is that the film receives 20% of total personnel expenses for ROC national cast members; 15% of the total expenses for ROC nationals working as crew members for motion pictures filmed partially or entirely in Taiwan. If filmed and pre-produced or post-produced partially or entirely in Taiwan, there is an additional grant of 15% of local production expenditures. There are also incentives for qualifying animation projects and an additional grant of 5% for transport and accommodation expenses and insurance costs. There are no caps to the compensation for a film. The government has designated US$1,000,000 to the fund per year. The only criteria to qualify is that the local minimum spend is greater than US$100,000. The entities eligible to apply are foreign motion picture production enterprises with permission from the Government Information Office (GIO). At this time, there does not exist a sunset or review deadline to this film incentive program.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - South Korea-Seoul

2010-08-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

http://eng.seoulfc.or.kr/
Film Production-Support Program
Provides up to 25%, or up to 100,000,000 KRW (approx. 89,000US$), as cash rebate on production costs (location spend) for film projects to be shot in Seoul. For projects with extraordinary high marketing value, the cap can be lifted.

Eligibility
Producers or production companies of any nationality with:
• A project with a minimum 6 shooting days (4 shooting days for infotainment) in Seoul
• An international or Korean-international co-production project
• A project with a minimum of 60 minutes running time
• A feature film, documentary, series and mini series, infotainment; theatrical or TV
• At least one signed distribution contract or pre-sales agreement for the project

Application
Accepted all year round, but at least 4 weeks before the shooting in Seoul begins.

Payment
50% cash on first day of principal photography, 50% cash after submission of final accounting*
* With performance bond policy. Without performance bond policy: 100% after submission of final accounting.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Thank You SAG

2010-07-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

QuickFilmBudget.com would like to thank SAG and its over 100 members that attended our class last night "Getting Your Script Into Production". We discussed creating a budget, getting financing, and casting your film. We were very grateful for the support and impressed with the participation and questions from the audience. We look forward to having another class in the near future.

Sincerely,
Adam Lebovitz
Quick Film Budget, Inc.

SAG Foundation Event Today!

2010-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

"Getting Your Script into Production"
Event Type: LifeRaft
Title: Getting Your Script into Production
Learn how to get your project into production and how to save time and money.
Date: Thursday, July 29, 2010
Time: 7-9pm (Check-in 6:00-6:45pm)
Location: SAG Foundation Actors Center
5757 Wilshire Blvd-MEZZANINE LEVEL
(Parking Validation Available)

Join filmmakers Nolan Lebovitz and Adam Lebovitz as they speak about the pre-production process and their experience in the film industry. Through this seminar you will learn how to get your project into production and how to save TIME and MONEY – the two most valuable ingredients to bringing your creative vision to fruition.

Nolan and Adam will help you with:
• Creating a film budget
• Getting your film financed
• The Casting process
• How to Sell your film

About the speakers:
In 2008, Sony released "Tortured", a film that Nolan wrote and directed and Adam produced. "Tortured" starred Laurence Fishburne, Cole Hauser and James Cromwell. Before that, Adam produced "Unrest" for Lionsgate in 2006. Most recently, Nolan and Adam sold a webseries to Fox TV Studios in 2009. After the presentation, Nolan and Adam will make themselves available for a Questions and Answers session.
***Nolan and Adam have launched a revolutionary budgeting tool QuickFilmBudget.com which they will also demonstrate by creating a budget for a member of the audience, free of charge

Tax Credit - South Korea-Pusan

2010-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/
Out of Pusan a plan has been created by seven Asian film commissioners to create an Asia wide film incentive program. Many regional and national film commissions from Asian countries already offer incentive programs but this is the first time that a pan-Asian program has been discussed. At this stage, the form this program will take will be as a system that reduces customs and tariff formalities. Included in the agreement is the development of co-operation programs to encourage cultural understanding between Asian countries and therefore boost inter-cultural film business. The joint declaration was made by the Korea Film Council (KOFIC), the Multimedia Development Corporation of Malaysia, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Japan Film Commission, Thailand's Film Office, the Nepal Film Development Board and the new Cambodia Film Commission.

The announcement was made at the Film Policy Plus (FPP) organized by the Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet) and the Busan Film Commission which took place at this year's Busan International Film Festival. As well as customs and tariffs the agreement expects to capitalize and work within the rebate and incentive programs offered by other Asian countries. Busan itself offers 30% of all shooting costs up to 100 million Korean won ($86,000) and further north the Kyeonggi-do region offers a similar program.

A U.S. $20 million film fund created by KOFIC which partners with the private sector is also being planned. 15% of this fund will go towards investments in international co-productions.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - South Africa

2010-07-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.thedti.gov.za/film/filmincentive.htm
Location Film and Television Production Incentive

The Location Film and Television Production scheme will replace the Large Budget Film and Television Production Rebate, which the dti implemented in 2004.

This component is only available to foreign-owned productions with Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) of R12 million and above. It provides a rebate of 15 per cent of the QSAPE to qualifying productions in the following formats: feature films, telemovies, television drama series, documentaries, animation and short form animations. Its aim is to attract large-budget overseas film and television productions to South Africa.

South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production Scheme

The South African Film and Television Production Incentive is being introduced in order to provide more financial support for locally-owned productions and co-productions.

This component is available to both South African productions and official treaty co-productions with a total production budget of R2,5 million and above. It provides a rebate of 35 per cent for the first R6 million, and 25% for the remainder of the qualifying production expenditure. The following formats are eligible: feature films, telemovies, television drama series, documentaries, animation and short form animations.

The value of the rebate for any qualifying production is capped at a maximum of R10 million.
Effectively, the following key changes are being introduced:

The reduction of the threshold from R25 million QSAPE for foreign-owned productions to R12 million;

A differential requirement that local-owned productions and co-productions must have at least R2,5 million of total production budget;

An increase of the rebate from 25% up to 35% for local productions in order to ensure higher financial support for local productions;

The reduction of the threshold will make the bundling of productions unnecessary for producers

The provisions of the incentive will encourage production companies to advance industry transformation through adherence to the requirements of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Singapore

2010-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

www.sfc.org.sg

Singapore offers several incentive and financing plans including:
· SFC Co-Investment Scheme / Cash Rebate
· Film Incubator Programme
· Short Film Grant
· Project Development Scheme
· Script Development Grant
· Overseas Travel Grant
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Philippines

2010-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

PHILIPPINES Film Commission does not have a website.
Discounts and a tax holiday have been introduced to attract foreign filmmakers.

Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Norway

2010-07-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.norwegianfilm.com/

A proposed incentive has been introduced with a 15% rebate on qualifying expenditures. Drafts of the regulations are under approval.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Pre-Production Seminar

2010-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

QuickFilmBudget.com will be leading 2 new and exciting free seminars...

- We'll discuss Pre-Production and Production strategies

- Nolan Lebovitz ("Tortured" Sony 2008) and Adam Lebovitz ("UNREST" Lions Gate 2007) will reveal budgeting tips

- QFB Budgeting Technology will be demonstrated

- ATTENDEES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON NEXT BUDGET!

When: Thursday Aug 5th @ 10 am & Wednesday Aug 11th @ 7 pm
Where: Showbiz Store and Cafe
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 1st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90049
RSVP: (310) 471 - 9330

See you there!

Tax Credit - New Zealand

2010-07-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

www.nzfilm.co.nz/
In New Zealand, there are three types of Incentive: Large Budget Screen Production (LBSP) Grant (cash grant), the Post, Digital, Visual Effects
Production (PDV) Grant (cash grant), and the Screen Production Incentive Fund (SPIF) (cash grant).
If eligibility requirements are met, the benefits are 15% of qualifying local spend (QNZPE) for LBSP and PDV Grants; 40% of qualifying local spend (QNZPE) on eligible feature films, and 20% on eligible television, documentary and short form animation for SPIF Grant. There is no ceilings on compensation for LBSP and PDV; however, the maximum amount eligible for QNZPE for any individual project is NZ$15,000,000 for SPIF Grant; no caps on projects or funding per year for LBSP and PDV
The project criteria for these grants are a minimum QNZPE = NZ$15,000,000 for LBSP; or NZ$3,000,000 in post-production digital and visual effects work; bundling of productions costing a minimum of NZ$3,000,000 to meet the NZ$30,000,000 QNZPE over 24 months; bundling of episodes (completed within 12 months) averaging NZ$500,000 per hour is permitted to meet the minimum spend. For SPIF Grant, minimum QNZPE = NZ$$4,000,000 for eligible feature films, NZ$1,000,000 for eligible series of programs, NZ$1,000,000 for eligible single episode program, NZ$250,000 for eligible documentary, NZ$250,000 for eligible short-form animation, and all eligible projects must contain significant New Zealand content; official co-productions of feature films or television programming produced under 1 of New Zealand’s co-production agreements will automatically qualify as having significant NZ content and may be eligible to apply for an SPIF Grant. To be an eligible entity, you must have a New Zealand resident company or a foreign corporation operating with a fixed establishment in New Zealand for the purposes of lodging an income tax return (both when it lodges the Grant application and when the Grant is paid). These incentives are scheduled to be scheduled in 2011 for LBSP and PDV Grants and for 2012 for SPIF Grant.
Remember to exclude the tax incentive from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Malta

2010-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.mfc.com.mt/
The incentives are in the form of a cash grant given to eligible productions on the qualifying expenditure incurred in Malta. Up to 22% of the eligible expenditure can be obtained as a cash rebate by a qualifying production company once filming is complete.

Feature film and television productions, mini-series, animation and documentaries are all eligible for the incentives, provided that they are at least partially produced in Malta.

Value Added Tax, stands at 18% and is fully refundable to productions on all goods and services. Click on the link to the left for further information.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Friuli Venezia Giulia

2010-07-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.fvgfilmcommission.com/english/fund_eng/fundover_eng.htm
Overview
With the FVG Film Fund the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia will be actually able to finance an audiovisual project using direct funds. Productions filming in Friuli Venezia Giulia will be entitled to apply for a grant in cash up to 140.000 Euro, depending on the production's period of stay in the regional territory.

Of course, as regularly is with all institutions of so-called "expense acceleration", the Friuli Venezia Giulia fund settles some grantee liabilities.

The main liabilities are:
A) At least 150% of the regional grant must be spent in the region itself, with the exception of crews and investment expenses

B) Filming in the region must equal at least 70% of the entire external filming of the cut, and at least 50% of the total filming of the cut , except for productions filming in the region for less than 5 weeks and for serials of more than 2 episodes. As far as the letter are concerned, filming in the region must equal at least 10% of the entire external filming of the cut.

Added value are the useful and free services provided by the film commission, such as location scouting, location visits, permits and the liaison with local authorities and professionals.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Italy

2010-07-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.filminginitaly.com/tax_00.aspx
The Italian Parliament has enacted a law providing for generous tax credits for investments in Italian films. The purpose of the law is to provide an incentive for the investment of resources in Italy. The support is available for works of Italian nationality (involving minimum content shot or expenses incurred in Italy), those originally expressed in the Italian language, or those of cultural interest.
In effect for the tax years 2008, 2009, and 2010, the law provides for tax credits of up to €5 million ($6.5 million) for producers, distributors, movie theater owners, and technical industries. The law also provides for the sheltering of profits, not only for film production and distribution companies, but also for companies not previously operating within the film sector. The limits for these shelters start out at a maximum of €5 million ($6.5 million) for the 2008 tax year and increase to €10 million ($13 million) for 2009 and €15 million ($19.5 million) for 2010.
The implementation of the law is subject to European Union approval to ensure that it complies with EU guidelines with regard to aid at the national level.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Israel

2010-07-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.filmfund.org.il/page.aspx?section=141
Cost reduction incentive of 20% (17%, plus VAT of 15.5%) of eligible “production payments in Israel”. There are noo project or funding caps. The minimum local spend of NIS 8,000,000 (approximately US$2,000,000) To be eligible, you must be a company resident in Israel that is engaged in the production of films.

Israel also offers a Film Fund to pay for development and production. The selection of the films and the amount invested in each of the films, is based on the recommendations of the Fund’s executive director, the Fund’s head of productions and finance, the Fund’s professional consultants and on the approval of the Fund’s board of directors. The support of the Fund is given in the form of an investment with a recoupment and profit share policy which provides attractive incentives to the investors.
The Fund may invest up to 70% of the approved “below the line” budget. The level of production support varies between as low as $50, 000 to as high as $600,000.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Ireland

2010-07-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/financing_your_film/Section_481/5
Section 481
In 2008, the Irish government introduced new measures to strengthen the Irish tax incentive, Section 481 for film and television production. This has dramatically improved Ireland's competitive position as a location for International film & TV production.

The new improvements mean ceiling on qualifying expenditure for any one film is increased from €35 million to €50 million.
Qualifying expenditure includes all EU personnel and purchases of goods and services in the State.
Projects may derive a benefit of up to 28% of their eligible Irish expenditure.
The main benefits of Section 481 are:

Worth up to 28% of Irish budget
Is available to the production on first day of Principal Photography
Does not require bank discounting
Is available to both Film and Television productions
Value is determined at the outset
Is in place until 2012

Irish resident independent producers can offer valuable expertise in maximising the amount of Section 481 finance for a production, as well as facilitating the smooth operation of the production schedule.

Applications for the certification of film projects for Section 481 are made to the office of the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the administration of the scheme. The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism have an input into the procedure in that they validate the cultural content of film projects submitted for certification.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Iceland

2010-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.filminiceland.com/incentives/
Special legislation has been passed in Iceland which aims "to enhance domestic culture and promote the history and nature of Iceland" by temporarily supporting motion pictures and television programmes produced in Iceland. Reimbursements are offered for film and TV production costs incurred in Iceland. Producers can apply for reimbursements from the State Treasury of 20% of the costs incurred in the production of films and television programmes in Iceland. When more than 80% of the total production cost of a motion picture or television programme is incurred in Iceland, the reimbursement is calculated on the basis of the total production cost incurred within the European Economic Area. The reimbursement scheme does not cover production of commercials or music videos.

EU Film Funds

European content classification
Since Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area, films and television programmes made in Iceland receive European content status. This entitles Icelandic productions to be classified as European material when released in Europe, without affecting any quotas on the release of non-European content material there.

Eurimage
Through Iceland's membership of the European Economic Area, films and television programmes made in Iceland can receive grants for film production offered by the European Union and its member countries.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Hungary

2010-07-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

http://english.mmka.hu/
1. WHAT IS IT?
Indirect state subsidy through a tax certificate issued by the National Film office (NFO). Non-recourse, non-repayable and non-recoupable cash rebate, based on the Hungarian eligible production expenditure provided by local corporate tax payers’ ‘sponsors’.
2. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PAY FOR IT?
Applicant must be a Hungarian company or a Hungarian branch of an EU company registered by the NFO.
Applicant must be the film’s producer, co-producer or production service provider who is responsible for and actively involved in the production of
the film throughout.
3. WHICH FILMS QUALIFY?
Feature films; animation; documentary; experimental; TV film; mini-series. Films with highly violent or pornographic content are excluded. Also excluded are TV sitcoms; reality shows; daily soaps. Films registered after 1 January 2008 need to pass a cultural test with a minimum of 16 points out of 32 in the following categories:
• Cultural content: 8 points.
• Cultural contributions/hubs/practitioners: 24 points.
4. WHAT IS IT WORTH?
20 cents of every Euro of eligible Hungarian and non-Hungarian spend, which is worth 25 cents of every Euro of eligible Hungarian spend.
Definition of eligible HU spend
• : Production expenditure as per the film’s registered budget/spent by applicant(s)/accounted separately in the books of the applicant(s)/paid to Hungarian tax-registered sub-contractors (both companies and individuals). Definition of non-HU spend: Same as above with the exception that it can be paid to any foreign (non-Hungarian) entities. It is capped at 25% of the eligible HU spend.
Excluded costs:
•
a) Costs of copyright and acquisition of underlying rights costs above 4% of the budget.
b) Producers’ fee above 4% of the budget.
c) Marketing and publicity costs above 5m HUF or 2% of the budget.
d) Travel costs without a Hungarian destination.
e) Costs of services performed by foreign tax-registered entities – including non-Hungarian cast and crew – above 25% of eligible HU spend (transferred services bought from foreign entities need to be deducted from eligible HU spend).
Third-country location shooting: any cost incurred abroad counts providing it fulfils the requirements for definition of eligible HU and non-HU spend.
5. HOW TO CLAIM IT?
The film needs to be registered at the NFO. Application for the registration needs to include script, budget, production schedule, crew list, co-production agreement or PSA agreement with the sponsor, ledger of the separate account from the book(s) of the applicant(s). To register the film 100% financing of the local split budget needs to be proved. Upon completion of the production or after having finished a certain part of the production an application for a tax certificate to be filed to the NFO. The application needs to include the ledgers and other related lists obtained from the books of the applicant(s) and the supporting documents (e.g. contracts, bank statements). After the NFO has concluded the audit of the submitted documentation, the final amount of eligible HU and non-HU spend plus the amount of the 20% rebate is quoted. The NFO issues the tax certificate with the equal amount of quoted rebate. Upon receiving the tax certificate the sponsor transfers the fund to the producers.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Germany

2010-07-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

EntertainmentPartners.com
Type of Incentive: Cash (financial aid) grant
Benefit (if eligibility requirements are met): 20% of qualifying local spend (up to 80% of the total production costs)
Compensation and Project Caps/Funding Per Year: €4,000,000 per film (€10,000,000 if local spend ≥
35% of budget or if ≥ 2/3 of cultural characteristics awarded; €60,000,000 per year)
Project Criteria: Minimum budgets for feature films = €1,000,000, animated films = €3,000,000,
documentaries = €200,000; ≥ 25% of budget must be local spend or 20% if budgeted > €20,000,000; if
€15,000,000 local spend, no percentage test; cultural test
Eligible Entities: German production company or establishment
Sunset/Review: December 31, 2012
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Georgia

2010-07-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118010648.html?categoryid=19&cs=1&ref=bd_int)
* The Culture Minister is preparing a tax incentive for local productions to provide for rebates of 25%, with a cap of $1
million.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - France

2010-07-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.filmfrance.net/v2/gb/home.cfm
1. What is it?
In December 2008, the French Parliament enacted a law creating a new credit for foreign productions shot in France.

The law is designed to promote actual film production as well as post-production services of movies whose “dramatic content” has links with the “culture, heritage or territory of France”, to quote the text of the law.
The rebate, worth 20% of all eligible costs, is capped at Euros4 million (USD5,3 million *). Eligible costs include authors’ rights (through French contracts), crewmembers’ salaries, actors’ salaries (up to the minimum rate of the collective bargaining agreement), technical costs (rentals and purchases), locations fees, transportation, food, and all fringes.

In 2009 only, films that have started shooting before the procedure is official, and that happen to be eligible afterwards, will be able to get the rebate for all expenses made since January 1st 2009.

* Rate : €1 = USD1.32838 (04/09/09)

2. What are eligible movies ?
In order to get a rebate on expenditures, theatrical movies, TV movies, and series will have to pass a test. The draft test is currently being reviewed by the European Commission for validation before its implementation in France. Therefore, all the details are not yet final. It would assess the content, the creative contributors, and the technical infrastructure of the movie. A special test has been designed for animated features so as to take into account the specificities of such films.

Other main conditions set out by the law to get the rebate are to shoot at least five days in France (except of course for animation works) AND to spend at least 1 million E uros in France on eligible costs.

3. How will it work?
Once the foreign producer has signed a deal with his French line producer, the latter will be able to submit an application with the needed documents to the CNC *. He will get a return receipt. No expenditures before the reception date of the application form will be eligible (except for films shot in 2009, see above).

Any company incorporated in France can be the line producing company applying for the rebate. It can be a subsidiary of the foreign producing company itself, even specially created for this purpose. However, given the existing French tax and corporate law, this option might not be the most convenient one.
Then, a committee of the CNC, with the assistance of Film France, will determine the eligibility of the proposed foreign production. If approved, the CNC will issue an official letter of agreement . This agreement will be delivered on a provisional basis and will have to be confirmed after the completion of works. The CNC Committee will gather on a regular basis. If accepted, the French line producer will receive an official letter of agreement.

The French line producer will then be awarded the rebate by the French Tax administration , as a credit against its corporate tax, at the end of the fiscal year(s) of the shoot. If its corporate tax is less than the amount of the rebate, the French line producer’s company will get a cash refund from the tax office. Since the law aims at attracting foreign productions to France , the contract between the French line producing company and the foreign producer’s company is to be a part of the application when filing with the CNC.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.

Tax Credit - Fiji

2010-07-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.fijiaudiovisual.com/pages.cfm/incentives/
The Film Tax Rebate is available for fully-funded productions whereby a production
entity is eligible for a 35% tax rebate or cash subsidy (calculated on its qualifying
production expenditure in Fiji) when it lodges its income tax return at the end of the
production.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Czech Republic

2010-07-01T09:02:00.001-07:00

http://www.filmcommission.cz/news/detail/id/149
The Czech Film Industry Support Programme offers filmmakers rebates of up 20% on their production-related costs when they film in the Czech Republic. The programme is effective as of 21 June 2010.

Projects that qualify can receive a 20% rebate on eligible local spend on goods and services paid to companies or individuals registered to pay income tax in the Czech Republic. Projects can also receive a 10% rebate on costs paid to individuals who pay withholding tax in the Czech Republic but who are not registered to pay income tax. Eligible spend is capped at 80% of the total budget.

The support programme is available to feature, TV, animated and documentary films with a runtime of at least 70 minutes and to TV episodes with a runtime of at least 40 minutes per episode.

To qualify, projects must pass a cultural test for European cultural and production criteria and achieve a minimum spend in the Czech Republic: CZK 15m (approximately $720,000) for theatrical features and TV films, CZK 3m (approximately $150,000) for theatrical documentaries, and CZK 10m (approximately $480,000) for each TV episode.

Rebates are issued at the end of production upon submission of audited statements of costs incurred and paid out as cash grants.

The support programme has CZK 400m (approximately $19m) available to disburse in 2010. Grants are awarded to qualifying projects on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no per-project cap on grants.

The scheme is administrated by the Ministry of Culture, Media and Audiovision Department. Further information and application forms are available at www.ppfp.cz.

Producers interested in more information about shooting in the Czech Republic should contact Ludmila Claussova at the Czech Film Commission on +420 724 329 956 or by email at ludmila@filmcommission.cz.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CAYMAN ISLANDS

2010-06-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.caymanfilm.com/index.html
The Cayman Islands Film Commissions (CIFC) new film incentive package -- offering a 30% rebate on film, video, commercial, and television productions that film in the Cayman Islands. The CIFC is working closely with local vendors to offer special rates for a variety of necessary support services in addition to other Government agencies. The territory is a major financial centre offering the film industry a stable tax-neutral platform for shooting motion pictures, television and still photography.

The Cayman Islands are a diverse group of islands offering the film industry a tax free haven for shooting still photography and motion pictures.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Canada, Yukon

2010-06-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

www.reelyukon.com
Yukon Film Development Fund
Eligible Yukon residents or Yukon corporations may access financial contributions of up to 50% of the actual Yukon
expenditures to a maximum of $35,000 or 33% of total project expenses.
Eligibility
- Applicants need to have a broadcast development agreement, or a distribution arrangement in place in order to access
funds under this program.

Yukon Film Production Fund
This program provides up to $500,000 in funding per project for Yukon corporations who financially and creatively control
projects to assist with the costs of producing a film in Yukon. For productions solely controlled by a Yukon resident or
corporation, the contributions will be based on 30% of Yukon expenditures or 30% of total production costs whichever is
the lesser. The contribution for co-productions will be based on the lesser of 30% of Yukon expenditures or 20% of total
production costs. An additional $10,000 may be available to an applicant if the broadcaster/distributor requires more
senior personnel not available in Yukon to be attached to the project.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have a commitment by a licensed broadcaster to participate financially in the production of the project,
or a distribution arrangement.

The Yukon Filmmakers Fund
Through this program film and video professionals who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and who have
resided in Yukon for at least one year may access up to $5,000 for the development of films and videos for broadcast or
commercial release.

Yukon Film Training Initiative
This program assists Yukon residents to undertake training in film production or post-production. Funding may be applied
to tuition costs, and/or the costs of texts and supplies.
For non-Yukon filmmakers, the following incentives are available.
- Travel Rebate
Yukon Film and Sound Commission will provide rebates of up to 50% of the cost of filmmakers’ travel from
Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver to Whitehorse.
- Labour Rebate
Eligible productions can access a 35% labour rebate on eligible Yukon labour. For the purpose of this rebate, eligible
Yukon labour costs are capped at 50% of total Yukon expenditures.
- Eligibility
The production must be either dramatic television, a movie-of-the-week, or a feature film. In the case of documentaries,
evidence of a broadcast license must be supplied.
Yukon labour content must equal or exceed 25% of the total person days on the Yukon portion of the production.
Training Rebate
The Yukon Film and Sound Commission may provide visiting productions with increased Yukon hire in order to take full
advantage of the Labour Rebate and may deem certain members of a film production crew “Yukon labour”
in order to access training opportunities for Yukon residents.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Canada, Saskatchewan

2010-06-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.saskfilm.com/?s=taxcredit

Offering a tax credit of up to 55% of eligible labor on each individual project with no content or copyright restrictions, the program continues to be user-friendly, production-oriented and is designed to encourage film and television production in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's incentives are available for each production, without obligation to film additional projects in the province to qualify for an additional rebate. There are no financial caps per production and program applications are processed swiftly in the interests of the producer.

Saskatchewan's base tax credit will rebate 45% of the total wages of all eligible above-the-line and below-the-line Saskatchewan and deemed labor. Deemed labor can include non-Saskatchewan labor that provides mentorship to a Saskatchewan resident. Eligible salaries will be limited to no more than 50% of a production's total eligible budget. 25% of a production's total eligible labor costs are eligible for deeming.

The SFETC provides for an additional 5% bonus of total production expenditures in the province for productions that choose to film in smaller centers and rural areas (25 miles or more from the province's two major cities, Regina and Saskatoon) within the province. The rural bonus provides visiting and local producers with an opportunity to further reduce overall production expenditures and to take advantage of Saskatchewan's urban centers, historic towns and villages, rivers, lakes, valleys, badlands and breathtaking scenery.

The key position bonus is an incentive designed to encourage visiting and local producers to hire specific Saskatchewan crew members and technicians in below-the-line positions. Designed for productions with budgets of $3 million CDN or more, this additional 5% is eligible on projects that attain 6 out of 10 points on positions specified by the program. A list of eligible positions is available by contacting SaskFilm.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Canada, Quebec

2010-06-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.qftc.ca/tax-credits.php
QUEBEC offers some of the most advantageous cash rebates available in North America:

- 25 % cash-back on all expenses
- 20 % bonus on all CGI and Green screen shots applicable on extended eligible labor.
- No minimum spend, no caps

In Quebec, the tax credit is based on all expenditures and the producer is not required to release the film in Québec.

This tax credit corresponds to 25% of all expenditures, with no prescribed limit, paid to Québec residents or Québec companies.

For digital special effects (VFX) and computer animation, a 20% tax credit enhancement is added, on extended eligible labor. Equally, filming in front of a green screen is included in the credit enhancement.

At the federal level, you get an additional tax incentive of 16%, net of any assistance, of eligible labour expenditures within Canada (CISP).

YOUR TOTAL EFFECTIVE TAX CREDIT COULD REACH UP TO 47.7%. For further details, please contact Hans Fraikin, Film Commissioner or Sylvain Gagné, Deputy Commissioner at 514-499-7070 or toll free at 1-866-320-3456.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Canada, Prince Edward Island

2010-06-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.gov.pe.ca/development/ptrp/index.php3
The program is currently under review and no incentives available at this time.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, Ontario

2010-06-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page3399.aspx
What Is It?
The OFTTC is a refundable tax credit based upon eligible Ontario labour expenditures incurred by a qualifying production company with respect to an eligible Ontario production. The OFTTC is generally “harmonized” with the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.

How Much Is The Tax Credit?
The OFTTC is generally calculated as 35% of the eligible Ontario labour expenditures incurred by a qualifying production company with respect to an eligible Ontario production. An enhanced credit rate of 40% on the first $240,000 of qualifying labour expenditure is available for first time producers. Productions that are shot in Ontario entirely outside of the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”) or that have at least five location days in Ontario (or in the case of a television series, the number of location days is at least equal to the number of episodes), and at least 85% of the location days in Ontario are outside the GTA, receive a 10% bonus on all Ontario labour expenditures incurred for the production. Wholly animated productions which perform at least 85% of key animation in Ontario outside of the GTA qualify for the regional bonus.

Who Is Eligible?
A qualifying production company is a Canadian corporation which is Canadian-controlled, has a permanent establishment in Ontario, and files an Ontario corporate tax return. In addition, the individual producer of the production must have been an Ontario resident for tax purposes at the end of both of the two calendar years prior to commencement of principal photography.

What Types of Production Are Eligible?
An eligible Ontario production is a production which:
has 6 Canadian content points (unless it is an official treaty co-production)
is predominantly shot and posted in Ontario (Note: There are exceptions for documentaries,interprovincial co-productions and international treaty co-productions)
spends at least 75% of its total final costs on Ontario expenditures
if for television, is suitable for a minimum 30 minute time slot (except children’s programming)
has an agreement with an Ontario-based distributor or a Canadian broadcaster to be shown in Ontario within 2 years of completion (broadcast must occur between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., except for children’s programming)
is not in an excluded genre (such as news or current affairs, talk shows, game shows, sports shows, awards shows, fundraising shows, reality television)
What Expenditures Are Eligible?
Eligible Ontario labour expenditures consist of:

Salaries and wages paid to Ontario residents;
Remuneration paid to:
a) corporations that are personal service companies subject to tax in Ontario for the services of an Ontario resident,
b) sole proprietors or freelancers subject to tax in Ontario,
c) partnerships, for the services of a partner subject to tax in Ontario, and
d) taxable Canadian corporations with a permanent establishment in Ontario for the services of their employee(s) who are Ontario residents; and
Reimbursements by a wholly-owned production company to its parent company for labour expenditures, as above, that were paid by the parent company on behalf of the production company.
Ontario residents are individuals who were resident in Ontario for tax purposes at the end of the calendar year prior to commencement of principal photography. The labour expenditures of a corporation for the purposes of the OFTTC must be reasonable and must be included in the cost of the production.

Labour expenditures must not only be incurred but must also be paid in the taxation year (or within 60 days after the end of the taxation year) for which they are being claimed.

Eligible labour expenditures include those incurred from the production commencement time (PCT) until the end of post-production. Productions can claim eligible labour expenditures possibly as early as two years prior to the commencement of principal photography. This may include labour expenditures for script development.

How to Determine Production Commencement Time (PCT)?
To determine the PCT date, the applicant must take the earlier of a) or b):

a) is the commencement of principal photography (PP);

b) is the latest of the following 3 dates:

i) the date the first labour expenses for script material were incurred by the applicant (or their parent corporation);
ii) the date the applicant (or their parent corporation) acquired the property on which the production is based; and
iii) 2 years before commencement of principal photography

How Is The Credit Administered?
The OFTTC is jointly administered by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) - an agency of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Application is made to the OMDC for a certificate of eligibility, which the production company files with the Canada Revenue Agency together with its tax return in order to claim the OFTTC. The amount of the credit, net of any Ontario taxes owing, will be paid to the qualifying corporation. If the qualifying corporation does not owe any taxes, the full amount will be paid out.

* PLEASE NOTE: CANADA REVENUE AGENCY (CRA) WILL ADMINISTER BOTH FEDERAL AND ONTARIO CORPORATE TAXES FOR TAXATION YEARS ENDING AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2008. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AS OF JANUARY 1ST 2009, THE CRA HAS BECOME THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR ALL CORPORATE TAX ENQUIRIES. (1 800 959-5525)
Remember to exclude the tax credit from the film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, Nova Scotia

2010-06-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

http://film.ns.ca/?q=node/18
This program is a fully refundable corporate income tax credit. It is a labour-based credit that encourages the development, training and hiring of Nova Scotia film personnel in all disciplines. Film Nova Scotia administers this program on behalf of the Nova Scotia Department of Finance. The credit currently ranges from 50% to 65%.
Eligibility

The Tax Credit is available to qualifying productions and co-productions produced and/or shot in Nova Scotia. Production companies applying for the Tax Credit must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia (a fixed place of business, a production office, a branch etc.) and must be incorporated under the laws of Nova Scotia, another province of Canada, or Canada.
Eligible genres include television, videotape, feature film, non-theatrical production and the subject is drama, variety, performing arts, animated or informational series, documentary or music programming, including music videos. There is no limit on the size of the production budget, no corporate or asset cap, and no Canadian content or copyright ownership requirements associated with this Tax Credit. The Tax Credit is not reduced by any other tax credits that the production may receive.
Calculations

The Tax Credit is calculated as the lesser of 50% of eligible Nova Scotia labour or 25% of the total production costs for productions that occur in the Halifax region (Metro Halifax) or the lesser of 60% of eligible Nova Scotia labour or 30% of total production costs for productions that occur in other regions (Eligible Geographic Areas) of the province, for productions commencing principal photography after October 1, 2007.
Eligible Geographic Areas (EGA) of the province are considered to be those locations that are located 30km driving distance or more from Halifax City Hall. For greater clarity, this area is bounded by the Mount Uniacke exit of Highway 101; the Halifax International Airport exit of Highway 102; the Tantallon exit of Highway 103; and the Porters Lake exit of Highway 107. If less than 50% of the days of principal photography are shot outside Metro Halifax, the Regional bonus is prorated based on the number of days principal photography is shot outside the Halifax Region.
Application Process

To apply, producers must submit a completed Part B application to Film Nova Scotia for processing. Complete applications must be received within 30 months of the taxation year in which eligible expenses were incurred and paid. Once Film Nova Scotia reviews this application it is sent to the Nova Scotia Department of Finance, where an authorization certificate will be issued to the production company outlining the actual eligible tax credit amount. Producers can file this certificate with their corporate tax return in order to receive their refund.
Applications must be accompanied by the processing fee of 0.2% of eligible Nova Scotia labour (minimum $200, maximum $2,000 per application) plus 13% HST.
Part A Applications

As of August 1st, 2009, Film Nova Scotia is no longer accepting Part A Applications for the Nova Scotia Film industry Tax Credit. If you still require a Part A Letter, you should contact any one of the private accounting firms that provide this service.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, Newfoundland and Labrador

2010-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.nlfdc.ca/taxcredit.asp
The Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Video Industry Tax Credit is a fully refundable corporate income tax credit administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation (NLFDC) for the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Finance. The program encourages the development, training and hiring of Newfoundland film personnel in all disciplines.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Tax Credit is a provincial corporate tax credit.
The tax credit provides incentives to the private film and television production industry to create economic growth in the Province.
The credit is based on a calculation of eligible labour limited to the lesser of 25% of the total eligible budget or 40% of the total eligible labour expenditures.
Once the production company's final audited cost report breaking out the eligible Newfoundland and Labrador labour expenditure is submitted for review, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Finance may issue a certificate to be filed with the production company's corporate tax return.
The credit may also be considered as part of a producer's equity in a given production.
At least 25% of the total salaries and wages must be paid in Newfoundland and Labrador to eligible employees.
Delivery Agency Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation
Tax Credit Rates: Lesser of 40% of eligible Newfoundland and Labrador labour expenditures or 25% of total production costs of an eligible project with no maximum.
Bonus Features: The NLFDC offers a Deeming Provision which allows the residency requirement to be waived when a qualified resident person is not available; and the non-resident person serves as a mentor of a resident of the province. In this case, 75% of the mentor’s salary and 100% of the resident mentored person’s salary is eligible for the tax credit. Requests must be forwarded to the NLFDC prior to the start of production along with the resumes of the mentor and trainee.
Project Criteria: At least 25% of salaries and wages paid by the corporation with respect to an eligible project shall be paid in the province to eligible employees.
Eligible Companies or Individuals: Must be incorporated under the Corporations Act or an Act of the Parliament of Canada or of the legislature of a province. Must have permanent establishment in the Province. It shall primarily carry on the business of film, television or video production. (Broadcaster / Cable Eligibility Broadcasters / cable companies are not eligible)
Certification: No CAVCO points required
Deductions from Total Eligible Expenses: Total production costs reduced by government assistance (other than government equity investment provided by the Canada Television Fund, Telefilm Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Film. Development Corporation and the National Film Board that is recoupable or repaid; and an amount received or receivable under the Canada Television and Cable Production Fund License Fee Program)
Program Cap: None
Project Cap / Corporate Cap: $3 million per 12 month period
Financing Features: Credit is refundable
User Fees: None
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, New Brunswick

2010-06-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.nbfilm.ca/home/intro.asp
The Government of New Brunswick has recently introduced changes to the New Brunswick Film Tax Credit. Currently, a tax credit is calculated as 40% of wages and salaries paid to New Brunswick personnel working on a film or television production shot within the Province. Effective January 1, 2010, an additional “regional” bonus of 10% of eligible labour costs became available for approved productions that take place 50 kilometres from Moncton, Fredericton or Saint John. The Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport is responsible for determining eligibility requirements, including the potential 10% regional bonus, and will verify all amounts claimed to qualify for the tax credit.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, Manitoba

2010-06-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.mbfilmmusic.ca/
The Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit, which was set to expire March 1, 2011, has been extended to March 1, 2014, and production companies may now elect to claim a new tax credit based on a wider range of production costs incurred and paid.

Since 1997, a refundable tax credit for film and video productions has been available, based on eligible salaries paid to Manitoba residents and qualifying non-resident employees ("deemed residents") for work performed on an eligible film or video produced in Manitoba. When the program began, the rate of the credit was 35%; since March 9, 2005, the basic rate of the credit has been 45%.

Salary associated with a deemed resident who trains two or more Manitoba residents cannot exceed 30% of eligible salaries paid to Manitoba residents; or 10% if only one Manitoba resident is trained.

A 5% Manitoba producer bonus applies based on eligible salaries where a Manitoba resident receives credit as a producer on an eligible film.

A frequent filming incentive is also provided. A corporation that produces three eligible films in two years earns the additional credit on eligible salaries paid with respect to the third qualifying production. For productions commencing principal photography before January 1, 2008, the frequent film bonus is 5% and the percentage of eligible salaries associated with deemed residents is 20%. For productions commencing principal photography on or after that date, the frequent film bonus is 10% and the percentage of eligible salaries associated with deemed residents is 30%.

A 5% rural and northern incentive is provided based on eligible salaries paid for work performed in Manitoba on productions where a permanent establishment of the applicant corporation is located, and 50% of principal photography days took place, at least 35km from Winnipeg.

With the Manitoba producer bonus, the frequent filming incentive, and the rural and northern incentive, a film that meets all program criteria may now earn a maximum 65% credit on eligible salaries.

Starting with productions that commence principal photography after March 2010, production companies will be able to elect to claim either the film tax credit based on up to 65% of eligible labour costs (described above), or a new 30% tax credit based on production costs incurred and paid, for labour, goods, and services provided in Manitoba that are directly attributable to the production of an eligible film.

The following changes are also proposed, effective March 24, 2010:

production companies may file Form T2029, Waiver in Respect of the Normal Reassessment Period, to extend their application deadline by 18 months; amendments to the governing legislation will be made to provide the Province with greater flexibility to make changes in response to external changes; and federal limitation periods will be adopted for filing a Manitoba film tax credit certificate with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, BC

2010-06-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Tax Credit Value Tax credit amount calculated based on…
http://www.bcfilm.bc.ca/downloadables/PSTC_onesheet_Mar2010.pdf
Basic PSTC 33% The accredited qualified BC labour expenditure of
the corporation.
Regional PSTC 6% The accredited qualified BC labour expenditure of
the corporation pro-rated by the number of days of
principal photography in British Columbia outside
of the designated Vancouver area to the total days
of principal photography in BC. This tax credit must
be accessed in conjunction with the Basic PSTC.
Distant Location Regional PSTC 6% The accredited qualified BC labour expenditure of
the corporation pro-rated by the number of days of
principal photography in British Columbia within a
prescribed area to the total days of principal
photography in BC. This tax credit must be
accessed in conjunction with the Regional PSTC.
Digital Animation or Visual Effects PSTC 17.5% The accredited qualified BC labour expenditures
directly attributable to digital animation or visual
effects activities. This tax credit must be accessed
in conjunction with the Basic PSTC.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA, ALBERTA

2010-06-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

www.albertafilm.ca
Alberta Film Development Program
The Alberta Film Development Program (the AFDP) provides direct grants rather than refundable tax credits. The AFDP is accessible through three funding streams based on the level of Albertan ownership and employment of Albertans in key creative positions. The AFDP will contribute between 14 and 23% of all eligible expenses incurred in Alberta, which is the equivalent of between a 25 and 42% labour tax credit. Productions are classified into three types based on the percentage of the production owned by Albertans: majority (51% or more) Albertan ownership, equal or minority (10% to 50%) Albertan ownership, and nominal (0 to 10%) Albertan ownership.

The maximum amount of funding available to any one project is $1.5 million.

Eligibility
The project must be supported by a broadcast license or a bona fide distribution agreement.
Recipients of funding under the AFDP must be incorporated in Alberta.
Funding is not available under the AFDP for productions which fall within an “excluded genre” (e.g. news reports, game shows, talk shows, etc.)
Eligible costs include all expenditures where the cost is incurred in Alberta and the value of the consumption of the goods or services is realized in Alberta.
Other Alberta Incentive Programs
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Cultural Industries Grant
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Commissions Individual Film and Video Artists Grant
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Film and Video Project Grant
Alberta Cultural Industries Association Loan Guarantee
You can find every production term definition at Quick Film Glossary.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for sample film budget!

Tax Credit - CANADA FEDERAL

2010-06-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/cavco/pgm/cipc-cptc/cipc-cptc-eng.cfm
For a production to qualify as Canadian content for tax credit through CAVCO, the production must meet specific criteria for key creative personnel and production costs, which are outlined in our guidelines.

The CPTC is available at a rate of 25 percent of the qualified labour expenditure. Eligible salaries and wages qualifying for the tax credit may not exceed 60 percent of the cost of the production, net of assistance, as certified by the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Therefore, the tax credit could provide a maximum refund of up to 15 percent of the cost of production, net of assistance.
Look up any film words in Quick Film Glossary.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

FINAL DRAFT VP JOINS QFB

2010-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

June 1, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FINAL DRAFT VP JOINS QUICKFILMBUDGET.COM
Los Angeles, CA — Nolan Lebovitz and Adam Lebovitz, owners and co-founders of Quick Film
Budget (QFB), have announced that Lynn Hacking has joined QFB as head of Sales &
Marketing. Formerly, Hacking was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Final Draft.
Hacking is considered a pioneer in entertainment industry technology and a leading proponent
for the technological advancement of the work ﬂow for digital ﬁlmmaking worldwide.
"Everyone we queried about Mr. Hacking's performance during his thirteen year tenure at Final
Draft attributes a great deal of that company's overall success to him", says QFB's co-founder
Adam Lebovitz.

A ﬁlm budget is a must have item for shopping your ﬁlm project and to give your investors a
snapshot of how their money will be spent prior to the actual funding. "I came across
www.QuickFilmBudget.com while struggling with traditional budgeting software to create a
budget for my latest ﬁlm's business plan. What normally takes at least ten days and costs at least
a thousand dollars was created for me in minutes, for a fraction of the cost. I immediately turned
a few of my working ﬁlm producer buddies on to Quick Film Budget and they were equally as
impressed. I'm quite sure that we will make Quick Film Budget the new standard for creating
budgets and, by having the capacity to export the preliminary budget into the larger, more costly
stand alone budgeting software packages once the project has been funded, we have created a
"front door", which points to those more detailed and complex packages and their payroll
services. We have not only created a cost saving convenience for every budgeted entertainment
project, but a revolutionary new tool that points to the larger companies and their services. They
should love us," explains Mr. Hacking.

QFB recently announced that their PDF format is now available in modiﬁable ﬁles as Microsoft
Excel or Entertainment Partner's Movie Magic Budgeting. QFB's revolutionary approach to
budgeting from a "top down" matrix is presently endorsed by several insurance companies and is
already being considered by bonding companies. Mr. Hacking adds: "Life just got a lot easier
for Producers, who traditionally pull out their hair or their wallets creating a budget for shopping
their ﬁlm projects. Our goal is to make QFB the 'front end' to the top, but costly, complicated
and time-consuming budgeting software packages and the still widely-used Excel format. We
will reach out to all companies that make budgeting software technology and the various
organizations, such as the Producer's Guild, to ensure that QFB becomes the new standard for
creating ﬁlm budgets. QFB is the new tool that saves Producers the most important commodities
in ﬁlm - both TIME and MONEY. "

-END-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Adam Lebovitz
Quick Film Budget, Inc.
310-927-2678

Tax Credit - BRAZIL- Rio de Janeiro

2010-06-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

http://brazilfilmcommission.com/
The Rio Film Commission was created on September 23, 2009 and is headed by Steve Solot the former Latin American Senior vice President for the Motion Picture Association. As similar film commissions its main objective is to attract audiovisual productions to the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Among the plans which are being developed by Rio Film Commission is an incentive for foreign productions in the form of a non-returnable location production grant provided to eligible productions on the first day of production in the amount of 5% of the in-state production spends. In addition, the State of Rio offers an annual R$3 million credit in the form of an equity investment via the Rio Global Program, to one project per year, aimed at projects with commercial potential which promote Rio internationally.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRIA

2010-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.screendaily.com/news/finance-news/austria-to-fast-track-launch-of-20m-film-incentive/5009900.article

The Austrian government is planning to pay out €5m ($7.1m) to film projects this year after ‘fast-tracking’ the introduction of its production incentive.

The scheme, which is modelled on Germany’s Federal Film Fund (DFFF), was announced by Austrian economics minster Reinhold Mitterlehner on Thursday (January 21). €5m will be paid out this year to qualifying projects, and €7.5m in each of the following two years.

The grants for Austrian feature films and documentaries as well as international co-productions and co-financing will only be awarded if the production costs paid out in Austria for film-related goods and services are at least 25% of the total production costs. (This could also be 20% for large productions with a budget over €10m or in specific individual cases.)

The maximum support for a single project will amount to 25% of the Austrian production costs or 15% of the fund’s annual budget.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRALIA, VICTORIA

2010-05-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

http://film.vic.gov.au/www/html/35-incentives.asp
The Australian Government provides tax incentives for film and television in Australia through the Australian Screen Production Incentive scheme. The incentives are available in three mutually exclusive strands.

1. Location Offset
The Location Offset provides a 15% rebate on qualifying expenditure to large budget film and television productions which film in Australia. The Location Offset is available to productions with a minimum qualifying Australian expenditure of AU$15 million. Australian spends between AU$15 million and AU$50 million must represent 70% of the production's total budget.

2. Post/Digital/VFX Offset
The Post Production, Digital and Visual Effects Offset provides a 15% rebate to projects that spend at least AU$5 million on post, digital and VFX works in Australia regardless of whether the production was shot in Australia.

3. Producer Offset
The Producer Offset is available for producers of Australian film and television projects and is available to feature films at 40% of qualifying expenditure and to programs other than feature films (TV series, mini-series or telemovies, short-form animations, non-feature documentary or direct-to-DVD or web-distributed programming) at 20% of qualifying expenditure as set out in the legislation and guidelines.

Projects must be deemed to have Significant Australian Content (SAC) in order to be eligible for this incentive. Screen Australia, formerly the Film Finance Corporation Australia, determines eligibility for SAC.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2010-05-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.safilm.com.au/Content.aspx?p=69
Payroll tax exemption
A payroll tax exemption on eligible productions shot in SA reduces the film’s payroll total by approximately 4.95 per cent. Note that this is an up-front exemption, not a rebate. To be eligible for the exemption, projects must be produced wholly or substantially within South Australia, employ SA residents, and provide significant economic benefits to the State.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRALIA, QUEENSLAND

2010-05-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.screenqueensland.com.au/pftc/funding/content.asp?pageid=660&top=2&menuparent=641
How much will be provided and in what form?

1. Location Scouting - a grant up to a certain amount based on the anticipated Queensland spend. Support through the scouting programme is available for projects prior to commencement of pre production and prior to or during financing.

2. Labour and Heads of Department Incentives - Australian Productions (includes projects that are eligible to apply for the producer offset) - grants up to a maximum amount based on the anticipated Queensland spend.

(a) Labour Incentive

12.5% of the basic salary/wage costs (other than rebatable payroll tax) of bona fide Queensland cast and crew employed on the production. There is a remuneration package ceiling of $2,500 per week per employee. Employees earning in excess of this amount are included with the incentive calculated by reference to the ceiling rate. The incentive is capped and linked to Queensland production expenditure. Thresholds are determined by the location of the production company's usual place of business:

Production companies based in Queensland:

- Queensland expenditure A$1m - $3m - maximum A$15,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$3m-$9.99m - maximum A$50,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$10m-$14.99m - maximum A$75,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$15m+ - maximum A$100,000.

Production companies based interstate:

- Queensland expenditure A$5m-$9.99m - maximum A$50,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$10m-$14.99m - maximum A$75,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$15m+ - maximum A$100,000.

(b) Heads of Department Incentive

Applicants may be eligible for up to two incentives, based on the following thresholds:

- Queensland expenditure A$5m - one Head of Department incentive of A$25,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$10m -two Head of Department incentives totalling A$50,000.

Each eligible Head of Department must:

- Be directly employed by the production for a minimum ten (10) week period;
- Hire a minimum of four (4) bona fide Queensland crew in the department as direct subordinates.

3. Labour and Heads of Department Incentives - International Productions - grants up to a maximum amount based on the anticipated Queensland spend. International productions with QPE of AU $40m+ are eligible to apply for a production attraction grant. Please contact Jess Conoplia, jconoplia@screenqld.com.au, for more details.

(a) Labour Incentive

12.5% of the basic salary/wage costs (other than rebatable payroll tax) of bona fide Queensland cast and crew employed on the production.

There is a remuneration package ceiling of $2500 per week per employee. Employees earning in excess of this amount are included with the incentive calculated by reference to the ceiling rate. The incentive is capped and linked to Queensland production expenditure.

Drama productions (including animation productions):

- Queensland expenditure A$5m-$9.99m - maximum A$200,000
- Queensland expenditure A$10m-$14.99m - maximum A$400,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$15m-$19.99m - maximum A$550,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$20m-$24.99m - maximum A$700,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$25m-$29.99m - maximum A$850,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$30m+ - approach Screen Queensland directly for clarification of the incentive.

Non-drama productions (including reality):

- Queensland expenditure A$5m-$9.99m - maximum A$100,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$10m-$14.99m - maximum A$200,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$15m+ - maximum A$300,000.

(b) Heads of Department Incentive

Applicants may be eligible for up to two incentives, based on the following thresholds:

- Queensland expenditure A$3.5m - one Head of Department incentive of A$25,000;
- Queensland expenditure A$5m -two Head of Department incentives totalling A$50,000.

Each eligible Head of Department must:

- Be directly employed by the production for a minimum ten (10) week period;
- Hire a minimum of four (4) bona fide Queensland crew in the department as direct subordinates.

4. Queensland State Payroll Tax Rebate - Australian and International Productions - rebate up to a certain amount based on the eligible payroll for productions.

- Single project - Queensland expenditure $3.5m;

OR

- Two (2) or more productions with individual Queensland expenditure of $1m and combined Queensland expenditure of $5m, within a four (4) year period, by one (1) production company or production services company (known as bundling).

This rebate is paid directly by the Queensland Office of State Revenue from its funds. Screen Queensland facilitates these claims on behalf of eligible productions.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRALIA, NEW SOUTH WHALES

2010-05-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.screen.nsw.gov.au/index.php?page_id=6
New South Whales offers a cash rebate type incentive. The government determines the degree of assistance on a case-
by-case basis, based on the local economic impact. This program has no cap on the potential compensation. The criteria for a project to be eligible is that it is a “Footloose” feature films, telemovies, animation, mini-series, TV series, and unaccompanied post production projects are eligible, with a minimum spend of A$5,000,000 in NSW for production, or A$3,000,000 in NSW for post-production costs.
To be eligible, the tax credit must be filed by an Australian resident company or non-resident with a PE and Australian Business
Number.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - AUSTRALIA FEDERAL

2010-05-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.afc.gov.au/filminginaustralia/taxfins/federal/fiapage_56.aspx
A new Australian Screen Production Incentive was introduced as part of the 2007-08 Federal Budget. It comprises:

a Producer Offset, providing a tax offset of 40 per cent of eligible Australian expenditure to producers of qualifying feature films, and a 20 per cent rate for qualifying television productions, including TV series, documentaries, mini-series. The offset will be delivered through the taxation system and will not be capped. A Producer Offset Fact Sheet is available here: www.ffc.gov.au/producer_offset/.
Location and PDV Offsets for international producers, which replace the previous incentive (the Refundable Film Tax Offset, or RFTO). The new Location Offset provides a 15.0 per cent offset for eligible expenditure. Eligibility for international producers will be extended beyond the criteria for the RFTO to include an alternative but mutually exclusive post, digital and visual effects (PDV) offset, where qualifying expenditure exceeds $5.0 million, whether or not the production is shot in Australia. www.arts.gov.au/arts_culture/film/location_offset.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Wyoming

2010-05-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.wyomingfilm.org/ViewPage.aspx?PageId=354736
The Film Industry Financial Incentive (FIFI) program is a cash rebate program for production companies of up to 15% on dollars spent in the State of Wyoming during a film shoot. The production company would have to spend a minimum amount of $200,000 to qualify and then meet additional criteria to determine the rebate percentage between 12%-15%.

Qualified expenditures generally include, but are not limited to:
-Wages, salaries, or other compensation for technical and production crews, directors, producers, performers and extras who are residents of this state.
-Expenditures on goods and services made in Wyoming for the following, providing that each company which provides goods or services is located and doing business in Wyoming:
preproduction, production, post-production, digital media effects services, sets, and set construction.
rental equipment, including, but not limited to, cameras and grip or electrical equipment.
meals, travel, accommodations, and goods used in producing filmed entertainment that is located and doing business in this state.

Rebate percentage between 12% and 15% based on the following criteria:
-Providing a storyline that is set in Wyoming (full 15% rebate)
-Providing additional Wyoming behind the scenes footage highlighting Wyoming locations used in the project (up to 14% rebate)
-Using Wyoming props and product placement (up to 13% rebate)
-Providing a clear statement in the credits that the product was filmed in Wyoming (minimum 12% rebate)
-Other promotional opportunities that provide Wyoming tourism value could be negotiated to determine rebate percentage.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Wisconsin

2010-05-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.filmwisconsin.net/Incentives/Synopsis.asp
The Governor of Wisconsin signed into law a very limited, new refundable credit for the film, television and video game industries. The overall provisions are as follows:

-Fully refundable tax credit - capped at $500,000 per year in total expenditures
-25 percent credit on the salaries and wages paid to Wisconsin residents making $250,000 on the project or less. Salaries and wages to nonresidents are not included.
-25 percent credit on Wisconsin production expenditure purchased in Wisconsin
-15 percent credit on film production company investments
-35 percent of the project's total budget must be spent in Wisconsin to qualify.
-Existing film and video game-related companies that wish to expand the state are eligible for the tax incentives under the company investment credit.
-Establishes application fees
-Lowers the threshold for an accredited production from $100,000 to $50,000
-Extend the eligible timeline for video game projects from 12 to 36 months.
-The proposal eliminates the non-refundable sales tax exemption that existed in previous law.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - West Virginia

2010-05-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

http://wvcommerce.org/business/industries/wvfilm/incentives/default.aspx
The West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act provides up to 31% tax credits for in-state spend (27% base, plus 4% for 10 or more resident crew or talent hires). Funded at $10 million annually; no caps; minimum spend of $25,000. Eligible projects include feature length films, TV films and series, commercials, music videos, and commercial still photography. Please visit our pages for guidelines, forms, and overview.

State Sales Tax Exemptions
Purchases and rentals of tangible personal property and purchases of services directly used in production are exempt from state sales tax (6%) (excluding food, beverages, motor fuel). Registration with the Tax Department is required, and with the exception of Sole Proprietors, all vendors must also register with the Secretary of State. To apply for exemption with the Tax Department, complete the Direct Pay Permit application. See also Doing Business in WV for registering with the Secretary of State and learning about other important requirements for doing business.

Lodging Tax Exemptions
Lodging stays at the same facility in excess of 30 consecutive days are exempt from state (6%) and local (varies by region) taxes. This is an automatic exemption and available to anyone; registration with the state is not required.

Fee Free Locations
Filming on most state-owned property is fee-free; in certain circumstances, a fee may be assessed and cost recovery charges may be applied. Permits and proof of liability insurance are required. To maximize cooperation, all filming requests should be first submitted to the Film Office to ensure navigation of the appropriate channels of communication among state agencies. See also Filming Guidelines for additional information.
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!

Tax Credit - Washington

2010-05-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.washingtonfilmworks.org/index.php/Filmmakers
Washington Filmworks (WF) provides funding assistance of up to 30% of in-state qualified expenditures (including Washington-based labor and talent). And they will cut you a check within 30 days.

Who qualifies?

To qualify for the 30% return in 30 days incentive program, your production company must meet the following in-state spending thresholds:

$500,000 Feature Films
$300,000 Television
$150,000 Commercials

Washington Filmworks accepts applications year round. Sometimes a response may take up to 30 days.

Which expenditures are eligible?

Funding assistance for the following expenditures when they’re purchased from a Washington State-based business:

Set construction and operations
Wardrobe, accessories, and make-up
Location fees and related services
Photography, sound synchronization, film processing and dailies, and lighting and related services
Rental of facilities and equipment
Renting or leasing of vehicles
o See Sales Tax Exemption for production vehicle rentals
All airfare purchased through a Washington-based business or agency
Insurance coverage and bonding
Per diem received in the state of Washington only
oPer diem may not exceed the IRS rate or the minimum per diem amounts as outlined in applicable collective bargaining agreements
Food and lodging, if purchased from a Washington state-based company
oSee Hotel/Motel Tax Exemptions for additional deductions
Post-production expenditures directly attributable to the qualified production
Other direct costs spent in Washington state directly related to the qualified production in accordance with generally accepted entertainment industry practices
Compensation paid to Washington state residents. This includes wages or salaries, fringe benefits or fees, and health insurance and retirement benefits of Washington State residents for talent, management, and labor.

Which expenditures DO NOT qualify?

Any purchase made outside of Washington State (even if the items are brought into the state for production or purchased from a Washington state-based company)
Any employee compensation for out-of-state residents
All activities and expenses related to marketing of the qualified production including promotional images and poster art
Payment of penalties or fines
Internet purchases made from non-Washington State businesses, even if the delivery location is in WA State
Postage
Cellular phone reimbursements

Which productions are NOT eligible?

Productions of a producer who has – or one or more of the production company’s principals have – a history of previous production problems that create significant doubt, as determined by WF, regarding the producer’s ability to complete a production successfully
News, current events or public programming that is viewer- or listener-supported (or not supported by advertising) or a program that includes weather or financial market reports as a material portion of the program
Talk shows, game shows or contests
Sports events or activities
Awards shows, galas or any production that solicits donations
Political advertising
Video game production
A production produced primarily for industrial, corporate or institutional purposes
Remember to exclude the tax credit from your film budget.
Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget!