Film Finances encourages film production companies to take advantage of its
fare deal with Delta Airlines, which is affiliated to KLM and Air France. Any
production in South Africa that makes use of cast or crew from the United States
can fly them over at a discounted rate as long as the journey originates in the
US. Interested parties can apply to Film Finances South Africa who will refer
them to the local travel facilitator.
With offices in eight countries and having been running since the 1950s, Film
Finances is the world’s most established and recognised provider of completion
bonds to world’s film industries. The South African branch, based in
Johannesburg, has been running since the 1990s and, since April 2013, is
forging ahead under the management of Jane Fry, a well-established figure in
the industry and a veteran of Endemol.
So what exactly does Film Finances do? This might be obvious to many in the
industry, but a lot of filmmakers, particularly new entrants to the industry, may
not be au fait with Film Finances’ services and their significance. Film Finances is
a provider of completion guarantees, which basically assure the investors in a
project that the film will be delivered on time and within budget.
A completion bond such as those that Film Finances offers is a prerequisite when
applying for a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rebate. In addition to
furnishing a guarantee, Film Finances can also cash-flow up to 60% of the
rebate if required.
Film Finances South Africa works closely with its sister branches around the
world and its guarantees are underwritten by Lloyd’s of London, with a complex
reinsurance network with several other insurance providers.
Aside from its work as an insurer, Film Finances puts back into the industry by
supporting emerging filmmakers. Last year, the company sponsored AFDA
Johannesburg 4th Year student Reinhard Delport as South Africa’s
representative at the Telluride Film Festival Student Symposium. They will be
sending another student in August this year.
To find out more about Film Finances South Africa’s services and rates, visit
www.filmfinances.com or call +27 82 411 4088.
