Philippines launch new film co-production incentive

The FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) has launched a new co-production fund for member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) worth US$150,000 per selected film project.

The ASEAN co-production fund (ACOF) will have three cycles in 2021, the first of which runs from today (4 January) to 31 March, with selection committee deliberations in April.

Eligible projects are feature films of more than 80 minutes with a director and at least one major or minor co-production company from an ASEAN country, such as Indonesia, Thailand or Singapore, co-producing with the Philippines. The local production partner must be registered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

At least 50% of the fund must be spent in the Philippines and the selected projects must have a distribution guarantee or deal memorandum for a theatrical or video-on-demand (VOD) release in the Philippines or for a minority Filipino co-production, a distribution guarantee for a theatrical/VOD release in the country of origin.

The second application period is from 3 May to 30 July (with committee deliberations in August) and the third period is from 1 September to 29 November (deliberation in December).

This latest incentive will be a real boost to the country as it looks to attract more international productions. The FDCP already offers a Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP) and International Co-Production Fund (ICOF).

The FilmPhilippines’ Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX) can assist local and international audiovisual projects shooting in the country with visas, work permits, location permits and partnerships with local crew and production companies.

For more information visit: http://www.filmphilippines.com/