Vietnam Film Tax Rebates for Film Productions
Vietnam has a developing cash rebate for film production that can be quite complex, with limitations that pose difficulties to international filmmakers. Unlike in other established regions, there is no clarity on the amount of rebate achievable in Vietnam. The annual budget cap lacks clarity; hence, it’s hard to predict returns for productions. The period needed for application could be quite long while requiring details of an exhaustive nature, like daily shooting schedules, locations, and local contributors. This application takes about 15 days, with clearances required from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Other added costs include day rates, travel, and accommodation of the film officers assigned to a particular production. The structure of the rebate, as evidenced by Vietnam’s film industry, does not provide transparency and certainty to the production for sound financial incentives.
Thailand Film Tax Rebate
Thailand’s tax rebate system provides transparent, highly attractive incentive schemes, and simplifies financial planning for international film productions. The standard tax rebate starts at 15% of eligible spend in Thailand, with the potential for top-ups that raise it to 20%. These include a 5% bonus for productions that promote Thai tourism or include key Thai personnel, plus 3% for filming in designated tourist areas, and an additional 2% if 15% of eligible costs are used for post-production within Thailand. With the possibility of an extra 5% economic boost for the productions, Thailand offers quite an interesting financial incentive for filmmakers.
Thailand’s system also provides streamlined processes. Instead of long permit processing times, filmmakers are allowed to prequalify by consulting a Thai production partner and can begin shooting shortly after approval. The rebate ceiling under Thailand’s system is $4.4 million per project.
Thailand Tax Rebate vs. Vietnam Tax Rebate
| Incentive Category | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Value | 15% base for just shooting in Thailand (with up to 20% in additional bonuses) | Undefined |
| Additional Incentives | 5% for tourism promotion, 3% for hiring Thai personnel, 5% Special Boost | Lacks clarity |
| Application Processing | Immediate pre-qualification with a producer | 7-15 days and extensive paperwork |
| Production Types | Film, TV drama, documentaries, TV commercials and more | Lacks clarity |
| Production Support | English-speaking crew, streamlined logistics | Complex, requires film officer on set |
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 boasts a strong talent base of highly experienced, internationally-trained crew members with experience in various blockbusters, high-end TV commercials, and international series. With a strong grasp of the English language, excellent skill base and reasonable prices, Thai local crew can handle even the most demanding productions. Mbrella Films boast an invaluable network of local crew members who assure you that every aspect of production is well taken care of.
Mbrella Films further supports productions with extensive access to industry-standard gear and equipment. This logistics, from equipment sourcing to skilled personnel, allows the production to pay more attention to their creativity rather than logistical problems. Whether high-end camera rigs or specialized sound equipment is required for your shoot, Mbrella Films has the resources to bring that vision.
