Film New Europe reports that Serbia has successfully implemented a tax incentives program for feature films, TV series and commercials. Film Center Serbia opened the first call for projects eligible for the 20% cash rebate on 15 April 2016 and the call will last until 30 September 2016. There is no cap per project and the overall budget for 2016 is 3.2 m EUR.

All local spending for feature films, TV series, animations and TV commercials, as well as postproduction works on all these formats is equally eligible and includes goods and services purchased in Serbia, the use of locations and salaries of crew members who are Serbian nationals or foreigners who have at least a year-long residence in the country. The money is to be distributed on a “first come, first serve” basis.

In order to be able to apply for the rebate, the production needs to spend in Serbia at least 300,000 EUR for features, 100,000 EUR for TV commercials and 50,000 EUR for documentaries, while animated films and postproduction works are subject to rebate for budgets of a minimum of 150,000 EUR. The same rules apply for domestic projects.