Colombia 🇨🇴

Colombia offers two primary financial incentives to attract international film and television productions: the Colombian Film Fund (FFC) and Audiovisual Investment Certificates (CINA). These programs provide cash rebates and transferable tax credits for qualifying projects.

1. Colombian Film Fund (FFC) – Cash Rebate

Rebate Structure:

• 40% rebate on audiovisual services, including:
  • Local casting and crew hire.
  • Equipment rental.
  • Location fees.
• 20% rebate on logistical services, including:
  • Transport.
  • Catering.
  • Accommodation.
• Net Rebate: Approximately 30-32% of the total qualifying spend.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum Expenditure:
  • $475,000 USD per project.
  • $118,750 USD per episode for series (minimum of four episodes).
• Applications must be submitted by the foreign producer and approved by the Colombia Film Promotion Committee (CPFC).
• All qualifying audiovisual services must be procured through a Colombian production services company pre-registered with the Ministry of Culture.

Funding Availability:

• Annual Budget: Approximately $2 million USD.
• Per Project Cap: $550,000 USD.
• Payment Timeline: Rebates are paid within two months of receiving all required documentation.

2. Audiovisual Investment Certificates (CINA) – Transferable Tax Credit

Incentive Structure:

• 35% transferable tax credit on the total qualifying foreign filming investment.
• A 5% fee is charged on issued certificates, resulting in a net value of 33.25%.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum Expenditure:
  • $604,000 USD per project.
  • For series, the amount can be distributed across up to four episodes, with an average cost per episode of $151,050 USD.
• Applications must be submitted by the foreign producer and approved by the CPFC.
• All qualifying audiovisual services must be procured through a Colombian production services company pre-registered with the Ministry of Culture.

Funding Availability:

• Annual Budget: Approximately $53 million USD.
• No Cap Per Project: CINA offers more flexibility for larger productions.
• Issuance Timeline: Certificates are issued within 15 days upon receipt and approval of all required documentation.

General Requirements for Both Incentives

• Bid Bond: A $10,000 USD bid bond is payable upon application and refunded for successful applicants.
• Fiduciary/Trust Account: All qualified spending must be managed through a fiduciary account, with a local auditing company appointed to certify payments before reimbursements or certificates are issued.
• Local Services: Productions must work with pre-registered Colombian production service providers.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Application: Submit the required forms and documentation to the Colombia Film Promotion Committee (CPFC).
2. Secure Approvals: Ensure your project meets the minimum expenditure and eligibility criteria.
3. Set Up Trust Account: Establish a fiduciary account to manage all qualified expenditures.
4. Complete Production: Track and certify all eligible spending.
5. Claim Incentive:
   • For the FFC, submit all required documentation for rebate reimbursement.
   • For CINA, request issuance of tax certificates upon completion of spending.

Resources

• Visit Location Colombia for detailed guidelines and application forms.
• Contact the Colombia Film Promotion Committee (CPFC) for personalized assistance.

Colombia’s comprehensive incentives and streamlined processes make it a competitive destination for international film and television productions.