Denmark

Denmark Film Incentive Overview

Hoodlum Film Fixers is your trusted partner in navigating Denmark’s film incentive landscape. With in-depth knowledge of the Danish Film Institute’s requirements and rebate processes, Hoodlum ensures your production meets all the necessary criteria to qualify for available cash rebates and tax incentives.

Our team assists in compiling essential documentation — from project synopses and detailed budgets to crew lists and location approvals. We also connect you with trusted local coordinators, vendors, and production partners, streamlining the application process and maximizing your benefits.

With Hoodlum’s expertise on-ground, you can focus on your creative vision while we handle compliance with Denmark’s incentive regulations, making your production smooth, efficient, and cost-effective.

Unlock Savings and Quality with the Denmark Film Incentive

Denmark offers a highly competitive Denmark film incentive that is rapidly becoming a top choice for international producers. The Denmark film incentive supports feature films, TV series, animations, and documentaries that shoot in the country, providing financial rebates and grants. By choosing the Denmark film incentive, productions can benefit from cost savings while accessing world-class crews and facilities. Many global streaming platforms are already leveraging the Denmark film incentive to maximize their budgets.

The Denmark film incentive also encourages co-productions, making it easier for foreign producers to collaborate with local partners. With its diverse locations and efficient production services, the Denmark film incentive stands out in Europe’s competitive rebate landscape. Filmmakers using the Denmark film incentive can also access additional cultural funding options. To qualify for the Denmark film incentive, projects must meet specific cultural and expenditure criteria. Whether you’re producing a big-budget feature or a high-end TV drama, the Denmark film incentive can add real value to your bottom line. Don’t miss out—explore the Denmark film incentive today and discover how your next production can benefit.

Read more information here on how to apply: How to apply for the 25-35% reimbursement

Eligibility Criteria for Denmark Film Incentive

• Cultural Test: Your film must pass a cultural test to qualify for state support, showcasing European or Danish culture in a positive and respectful manner.
• Production Types: Eligible productions include feature films, short films, documentaries, and TV series, while commercials, reality shows, and generic fiction series are not eligible.
• Content Requirements: The production should not be pornographic or excessively violent.

What is the minimum QPE per project for Denmark Film Incentive

• Feature Films: Narrative films with a minimum length of 70 minutes.
• Short Films: Films with a maximum length of 70 minutes.
• Documentaries: Documentaries with a minimum length of 30 minutes.
• TV Series: Scripted series with a minimum of 2 episodes, each at least 30 minutes long.
• Reality TV: Some reality TV shows might be eligible, but they must meet specific requirements, such as:
• Educational or informative content: Shows with a strong educational or informative focus.
• Cultural significance: Shows that showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage.

What categories of production will be accepted for evaluation under the Denmark Film Incentive Scheme:

Feature Films

• Narrative films with a minimum length of 70 minutes
• Films that pass a cultural test to demonstrate their connection to Danish culture

Short Films

• Films with a maximum length of 70 minutes
• Films that showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage

Documentaries

• Documentaries with a minimum length of 30 minutes
• Films that explore Danish culture, history, or society

TV Series

• Scripted series with a minimum of 2 episodes, each at least 30 minutes long
• Series that pass a cultural test to demonstrate their connection to Danish culture

Animation and Visual Effects

• Animated films and series that showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage
• Live-action films with significant visual effects that demonstrate a connection to Danish culture

Co-productions

• International co-productions that involve a Danish production company
• Productions that showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage

Other Eligible Productions

• Children’s and youth productions: Films and series created for children and young audiences that showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage
• Experimental and art-house productions: Films that push the boundaries of storytelling and showcase Danish culture or contribute to the country’s cultural heritage

What constitutes Qualifying Production Expenditures offered by the Denmark Economic

Development Board

• Pre-production costs: script development, location scouting, casting, and crew assembly
• Production costs: equipment, location fees, set construction, special effects, and talent fees
• Post-production costs: editing, visual effects, sound design, and music composition
• Travel and accommodation expenses: for cast, crew, and equipment transportation
• Catering and craft services: food, beverages, and other hospitality expenses

Pre-Production Expenditures for Denmark Film Incentive

Script Development

• Scriptwriting and rewriting fees
• Storyboarding and script breakdown costs
• Research and development expenses

Location Scouting

• Location scouting fees and expenses
• Travel and accommodation costs for location scouting

Casting

• Casting director fees and expenses
• Actor audition and casting costs

Crew Assembly

• Crew hiring and staffing costs
• Department head and key crew member fees

Permits and Licenses

• Location permits and licenses
• Music and script clearance fees

Insurance

Production insurance premiums

Budgeting and Scheduling

• Line producer and production manager fees
• Budgeting and scheduling software costs

Requirements for Pre-Production Expenditures

• Directly related to production: Pre-production expenses must be directly related to the production of the film or television series
• Reasonable and necessary: Expenses must be reasonable and necessary for the production
• Documented: Expenses must be properly documented and accounted for

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses: Some pre-production expenses may be capped or limited in terms of QPE eligibility
• Minimum budget requirement: Productions must meet a minimum budget threshold to be eligible for the film rebate scheme

Production Expenditures for Denmark Film Incentive

Equipment and Facilities

• Camera and lighting equipment rental
• Sound equipment rental
• Grip and electric equipment rental
• Set construction and dressing costs
• Location fees and expenses

Talent and Crew

• Actor fees and expenses
• Crew salaries and benefits
• Casting director fees and expenses
• Location manager fees and expenses

Special Effects and Visual Effects

• Special effects costs (e.g. pyrotechnics, stunts)
• Visual effects costs (e.g. CGI, animation)

Wardrobe and Makeup

• Wardrobe design and construction costs
• Makeup and hair styling costs

Music and Sound

• Music composition and licensing fees
• Sound recording and editing costs

Transportation and Accommodation

• Travel and accommodation costs for cast and crew
• Location transportation costs

Catering and Craft Services

• Food and beverage costs
• Craft service costs

Miscellaneous

• Set operations costs (e.g. set construction, set dressing)
• Production office expenses (e.g. office rental, supplies)

Requirements for Production Expenditures

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Post-Production Expenditures for Denmark Film Incentive

Editing

• Editor fees and expenses
• Editing equipment and software costs
• Assistant editor fees and expenses

Visual Effects

• Visual effects artist fees and expenses
• Visual effects software and equipment costs
• Motion graphics and animation costs

Sound Design

• Sound designer fees and expenses
• Sound effects and Foley costs
• Music composition and licensing fees

Music and Score

• Composer fees and expenses
• Music recording and mixing costs
• Music licensing fees

Colour Grading and Finishing

• Colourist fees and expenses
• Colour grading software and equipment costs
• Film finishing costs (e.g. HD, 4K, film transfer)

Sound Mixing and Mastering

• Sound mixer fees and expenses
• Sound mixing and mastering equipment costs
• Audio mastering costs

Other Post-Production Costs

• Post-production facility costs (e.g. rental, equipment)
• Post-production software and equipment costs
• Data management and storage costs

Requirements for Post-Production Expenditures

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Non-Qualifying Production Expenditures

Development Costs

• Script development costs (e.g. scriptwriting, research)
• Concept development costs
• Idea generation costs

Marketing and Distribution Costs

• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Distribution fees and expenses
• Publicity and promotional costs

Financing and Interest Costs

• Financing fees and interest charges
• Loan interest and fees
• Investment fees and expenses

Overhead and Administrative Costs

• Production company overhead costs (e.g. office expenses, salaries)
• Administrative costs (e.g. accounting, human resources)
• Insurance costs (e.g. liability, equipment)

Other Non-Qualifying Costs

• Depreciation and amortization costs
• Taxes and duties
• Fines and penalties
• Costs related to non-qualifying productions (e.g. commercials, corporate videos)

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses: Some expenses may be capped or limited in terms of eligibility for the film rebate scheme
• Minimum budget requirement: Productions must meet a minimum budget threshold to be eligible for the film rebate scheme

Qualifying Production Expenditures for Denmark Film Incentive

Accommodation

• Hotel costs
• Location accommodation costs (e.g. rental of homes, apartments)
• Crew accommodation costs (e.g. rental of houses, apartments)

Food and Beverage

• Catering costs
• Craft service costs
• Location food and beverage costs

Transportation

• Location transportation costs (e.g. car rentals, fuel)
• Crew transportation costs (e.g. bus rentals, fuel)
• Cast transportation costs (e.g. car rentals, fuel)

Services

• Location services (e.g. location manager fees, location scouting)
• Set services (e.g. set construction, set dressing)
• Production services (e.g. production office costs, production assistants)

Requirements for Accommodation & Services

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Visual Effects

• Visual effects artist fees and expenses
• Visual effects software and equipment costs
• Motion graphics and animation costs

Sound Design

• Sound designer fees and expenses
• Sound effects and Foley costs
• Music composition and licensing fees

Music and Score

• Composer fees and expenses
• Music recording and mixing costs
• Music licensing fees

Stunts and Action

• Stunt coordinator fees and expenses
• Stunt performer fees and expenses
• Specialized equipment rental costs

Specialized Camera and Equipment

• Specialized camera rental costs (e.g. drone, underwater)
• Specialized equipment rental costs (e.g. crane, jib)
• Camera and equipment technician fees and expenses

Other Specialized Services that qualify for Denmark film incentive

• Aerial photography and filming costs
• Underwater filming costs
• Specialized lighting and grip costs

Requirements for Specialized Services

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Travel

• Airfare and transportation costs for cast and crew
• Hotel and accommodation costs for cast and crew
• Travel agency fees and expenses

Miscellaneous

• Office expenses (e.g. supplies, equipment)
• Communication costs (e.g. phone, internet)
• Insurance costs (e.g. equipment, liability)
• Permits and licenses fees
• Miscellaneous equipment rental costs

Requirements for Travel & Miscellaneous

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Professional Fees

• Director fees and expenses
• Producer fees and expenses
• Screenwriter fees and expenses
• Composer fees and expenses
• Other professional fees (e.g. editor, cinematographer)

Labour Costs

• Crew salaries and benefits
• Cast salaries and benefits
• Production assistant fees and expenses
• Location manager fees and expenses
• Other labour costs (e.g. set construction, special effects)

Consultants & Contractors

• Consultant fees and expenses (e.g. script, production)
• Contractor fees and expenses (e.g. set construction, special effects)

Training & Development

• Training costs for cast and crew
• Professional development costs (e.g. workshops, conferences)

Requirements for Professional & Labour Costs

• Directly related to production
• Reasonable and necessary
• Documented

Additional Considerations

• Capped expenses
• Minimum budget requirement

Application Process for Denmark Film Incentive

Step 1: Eligibility Check

• Review the Danish Film Institute’s eligibility criteria
• Ensure your project meets the requirements

Step 2: Prepare Application

• Gather required documents (e.g. script, budget, production schedule)
• Fill out the application form
• Submit your application

Step 3: Review and Evaluation

• The Danish Film Institute reviews your application
• Evaluation of your project’s eligibility and quality

Step 4: Decision and Contract

• Receive a decision on your application
• If approved, sign a contract with the Danish Film Institute

Step 5: Project Completion

• Complete your project according to the agreed-upon terms
• Submit your final project for review and approval

Required Documents

• Script
• Budget
• Production schedule
• Project plan
• Company registration documents

Incentives Offered

Cash Rebate

• Percentage-based rebate: A percentage of qualifying expenditures
• Maximum rebate amount: A maximum amount of rebate available

Tax Credits

• Tax credit certificate: A certificate that can be used to offset taxes
• Transferable tax credits: Tax credits that can be transferred to other entities

Grants

• Development grants: Grants for script development and project planning
• Production grants: Grants for production and post-production

Other Incentives

• Location support: Support for filming in specific locations
• Talent development: Support for developing local talent
• Equipment and services discounts: Discounts on equipment and services

Eligibility Criteria

• Qualifying production: The production must meet specific criteria
• Expenditures: The production must have qualifying expenditures
• Timeline: The production must meet specific timelines

Eligible Projects

Film and Television Productions

• Feature films: Narrative films with a minimum length
• Television series: Scripted or documentary series
• Documentary films: Documentary films with a minimum length
• Animated productions: Animated films or series

Other Eligible Projects

• Short films: Short films with a maximum length
• Music videos: Music videos for Danish artists
• Commercials and advertising: Commercials and advertising productions
• Virtual reality and augmented reality: VR and AR productions

Eligibility Criteria

• Danish content: The production must have Danish content or involvement
• Qualifying expenditures: The production must have qualifying expenditures
• Cultural and artistic value: The production must have cultural and artistic value

Additional Requirements

• Minimum budget: The production must have a minimum budget
• Maximum budget: The production must not exceed a maximum budget
• Timeline: The production must meet specific timelines