Czech Film and TV Rebate to Increase to 25%
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Loading... - Irene Floris
- 17 Dec 2024
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The Czech government has approved an increase in the production incentive for feature films and series, alongside the introduction of a new rebate specifically for animation, visual effects (VFX), and post-production. The amendment to the Audiovisual Act was passed by the Czech Senate on December 11, 2024, and will take effect on January 1, 2025.
The most notable change is the increase of the refund on eligible expenses for traditionally produced projects, such as feature films and fictional series, from 20% to 25%. This adjustment comes in response to lobbying efforts by the Audiovisual Producers Association (APA), which argued that the previous rate was insufficient to attract international productions to the Czech Republic.
Additionally, a new 35% incentive will be introduced for animation and digital productions that do not involve live action. This move aims to enhance the country's appeal as a destination for various types of audiovisual projects.
Another significant update is the inclusion of documentaries with a minimum running time of 70 minutes and a minimum Czech spend of €80,000 (approximately CZK 2 million) in the incentive program starting in 2025. Documentary series will also be eligible for the 25% incentive when the full Audiovisual Act comes into force in 2026.
Moreover, the Senate has agreed to triple the current cap on payouts from €6 million (CZK 150 million) to €18 million (CZK 450 million) per project, further enhancing the attractiveness of the Czech Republic as a filming location.
Pavlína Žipková, head of the Czech Film Commission, expressed enthusiasm about the changes, stating, “We are thrilled that this step deepens our cooperation with international partners and helps us maintain and highlight our position as a leading filming hub in continental Europe. To be honest, we couldn’t wait any longer.”
The Czech Republic has been offering production incentives since 2010, and the recent changes are expected to strengthen its competitive edge in the global film market.
The Czech Republic has successfully attracted a variety of international productions in 2024, including the CBS series "FBI: International," the second season of Netflix's action comedy "Fubar," and Agnieszka Holland’s Kafka biopic "Franz." The Barrandov Studio has been busy with the production of the limited series "Blade Runner 2099," produced by Alcon Television Group and Scott Free Productions.
Additionally, several German productions have utilized Czech locations throughout the year. Wilma Film provided production services for the Netflix mystery thriller "Brick," while Sirena Film partnered with Amusement Park for the Disney+ series "City Of Blood." MIA Film also facilitated location shoots for the second season of "The Empress," a Netflix series produced by Sommerhaus Filmproduktion.
The increase in the Czech film and TV rebate to 25%, along with the introduction of new incentives for animation and documentaries, marks a pivotal moment for the Czech audiovisual industry. These changes are expected to attract more international productions, solidifying the Czech Republic's status as a premier filming destination in Europe. As the industry continues to evolve, the new incentives will likely play a crucial role in fostering creativity and collaboration within the global film community.
