The Czech government has approved an incentive plan for foreign film shoots that would refund 20% of their expenses. The Czech film industry has lobbied for an incentive for past 10 years, pointing out that business had been lost to Hungary because it had a foreign film incentive in place.
The incentives must still be formally approved by Parliament but the government of Prime Minister Jan Fischer has incorporated the incentive into the coming year’s budget.
The incentives must also be cleared by the European Commission, but no objections are expected from this quarter.
Government will make 400 million Czech crowns ($23 million) available and production companies will be able to apply on a first-come basis starting in January 2010.
To qualify for funds, producers have to shoot in the Czech Republic and meet other criteria specified by the EU that includes factors such as inclusion of local crews, script and local partners.
Czech filmmakers says the incentive will revive local production and create much needed employment.
