New Zealand Screen Production Grant for Film Productions
New Zealand offers productions a tax rebate through its New Zealand Screen Production Grant. The program offers a 20% tax rebate for qualifying production expenditure, with a potential 5% bonus for productions that bring significant economic benefits to the country. Access to this bonus is invitation-only, so most productions cannot qualify.
The base threshold for eligibility is relatively high—NZ$15 million (approx. US$9.3M) for films and NZ$4 million (approx. US$2.5M) for television and other formats. This makes it difficult for smaller or mid-sized productions to benefit. Post-production and VFX incentives are also available but require minimum spends and have sliding scales that can quickly reduce the overall value of the rebate. These incentives are offered to Film, TV drama, documentary, and other productions.
Furthermore, to be eligible, a production must submit a registration form to the New Zealand Film Commission before principal photography or post, digital, and VFX (PDV) work is undertaken within the country. The final application is due six months after completion, adding another level of time-sensitive administrative requirements.
While New Zealand offers an incentive program, the negative aspects of their rebate program—like unclear budget caps, eligibility levels, tough criterias—can encourage producers to look elsewhere for more flexible and friendly alternatives. That’s when Thailand steps into the picture with a more lenient and easy incentive package.
Thailand Film Tax Rebate
Thailand’s Film Incentive Measures provide one of the most lucrative tax rebate structures in Asia. Productions are rewarded with a cash rebate of up to 30% of eligible spend in Thailand, with no project cap. The incentive begins with a 15% rebate on spend of over THB 50 million (approximately US$1.4M) and increases to 25% on spend of more than THB 160 million (approximately US$4.3M).
On top of that, additional rebates are available for:
- Employing Thai nationals in key positions (+5%)
- Promoting tourism or soft power elements (+5%)
- Shooting in designated provinces (+3%)
- Completing post-production within Thailand (+3%)
In addition to just numbers, Thailand also offers an easy permitting procedure (official permits in 10 days), one permit for an unlimited number of locations, and no cultural tests required—simplifying the entire process.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. New Zealand Tax Rebate
| Incentive Category | Thailand | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rebate | 30%+ | 20% |
| Additional Bonuses | Yes – up to 16% for tourism, local hires, etc | +5% (invitation-only) |
| Per-Project Cap | None | Lacks Clarity |
| Minimum Spend | US$1.4M | US$9.3M (film) / US$2.5M (TV) |
| Application Simplicity | One permit, unlimited locations | Multi-step, high thresholds |
Choose Thailand for your next project and enjoy a hassle-free experience with maximum rebates, talented crews, and comprehensive support. For more details on filming in Thailand, download our FREE TAX & LOCATIONS GUIDE today!
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
One of Thailand’s best resources is its talent pool. With a variety of English-speaking skilled professionals, and many who have worked on blockbusters, foreign television dramas, and high-end commercial shoots, Thailand has the skilled human resources required to support production of any level.
The Thai movie industry is well-established, and with its continued development as the production hub of Southeast Asia, acquiring top-of-the-line equipment is not a problem. Whether you need state-of-the-art cameras, cranes, drones, or VFX software—Thailand has it all ready to use.
That is where Mbrella Films steps in to help your production flow easily and efficiently. Mbrella Films, with over a decade of experience, offers full-scale services from pre-production to post-production, such as:
- Location Scouting & Logistics: From beaches to temples, we’ll help you find and secure the perfect location.
- Crew & Equipment Hire: Our network ensures you get the best local talent and latest gear.
- English-Speaking Producers: Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring your shoot is on time and on budget.
Ready to make the most of your next production? Let us connect you to a local producer who can help you prequalify for Thailand’s rebate program.
