Philippines 🇵🇭

The Philippines offers a range of film incentives to attract international productions, primarily through the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and its FilmPhilippines Office (FPO). Below is a detailed breakdown of the incentives:

1. Philippines Filming Incentives - Cash Rebates and Co-Production Funds

Cash Rebates:

The Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP) provides selective cash rebates for qualified international projects involving production, animation, and/or post-production in the Philippines.

Co-Production Funds:

The International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) offers selective funding for international projects co-produced with a Filipino production company.

2. Film Incentives Breakdown

Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP):

Rebate Percentage:

• 20% cash rebate on Qualifying Philippine Production Expenditures (QPPE).
• Cultural Bonus: An additional 5% rebate for projects passing the cultural merit test, totaling up to 25%.

Rebate Cap:

• Up to PHP 30 million (approximately USD 540,000).

Eligible Projects:

• Feature-length films.
• Short films.
• TV and VOD content.
• Web content.
• Virtual reality content.

Minimum Spend Requirements:

• Feature films: PHP 20 million.
• TV series: PHP 12.5 million per episode for a minimum of 8 episodes.

Application Cycles:

• Three cycles per year.

International Co-Production Fund (ICOF):

Funding Amount:

• Up to PHP 10 million for international projects co-produced with a Filipino production company.

Eligibility:

• Projects must have a Filipino co-producer and meet specific criteria set by the FDCP.

3. Filming Incentives Terms and Conditions

Eligible Applicants:

• Filipino production companies, animation studios, or post-production offices serving as line producers or service providers to international projects.
• Applicants must be organized and registered as businesses in the Philippines.

Eligible Content:

• Projects should not contain content that is insulting, offensive, or portrays the Philippines negatively.
• Content must not promote violence or pose any threat to national security.

Cultural Test:

• To qualify for the additional 5% rebate, projects must pass a cultural merit test evaluating their contribution to Philippine culture and heritage.

4. Governing Bodies for the Incentive

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP):

• The national agency responsible for film policies and programs, including the administration of film incentives.

FilmPhilippines Office (FPO):

• A division of the FDCP that facilitates location promotions and provides assistance to foreign film and television productions in the Philippines.

5. Filming Incentive Application Process

1. Initial Consultation:

• Contact the FPO early to discuss the project and explore details surrounding the incentives.

2. Provisional Application:

• During the submission period of an application cycle, submit a completed FLIP Provisional Application Form along with required documents to filmphilippines@fdcp.ph.

3. Evaluation:

• The FilmPhilippines Committee assesses and evaluates the application based on eligibility criteria and cultural merit.

4. Approval and Agreement:

• Upon selection, sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the FDCP outlining the terms and conditions of the incentive.

5. Production and Compliance:

• Proceed with production, ensuring compliance with the terms specified in the MOA, including the use of local resources and adherence to cultural guidelines.

6. Final Verification:

• Submit a final verification report within the specified timeframe, including documentation of expenditures and compliance with program requirements.

7. Rebate Disbursement:

• Upon approval of the final verification, the cash rebate is processed and disbursed accordingly.

For detailed guidelines and assistance, consult the official websites of the FDCP and FilmPhilippines or contact them directly.