Kazakhstan Investment Subsidy For Film Productions
Kazakhstan offers a 30% tax rebate for foreign productions through its Investment Subsidy program. This initiative aims to attract international filmmakers by covering a portion of production costs, with a minimum cost threshold of $850,000 per project.
However, it does fall short in critical areas of clarity such as the per-project cap and annual budget allocation, thus leaving filmmakers somewhat in the dark on how much they can save overall. Without a minimum hiring requirement or cultural test, it can also be difficult for foreign shoots to get their head around Kazakhstan’s film industry and to gain permits without local experience.
While Kazakhstan’s rebate may sound enticing, Thailand offers a far more comprehensive and lucrative package for filmmakers, making it an irresistible destination for production.
Thailand Film Tax Rebate
Thailand is a premiere filming destination, offering an extremely competitive tax rebate structure with substantial additional benefits. The base rebate is 15%, with the opportunity to increase this up to 20% through various bonuses, including:
- 5% for promoting tourism and portraying Thailand positively
- 3% for hiring Thai key personnel
- 3% for filming in tourism-designated locations
- 2% for allocating 15% of eligible expenses to post-production in Thailand
- 5% special economic boost for productions with local spending over $2.9 million (THB 100 million)
Thailand’s incentives are quite strong, with a per-project cap of $4.4 million (THB 150 million) and pretty straightforward rules of eligibility. This can be accessed by spending over $1.5 million (THB 50 million) on Thai-registered businesses and services. With these extensive rebates in addition to world-class filming infrastructure, Thailand is the ideal location for productions of all size.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. Kazakhstan Tax Rebate
| Incentive Category | Thailand | Kazakhstan |
|---|---|---|
| Project Per Cap | $4.4 million+ | Lacks clarity |
| Additional Bonuses | 20% additional bonuses available | None |
| Ease of Process | Streamlined with local coordinators | Limited clarity, challenging permits |
| Rebate Value (Including Additional Incentives) | 20% | Up to 35% depending on approved expenditures |
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
Crew & Gear
Thailand’s film industry is thriving, with a pool of internationally trained crew members with years of working experience on blockbuster films, high-end TV commercials, and global TV series. Indeed, these professionals bring with them expertise, creativity, and seamless communication in every given project, with many being fluent in English.
Equally stress-free is access to gear and equipment in Thailand, due to the country’s well-established production ecosystem. From top-of-the-line cameras to specialized lighting equipment, everything you need is readily available to ensure a smooth production process.
Navigating Thailand’s incentives and production landscape is effortless with Mbrella Films. With over a decade of experience, Mbrella Films provides end-to-end production support, including location scouting and logistics. From bustling cities to serene beaches, Thailand offers diverse landscapes, and Mbrella Films handles scouting, permits, and transportation to bring your vision to life. We also provide professional crew members and the latest equipment at very competitive prices to ensure that your production is smooth. Our producers, who speak English, take you through the whole process and see to it that your project is successful with no obstacles. With Mbrella Films, you are guaranteed unparalleled local expertise along with the full power of Thailand’s generous incentives.
Ready to produce your next project in Thailand? Let us connect you to a local producer who can help you prequalify for Thailand’s rebate program.
