Sophio, could you tell us several words about “Film in Georgia” incentive? If I am not mistaken, it’s been 5 months since the incentive was launched and you already have a big project in the portfolio. What would you say about this result: has it exceeded your expectations or on the contrary you expected more?
First of all, let me greet your readers and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak about the details of the newly launched film industry incentive scheme – “Film in Georgia”. The scheme was initiated by the Prime Minister of Georgia as a new component of the State Program “Produce in Georgia” and was launched at the beginning of 2016. Enterprise Georgia coordinates and implements the program.
“Film in Georgia” program is a 20-25% cash rebate on qualified expenses incurred in Georgia for international and local production companies. The main objective of the incentive is to introduce and promote Georgia as an Eastern European filming destination as well as to support our film industry by attracting more international production houses to the country. “Film in Georgia” coupled with the country’s geographic and architectural diversity, business-friendly environment and lowest level of bureaucracy ensures pleasant and productive filmmaking process.
Enterprise Georgia is actively promoting “Film in Georgia” on international market. Two very successful road shows have already been organized in Mumbai, India and Los Angeles, the USA to introduce details of the program.
As for the results- we could not be happier! In 5 months since the launch we can already boast to have 3 big international projects in our portfolio while the outlook is truly optimistic with several production houses showing interest to film in Georgia.
Could you tell us more about the movie “Machine” and what benefits should the producers of the movie expect from “Film in Georgia”?
“Machine” is a new romantic thriller by India’s top producers, brothers Abbas and Mustan Burmawalla. The shooting process will last 65 days at several locations in Georgia and production house “Betterfly” will assist Indian crew in every aspect of the process.
“Machine” is the first Indian project involved in our program, and we are particularly happy about the fact that the whole movie will be filmed in Georgia. It should be noted, that besides financial incentive (20-25% cash back), ”Film in Georgia” also offers services using the “one stop shop” principle, which creates a favorable environment for producers and removes bureaucratic obstacles that may occur during the filmmaking process. One Stop Shop covers services like, assistance in procurement of permits issued by Government institutions, location scouting, coordination and communication with various state and private institutions and etc. It is also worth mentioning that state owned properties are free to shot, which is another financial benefit that filmmakers can get in Georgia. “Machine” will benefit both from financial and non-financial incentives of the program.
Please, tell us more about your visit to India and the USA? Do you consider them to be successful?
In Mumbai we met with top production houses, influential movie directors and actors to introduce the details of the program, as well as the potential of Georgia as a new filming destination in Eastern Europe. India is producing about 3000 films a year, out of which 500 is filmed oversees. That makes India one of our very significant target markets.
Overall, during the 4 day visit in Mumbai we managed to meet with over 150 companies and producers operating in the Indian film industry.
As for the Los Angeles Road Show, we held meetings with Hollywood’s major players – Disney, Paramount Pictures, NBC universal, Universal pictures, Warner Brothers, HBO and Fox. As well as, independent filmmakers and talent agencies.
We also organized several important events. Enterprise Georgia gave Georgian production companies excellent networking opportunity- with our support JTW Metro, Millimeter Film and ABK Communications participated at the AFCI Locations & Global Finance Show that brings the film industry world to Los Angeles!
Road Show ended with the reception at one of the most prominent galleries in the LA – Leica Gallery, where Enterprise Georgia hosted representatives of top production houses, media companies and other key players of the LA film industry! Exhibition of Georgian filming locations was organized during the event for the guests to observe country’s diversity in terms of nature, architecture and culture.
Huge interest in the program from the major production houses and a portfolio with 3 international projects (Indian, American and Georgia-German co-production) are the results of the successful international promotion efforts.
To further raise an awareness of Georgia as e new filming destination, Enterprise Georgia is organizing Fam Tour for US and Indian filmmakers to visit Georgia and discover our filming opportunities.
What is your prognosis for “Film in Georgia”?
As I have mentioned before, the outlook is really optimistic. Both Road Shows were very successful and besides 3 existing projects we are already in active negotiations with several production houses. We had to alter our initial projections and are expecting to have more projects this year than anticipated at the launch stage.