Producers can receive 30% cashback express rebate for short-form productions in Abu Dhabi
06 Nov 2019
Companies looking to shoot short-form content, such as TV commercials, in the Middle East can now benefit from express access to Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 30% cash rebate on production and post-production spend.
As well as TV commercials, the rebate is applicable to feature films, television dramas and series, documentaries, and telemovies shot in Abu Dhabi; as well as post-production, digital content services, visual effects (PDV) services for projects shot inside or outside Abu Dhabi. It also applies on travel and accommodation. In the six years since the launch of the rebate, Abu Dhabi has seen significant demand, with more than 80 major productions benefiting from the incentive.
Now, companies producing short-form content can benefit from an express process for rebate. The upgraded process approves storyboards within two days and issues interim certificates within five days.
Her Excellency Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Vice Chair of twofour54, said: “Rapid advances in technology and changes in society have transformed the media industry, creating new platforms and new trends in consumption. With more and more people consuming content on their mobiles, short-form productions are in high demand.
“Thanks to the expertise, innovation and facilities on offer in Abu Dhabi to production companies, they can produce quality short-form content tailored to today’s market with the added benefit of one of the industry’s most generous financial incentives.”
As well as the 30% cash rebate on production spend, production companies benefit from other advantages of shooting in emirate, such as 700-plus diverse locations, a talented pool of local media professionals, year-round sun and the award-winning production and post-production facilities and services offered by twofour54, including a 300,000sqm backlot.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission, working with twofour54, also offers scouting assistance; award-winning, experienced, professional crew; and full support with government servicing, permits, visas, script approval, customs clearance and shooting permits.
“Abu Dhabi is well-known as a location for major motion pictures, such as ‘6 Underground’, ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’,” said H.E AlMheiri. “However, the same reasons that Hollywood studios are drawn to the emirate apply for production companies looking to shoot TV commercials in the region or any other short-form content – we have everything and everyone they may need.”
To access the express rebate, producers simply need to send their storyboard to twofour54 for approval along with the rebate application. twofour54 will then fast-track approvals. For more details email produce@twofour54.com
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