The Czech Republic’s long-awaited production incentives system has given the country a decisive edge in reviving both foreign and domestic shoots. Both kinds are eligible for receiving up to 20% of their production spend, provided they meet sufficient points on a list of cultural criteria and tests of Czech participation.

In the first six months of the new sweeteners, productions such as “Mission: Impossible 4″ and Canal Plus serial “Borgias” were among the 18 pics that so far qualified.

The system is not a tax incentive written into law — as it is in several European countries — so it must be approved annually by Parliament, although government backing looks to be strong for the future.

Some $13 million is in the incentives pot for 2010 and it’s available to feature, docu, animation and television shoots of projects at least 70 minutes long. The 20% rebate is based on a maximum of 80% of their Czech spend. Application is via the Czech Culture Ministry (mkcr.cz) and payout follows production wrap.

Audio Visual Producers Assn.
Phone: + 420 221 105 302
Web: asociaceproducentu.cz

Czech Film Commission
Phone: +420 221 105 254
Web: filmcommission.cz