Incentives

The Czech Film Commission offers a comprehensive outline of the incentive program available for filmmakers on their website, but we've distilled the info to some essentials here. This program is particularly advantageous for international productions planning to shoot in the Czech Republic, and we'll help you through it every step of the way.

Here’s a quick overview of the key points:

Overview of the Film Incentive Program

Type of Incentive: Cash rebate.

Annual Budget: Approximately EUR 48 million.

Rebate Rates: A 20% cash rebate on qualifying Czech costs and a 66% rebate on withholding tax paid within the Czech Republic.

Eligibility and Requirements

Types of Projects Supported: Feature films, animated films, documentaries, and television projects, including series with substantial episode lengths and animated series.

Cultural Test: Productions must pass a cultural and production test that evaluates European cultural elements and other production criteria.

Minimum Spend: There's a specified minimum spending requirement in the Czech Republic which varies depending on the type of production (e.g., EUR 610,000 for feature films).

Registration and Validity: A registration certificate is needed, valid for 4 years, with only costs incurred post-registration being eligible.

Application Process

Submission: Producers need to submit the cultural test results, a synopsis, and a Czech version of the script.

No Fixed Application Deadline: The program operates without a fixed application deadline, allowing for flexibility in planning.

Additional Support

Consultation and Liaison: The commission provides guidance, consultations, and helps connect international filmmakers to local resources, facilities, and authorities.

Promotional Support: It also promotes the Czech Republic as a prime filming location globally, showcasing local talent, historical sites, and modern facilities.

This program is another reason why the Czech Republic is such a great place for filming features and series. Productions are able to benefit from more cost-effective resources while accessing a rich array of locations and seasoned industry professionals.

For a detailed explanation and further assistance, we'd be happy to answer any questions you have, so reach out to us anytime. We also encourage filmmakers to visit the Czech Film Commission's official website: Czech Film Commission Incentives.

Minority Co-Productions

This program, run by the Czech Film Fund, offers financial support for projects that involve a Czech partner. In 2024, the fund held 1.6 million EUR to help fund feature films, documentaries, & animated shorts.

Recent projects like "Havnaa" and "China Sea" secured up to 125,000 EUR each. The program welcomes a wide variety of genres and themes, so whether you're an established director or just starting out, there's a good chance your project could qualify (Film New Europe) (Cineuropa) (Film New Europe).

Getting started is straightforward, & Punk Film International offers plenty of support throughout the application process.

Prague & Other Local Film Funds

The Czech Republic boasts several local film funds that provide financial support and incentives for a wide range of audiovisual projects. Here's a quick rundown of some key local funds:

Prague Audiovisual Fund: This fund offers grants for films and TV series that feature Prague authentically, aiming to promote the city's image abroad. With an annual budget often exceeding CZK 10 million, it supports projects that highlight Prague’s unique cultural and historical settings (Czech Film Commission) (Pavf) (Prague Film Fund).

South Moravian Film Foundation: Located in Brno, this fund invests millions to support feature films, documentaries, and smaller projects. It aims to attract filmmakers to the South Moravian region, leveraging its picturesque locations and vibrant cultural scene (Brno Daily).

Central Bohemian Film Fund: This regional fund focuses on promoting the Central Bohemian region through film. It supports various audiovisual works, aiming to boost tourism and showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.

Moravian-Silesian Film Fund: Based in Ostrava, this fund provides financial backing for projects that shoot in the Moravian-Silesian region. It aims to highlight the area's industrial heritage and natural beauty, supporting both local and international productions.

Vysočina Film Office: This fund supports filmmakers who choose to shoot in the Vysočina region. It offers grants and logistical assistance to ensure smooth production processes, promoting the region’s scenic countryside and historical landmarks.

Zlín Film Fund: Known for its support of family and children’s films, the Zlín Film Fund provides grants to projects that can benefit from the region’s infrastructure and expertise in these genres. It also aims to boost the local film industry by attracting diverse productions.

Each of these funds has its own unique criteria and areas of focus, making it easier for filmmakers to find the right support for their specific projects. Whether you’re planning a large-scale feature film or a smaller documentary, the Czech Republic’s local film funds offer valuable resources to help bring your vision to life - and Punk Film International will help you the whole way through.