The Greek government has announced a delay in reopening its highly sought-after 40% tax rebate program for international film and TV productions, pushing the date to January 2025. Originally slated to resume on October 1, 2024, the program has been paused since May 1 due to a backlog in funding and the need to finalize a new budget.

Despite the setback, international productions set to film in Greece later this year have been assured by Leonidas Christopoulos, CEO of the newly established Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre – Creative Greece (HFAC-Creative Greece), that they can still access the rebate. Upcoming projects include major international co-productions like Sebastien Chondrokostas’ “Longing”, Anonymous Content’s biblical horror “The Carpenter’s Son” starring Nicolas Cage, Amazon MGM’s series “House of David”, and Amazon Prime Video’s “Malice”, featuring David Duchovny and Carice van Houten.

While Christopoulos confirmed the program’s reopening in January, he did not specify how producers can claim the rebate if filming begins before then. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the ministries of culture, national economy and finance, and digital governance to secure the necessary funding. Their aim is to ensure the program’s reliability, sustainability, and transparency when it resumes in early 2025.

HFAC-Creative Greece: Supporting International Productions

Established in April 2024 through the merger of the Greek Film Centre (GFC) and Ekome, HFAC-Creative Greece has taken over the country’s incentive programs, combining cash rebates and tax relief initiatives to attract high-end productions. Greece’s tax rebate program has been highly successful, bringing in 211 projects since its launch, including Ruben Ostlund’s “Triangle of Sadness” and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter” for Netflix.

Since 2019, the program has paid out €130 million in rebates, with nearly €50 million disbursed in 2023 alone. However, some payments are still outstanding, contributing to the delay in reopening the program. Greek producers have expressed frustration over the government’s slow progress in funding both the 40% rebate and the €3 million in selective support for local film production.

The Producers’ Association (ESPEK) issued a statement on October 3, urging the Ministry of Culture to address the funding delays immediately. They warned that these setbacks could harm local film production and tarnish Greece’s reputation as a cultural and production-friendly destination.

A Bright Future Ahead?

Despite the current challenges, Greece remains a top-tier destination for international productions, thanks to its stunning locations, world-class production services, and competitive tax incentives. When the rebate program resumes in January 2025, the focus will be on making it more reliable and sustainable, ensuring Greece continues to attract big-budget productions from around the globe.

At StageRunner, we understand how vital tax incentives are for production planning. We’re here to help you navigate opportunities in global production hubs like Greece, connect you to the perfect soundstages, and secure the financial support needed to bring your vision to life.