South Africa Foreign Film and Television Production and Post‐Production Incentive for Film Productions
South Africa offers a tax rebate program through its Foreign Film and Television Production and Post‐Production Incentive. The incentive gives a 25% rebate on qualifying expenditure for production, 20% for qualifying post-production expenditure, and an additional 5% for those who use Level 2 Black-owned service companies for post-production work. For pure post-production work, the rebate ranges between 2.5% and 5% depending on the level of spend.
These rebates come with conditions, minimum spend requirements, caps on the amount and locations of filming, and an unclear annual limit. Productions must wait for government approval before filming, which can cause long wait times and make them less manageable. And, a per-project maximum rebate is only $2.8 million. Applications must be received within 45 days before commencing with principal photography, and productions cannot start before receiving a response from the Department of Trade and Industry. These rebates are available for Film, TV drama, documentary, and other productions.
Additionally, South Africa;s rebate system also comes with a minimum qualifying expenditure of $827,000 (zar15m) or $662,000 (zar12m) when using ‘level 1’ Black-owned service companies shooting on location and you need at least 21 calendar days and 50% of principal photography which must be filmed in South Africa; this requirement can be waived for productions with a minimum qualifying South African production expenditure of $5.5m (zar100m).
However, there is a country with higher rebates, fewer conditions attached, more accessible permitting, and no limit. Let’s check out Thailand.
Thailand Film Tax Rebate
Thailand’s incentive programs have more value. The cash rebate is 15% for productions with a budget of a minimum 50 million Thai Baht (~US$ 1.4M), increasing to 25% for more than 160 million Baht (~US$ 4.3M) expended. And in contrast to South Africa, there is no cap on how much money a production can reclaim.
Add-on rebates make Thailand even more attractive:
- 5% for hiring Thai professionals in key positions
- 5% for promoting Thai tourism or soft power
- 3% for filming in designated provinces
- 3% for conducting post-production in Thailand
Permitting is simple—one permit allows you to shoot everywhere, and the approvals are as fast as 10 days. No cultural test is needed, and you can shoot just about anywhere with no issues.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. South Africa Tax Rebate
| Incentive Category | Thailand | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rebate | 30%+ | Up to 25% (with caps and conditions) |
| Additional Bonuses | Yes – up to 16% for tourism, local hires, etc | Yes – limited and highly conditional |
| Per-Project Cap | None | US$ 2.8M |
| Permit Process | Clear, fast approvals | Must apply 45 days before shooting |
| Location Flexibility | One permit, unlimited locations | Minimum 50% of shoot in SA (some exceptions) |
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
From blockbuster films to hit shows, Thailand has seen a variety of productions utilizing its location. Thailand’s large pool of English-speaking, internationally schooled crews offers everything from gaffers and camera teams to set designers and stunt coordinators.
Thailand’s status as a production hub in Southeast Asia allows producers to access the latest technology and equipment.
How Mbrella Films Can Help
Mbrella Films makes your production easy from start to finish. With over a decade of experience, Mbrella Films handles every detail:
- Location Scouting & Logistics: Mbrella takes care of permits, scouting, and transport.
- Crew & Equipment Hire: We offer top-tier crew and high-quality gear.
- English-Speaking Producers: Our experienced producers guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth production.
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.
