Colombia film rebate program offers an incredible opportunity for filmmakers to stretch their budgets while gaining access to world-class production resources. This initiative provides a 40% cash rebate on eligible production and post-production services, along with an additional 20% rebate for logistical expenses. With Atlas Film Fixers by your side, you can seamlessly navigate the application process, ensuring compliance and maximizing your savings.
Understanding the Rebate Program
The Colombia Film Rebate is calculated based on Total Colombian Expenditure (TCE), which includes spending on goods, services, and local labor. The program welcomes a variety of productions, including feature films, television series, commercials, documentaries, and animations. To qualify, productions must meet a minimum spend of USD 500,000 and comply with national guidelines, making it ideal for both large and mid-budget projects.
Colombia Film Rebate Structure:
- 40% cash rebate for production and post-production services.
- 20% rebate on logistical expenses (transportation, accommodation, catering).
Eligible Costs Include:
- Crew salaries
- Equipment rentals
- Production services
- Logistical expenditures (e.g., travel, lodging)
To access these benefits of the Colombia Film Rebate, projects must adhere to local regulations and be approved by the national film commission.
Why Choose Colombia?
Colombia’s incentive program provides significant financial relief while offering highly skilled local crews, diverse shooting locations, and state-of-the-art production infrastructure. Whether you need bustling cityscapes, breathtaking jungles, or scenic coastlines, Colombia offers an unmatched visual landscape. The country also boasts top-tier facilities for post-production, ensuring your film meets international standards without excessive costs.
How to Apply for the Rebate
Application & Approval Timeline
The rebate application process is efficient and straightforward, taking approximately 4–6 weeks for provisional approval. Once filming is complete, an audit is conducted to verify expenses, and rebates are issued within 6–12 months after the audit’s conclusion.
Atlas Film Fixers streamlines this process by handling all the paperwork, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
The CINA Rebate Process
In addition to the cash rebate, Colombia offers the Colombian Audiovisual Incentive Certificate (CINA), which functions as a value bond for eligible productions. Here’s how it works:
- Approval & Certificate Issuance
- Productions with a minimum spend of USD 550,000 can apply for the CINA.
- Once approved, the CINA certificate is issued as a value bond.
- It can be sold through a fiduciary, a bank, or directly by the production team.
- Timeline
- The entire process takes about 3 months, though smaller projects (around USD 1M) may be processed faster.
- Reinvestment Strategy
- CINAs can be reinvested to scale production budgets.
- Example: A USD 1M budget can be expanded to USD 1.5M through multiple CINA rebates.
Eligible & Non-Eligible Expenses
Eligible:
- Logistics within Colombia
- Salaries for Colombian nationals
Non-Eligible:
- Fiduciary costs & audit fees
- Property purchases
- Above-the-line costs for non-Colombian personnel
Associated Costs & Requirements
Key Costs:
- Legal Fees: USD 10,000 (split between application and post-approval)
- Accounting Fees: USD 10,000 (same structure as legal fees)
- Security Deposit: USD 12,500 (refunded upon CINA approval)
Other Requirements:
- Productions can be in English or Spanish but must align with Colombian cultural elements.
- A Colombian co-production partner is required, or a local company must be established.
Maximizing the Benefits
By leveraging Colombia’s financial incentives, filmmakers can optimize their budgets, reduce costs, and reinvest rebates into their projects. This program not only provides monetary advantages but also opens the door to filming in one of the most visually dynamic locations in the world.
Work with Atlas Film Fixers
At Atlas Film Fixers, we specialize in making the rebate process smooth and hassle-free. From securing approvals to managing audits, our expertise ensures you get the most out of the Colombia Film Rebate Program.
Contact Us Today!
Let us help you bring your vision to life while maximizing your savings. Reach out to Atlas Film Fixers for expert guidance, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest incentives and industry trends!
