Australia continues to be one of the world’s most attractive filming destinations—not only because of its iconic landscapes, cutting-edge studios, and highly skilled crew, but also due to its generous government-backed incentive schemes. For international producers, tapping into these rebates can make a significant difference to the bottom line of a project.
At Atlas Film Fixers, we specialise in helping producers from around the world navigate these opportunities and bring their productions to life on Australian soil—smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
The Financial Case for Filming in Australia
Australia offers three primary federal incentives for international productions:
Location Offset
This is a 16.5% rebate on Qualifying Australian Production Expenditure (QAPE). Designed to attract big-budget international productions, the Location Offset applies to feature films, television series, and documentaries.
On top of this, the region offers a Location Incentive grant, a discretionary top-up designed to bridge the funding gap and bring the total rebate to around 30%. These funds are allocated case-by-case, usually for productions that demonstrate significant economic benefit to Australia through job creation and local spend.
Producer Offset
This is available for Australian projects or official co-productions that meet certain cultural and expenditure requirements. It provides:
- 40% rebate on qualifying expenditure for feature films intended for theatrical release.
- 30% rebate for television series, telemovies, and other eligible content.
For producers interested in long-form scripted content, this offset can form the foundation of the financing structure—especially when paired with state-level support.
PDV (Post, Digital and Visual Effects) Offset
For productions that don’t shoot in Australia but still want to take advantage of its world-class post-production facilities, the PDV Offset offers a 30% rebate on post, digital, and visual effects work completed in-country. There’s no minimum QAPE requirement for Australian-shot productions, but a minimum AUD $500,000 applies for offshore shoots.
State-Level Incentives Add More Value
Each Australian state and territory also offer additional incentives and grants, including payroll tax rebates, location funding, and in-kind support for accommodation, transport, and infrastructure. These vary by region, but can be stacked on top of the federal incentives—creating a compelling financial package.
Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia all have established film commissions with their own funding programs. The right combination of federal and state support can push effective rebates to well over 40% of your spend.
How Atlas Film Fixers Can Help
Navigating these opportunities can be complex—especially when balancing cultural tests, production timelines, and legal requirements. That’s where Atlas Film Fixers comes in.
Our experienced team works alongside producers, line producers, and financiers to ensure that all criteria are met for federal and state rebates. Here’s what we provide:
- Incentive Strategy: We assess your budget and structure your spend to maximise eligibility.
- Cultural Test Guidance: For co-productions or Producer Offset access, we help you qualify as an Australian production.
- Local Partnerships: We connect you with trusted service providers, crew, and legal experts who understand the compliance requirements.
- Production Support: From location scouting and permits to logistics and post-production coordination, we manage it all—on the ground and in real-time.
- Rebate Processing: We liaise with government agencies and ensure your documentation is submitted correctly and on schedule for payout.
Whether you’re producing a studio feature, a high-end TV drama, or a global reality format, Australia offers a rare blend of talent, infrastructure, and financial reward.
Your Production, Our Expertise
At Atlas, we’ve supported international projects across multiple genres and budgets. We understand that every dollar matters, and our job is to ensure your production makes the most of Australia’s film-friendly ecosystem. From first consultation to final rebate, we’re your local partner with global reach.
Interested in filming in Australia or setting up a co-production? Get in touch with Atlas Film Fixers today and let’s talk strategy.