South Korea Tax Rebates for Film Productions
South Korea offers a Location Incentive, which offers a 20% tax rebate for eligible productions. An extra 5% uplift applies for projects that shoot for more than 10 days and spend upwards of $613,500 (KRW 800 million). This program allows for rebates of up to $153,000 (KRW 200 million) per project. The annual budget is capped at $248,500 (KRW 324 million).
While South Korea does offer incentives, it is very restrictive. Productions must shoot for at least three days in the country and spend between $38,000 and $613,500 (KRW 50 million and KRW 800 million) to qualify for the rebate. The projects which are eligible for these must also be 80% foreign-financed, and rebates are dependent upon the remaining grant budget at the time of application.
The move by South Korea shows its commitment to luring foreign productions. However, the low per-project cap and high minimum spend requirements make it hard for larger-scale projects to fully take advantage of this. Let’s discuss how Thailand’s tax rebates provide a far more lucrative and flexible opportunity for international filmmakers.
Thailand Tax Rebate
Thailand’s Incentive Measures offer a competitive tax rebate scheme with a base of 15%, and it goes up to an additional 5% for productions that meet specific criteria, including:
- 5% for promoting tourism and portraying Thailand positively,
- 3% for hiring key Thai personnel,
- 3% for filming in designated tourism locations, and
- 2% for dedicating at least 15% of eligible expenses to post-production in Thailand.
The program also offers a 5% Special Economic Boost to the productions that spend over $2.9 million locally (THB 100 million). The maximum rebate available per project stands at $4.4 million (THB 150 million), meaning Thailand’s incentive is much stronger compared to South Korea’s.
Unlike South Korea, Thailand offers a rebate for a wider genre of projects, including films, TV dramas, and documentaries, among others. Besides that, Thailand has breathtaking locations to shoot and relatively lower costs of production.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. South Korea Tax Rebate
| Incentive Category | Thailand | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Value | 15% base for just shooting in Thailand (with up to 20% in additional bonuses) | 20% only, must shoot for more than 3 days |
| Additional Incentives | 5% for tourism promotion, 3% for hiring Thai personnel, 5% Special Boost. Total up to 13% | 5% for 10+ shooting days and $613,500+ spend |
| Per Project Cap | $4,400,000+ | $153,000 |
| Production Types | Film, TV drama, documentaries, TV commercials and more | Film, TV, documentary |
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
Filmmakers shooting in Thailand draw from a large talent pool of internationally trained crew members with extensive credits on blockbusters, international television series, and high-end commercial productions. Skilled, English-speaking professionals are well-versed in the nuances of international filmmaking.
Thailand is fast becoming a production hub in Southeast Asia, which means there is easy access to the best equipment. Whatever your needs in production, Thailand has them, making logistics stress-free.
Navigating Thailand’s film industry-from permits to location scouting-can sometimes be difficult without a proper local partner. Mbrella Films boasts more than a decade of experience offering full-service production support to ensure a seamless experience.
- Location Scouting & Logistics: Mbrella handles everything from securing stunning locations to arranging transportation and permits.
- Crew & Equipment Hire: Access a pool of professional, English-speaking crew and the latest gear at competitive rates.
- Production Management: Mbrella’s experienced producers guide you step-by-step through the production process, eliminating any potential roadblocks.
