Finland plans new filming incentive

A figure for the film fund will be decided by the government but has not yet been revealed.

“This is a very wise decision by the government,” Johanna Karppinen, CEO of Audiovisual Finland, who has been instrumental in lobbying for the incentive over the past few years.

“I firmly believe that the incentive will work as an overall booster for many sectors, not only that of the local audiovisual industry.

“Clearly this is a very satisfying moment, to see that the government looks at film and TV when searching for new sources of international monetary flow and growth – thus recognising its potential.”

Finland offers snow guarantees from mid-October through to early May and offers extensive production support through a network of regional film offices.

The new filming incentive plan comes a year after neighbouring Norway launched a 25% rebate as its first formal support programme.

Two international features have filmed scenes in Norway this year – Tomas Alfredson’s The Snowman and Alexander Payne’s Downsizing – which resulted in combined production spending of $24m, according to figures reported by Variety.

For more on filming in Finland see our production guide.

Image: Finnish Lapland Film Commission