Indonesia Film Grant/Grant Scheme
Indonesia’s film grant scheme opens up some opportunities for international productions, although there are certain aspects that remain unclear and perhaps a little open to question. Details of the grant itself, as well as specific eligibility criteria, are lacking clarity at this time, meaning producers can only speculate about the portion of production costs that may be covered. Indonesia has set an annual budget cap of $13 million, however, it is not quite clear how projects will benefit from those funds, leaving certain aspects open to interpretation.
By contrast, Thailand offers a much more open and transparent incentive system that yields much more valuable financial returns to qualified productions. Let’s further break down why Thailand is a better choice for your production.
Thailand Tax Rebate
Thailand has a rather structured rebate program of up to 20% rebate on production costs, while up to an additional 5% in bonuses that can be unlocked by achievements such as:
- 5% for promoting tourism and positively showcasing Thailand.
- 3% for employing key Thai personnel.
- 2% for allocating 15% of the production budget to post-production in Thailand.
- 5% for productions spending more than $2.9 million
This clear-cut incentive framework gives room for the productions to plan their budgets with confidence. The total possible rebate value is capped at $4.4 million per project, which is a great sum that gives filmmakers peace of mind when managing large-scale productions.
Also, the qualification process for Thailand’s rebate program is relatively painless, with clear deadlines as to applications and specificity in the requirements on the production spend, hence making Thailand a reliable partner for filmmakers internationally.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. Indonesia Film Grant
| Incentive Category | Thailand | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Value | 15% (up to 33% with additional bonuses) | Lacks clarity in Rebate Value |
| Additional Incentives | 5% for tourism promotion, 3% for hiring Thai personnel, 5% Special Boost | None |
| Minimum Spend | No minimum, 15% for productions that take place in Thailand | Lacks clarity on Minimum Spend |
| Production Types | Film, TV drama, documentaries, TV commercials and more | Lacks clarity on Production Types |
Thailand Filming Locations
Pine Forest
Pine forests in the northern region of Thailand blanket the mountains and hills, setting up a perfect backdrop and ambiance for any film production.
Western Houses
Unknown to many, western houses are located outside of Bangkok, ideal for filming. These houses are beautifully built, structurally sound, and mimic homes built in the West.
Studios
Bangkok is home to a multitude of studios, equipped with the latest equipment, sound systems, lights, and everything a production team needs. Filmmakers can easily find and rent a studio in Bangkok without traveling far to find one.
City
Bangkok’s bustling metropolis with neon-dotted cityscape sets the tone for any film production in the heart of the city. Meandering through the heart is the famed Chao Phraya River, perfect for capturing heartfelt and romantic scenes along the river boasting a rich backdrop showcasing Thailand’s icon temples and pagodas.
Islands
With over a thousand islands dotting Thailand’s rolling coastline and the Andaman Sea, each island has charm, mystery, and beauty. Towering, jagged cliffs remain untouched by human hands and serve as a home to the wild animals hiding within the rock crevasses or underwater schisms.
Beaches
Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches are second to none. Layered with soft, white, silky sand, crystal clear waters, and lush terrain, Thailand’s southern beaches serve as the ideal filming location for dramas, romantic comedies, and action and adventure films.
Mountains
North Thailand is home to impressive, lush mountain ranges. During winter months, Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep are cloaked in a sea of fog and the grass is blanketed by dewdrops every morning.
Set Buildings
Home to talented production designers and set designers, these specialists can craft sets for any film production, regardless of genre.
Crew & Gear
Thailand has a large pool of internationally-trained crew members who have had broad experience working on Blockbuster films, international television series, and premium commercials. With its highly-experienced, English-speaking local crew, Thailand remains one of the most viable production hubs for Southeast Asia and beyond.
Second to none, Thailand surely stands out in terms of access to top-class gear and equipment. Producers can source the latest technology quite easily for their production needs, and thereby the logistics become quite stress-free in regard to finding gear. Mbrella Films is one of the key players in the production scene in Thailand, offering full services from pre- to post-production. Having more than a decade of industrial experience, Mbrella Films excels at helping international filmmakers navigate Thailand’s film industry, securing permits, scouting prime locations, and providing top-tier crew and equipment. With their English-speaking producers leading the team, every production will be seamless, from guiding you through every stage to bringing your project to life and connecting you to producers as soon as possible.
