SANYA, December 8. /TASS/. Chinese filmmakers will be the first to shoot a film in Russia using the rebate system, which allows partial compensation for the funds spent on shooting films in Russia, the head of the filmmaking department of the Russain Ministry of Culture Olga Lyubimova announced.
“This year a new system was introduced in Russia — the rebate system. We will be glad to see our Chinese partners in our country, we will be happy to help them shoot films and fulfill their most incredible, creative dreams,” Lyubimova said at the Russian-Chinese Cinema Cooperation Forum in Sanya, Hainan Province.
According to her, "several countries have already applied to become the first in line for state support." "I am proud to announce that the first project was the Chinese one. In 2020, Chinese filmmakers will already be filming in Russia. It is a great honor for us," the official said.
Lyubimova also emphasized that "several Russian producers competed for the opportunity to work with the Chinese partners." “We expect great results from this project indeed,” she pointed out.
The forum of Russian-Chinese cinema cooperation is being held on the sidelines of the II International Hainan Film Festival in Sanya. Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Association of Animated Films, as well as actors, directors and producers from the two countries are taking part in the event.
The rebate system
On November 7 Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree according to which foreign companies will get an opportunity to be compensated for the expenses while shooting films in Russia. According to the decree prepared by the Economy Ministry and the Ministry of Culture, foreign companies will be able to get a 30-40% refund of the money they contributed to filming in Russia — i.e. a rebate.
In order to get a refund for 40% of expenses, the company must have a positive effect on the economy, the document says. For example, when shooting a feature film, at least 80% of the crew should be Russian residents, or the amount of money spent in Russia should amount to no less than 75 million rubles, or the film should be shot for at least 19 days in Russia. The creators of a feature film (at least 52 minutes long) can get a compensation for spending at least 15 million rubles in Russia, the authors of an animated film of the same length — for contributing at least 5 million rubles. TV series filmmakers will also be up for a rebate, if contributing at least 15 million rubles while filming in Russia. The project id conducted by the Russian Export Center (REC).