Georgia introduces initiatives to entice filmmakers

The Georgian state-run programme Produce in Georgia has launched a new initiative aimed at bringing filmmakers to the country, offering incentives to local and international producers.

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, presented the programme, entitled Film in Georgia, last week. Under the initiative, producers will be able to shoot in Georgia and recoup 25% of the qualifying costs through a new cash rebate mechanism. This mechanism will be applicable across a range of areas, including feature film, film for television, television series, animation, documentary, reality television and music clips.

As well as aiming to provide an incentive for recognised international directors and producers to shoot in Georgia, the initiative also seeks to strengthen Georgia’s popularity as a tourist destination, as well as increase economic growth and employment of the local population. It also serves to introduce new technologies and improve the skills of those working in the local film industry.

“We all know the importance that Georgian cinema had in forming the country’s image and culture,” said Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili.“There are few countries which have a hundred-year history of cinematography such as we have. We think this new initiative will contribute to the development of cinematography as an industry and as a business, and our country will become eastern Europe’s most attractive filming location.”

Source: Georgia Today