Greenland

Date: 2025-05-08
Film Incentive in Greenland: A Guide for International Film and TV Productions

Table of Contents

Greenland Film Incentive Overview

Hoodlum Film Fixers is your trusted partner in navigating Greenland’s film incentive landscape. With extensive knowledge of the Greenland Economic Development Board’s requirements and rebate processes, Hoodlum ensures your production meets all necessary criteria to qualify for available cash grants, tax incentives, and location support.

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 Greenland’s incentive regulations, ensuring your production is smooth, efficient, and cost-effective.

Read more on Cash Rebates Here: Cash Rebate – FilmIncentive.com

The Greenlandic government provides several incentives for film productions, including:

  • Greenland Film Fund: This fund provides financial support for film productions that promote Greenland’s culture, language, and natural beauty.
  • Greenland Tourism Incentive: This incentive scheme offers funding for productions that showcase Greenland’s tourism potential.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for these incentives, productions must meet the following criteria:

Greenland Film Fund:

  • The production must be a feature film, documentary, or television series.
  • The production must have a significant connection to Greenland, such as a storyline or setting related to Greenlandic culture or history.
  • The production must demonstrate a commitment to promoting Greenlandic values and culture.
  • The production must have a minimum budget of DKK 1 million (approximately USD 150,000).

What is the minimum QPE per project

  • Script Development: A well-developed script is essential, with a clear narrative and themes.
  • Budgeting: A detailed budget breakdown, including estimated costs for crew, equipment, locations, and talent.
  • Scheduling: A production schedule outlining shooting dates, locations, and crew requirements.
  • Crew and Talent: Hiring local crew members and talent, with a focus on promoting local industry development.
  • Location Shooting: Filming on location in the region or country offering the rebate.
  • Cultural and Creative Criteria: Productions that showcase local culture, language, or themes may be eligible for additional funding.
  • Minimum Budget Threshold: A minimum budget requirement, often ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
  • Local Expenditure Requirements: A percentage of the total budget must be spent on local goods and services.
  • Expenditure Categories: QPE may be calculated based on specific expenditure categories, such as crew costs, equipment rental, or location fees.

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

  • Advertising and Commercials: Productions created for commercial purposes, including advertisements, commercials, and promotional content.
  • Reality TV and Game Shows: Unscripted television programs, including reality TV shows and game shows.
  • News and Current Affairs: Productions that focus on news and current affairs, including news programs and documentaries.
  • Sports and Event Coverage: Productions that focus on sports and event coverage, including live broadcasts and highlights packages.

What constitutes Qualifying Production Expenditures offered by the Greenland Economic Development Board:

  • Local Crew and Talent Costs: Salaries, wages, and benefits for local crew members, actors, and production staff.
  • Location Fees and Permits: Costs associated with filming in Greenland, including location fees, permits, and licenses.
  • Equipment Rental and Supplies: Rentals of local equipment, such as cameras, lighting, and grip equipment, as well as costs of local supplies.
  • Accommodation and Travel: Costs of accommodation, transportation, and meals for cast and crew while in Greenland.
  • Post-Production and Visual Effects: Expenses related to editing, sound design, visual effects, and music composition done in Greenland.

Pre-Production Expenditures

  • Editing: Costs associated with editing, including editor fees, editing software, and equipment rental.
  • Visual Effects: Expenses related to visual effects, including CGI, motion graphics, and compositing.
  • Sound Design and Mixing: Costs associated with sound design, sound mixing, and sound editing.
  • Music Composition and Licensing: Fees for music composition, licensing, and recording.
  • Colour Grading and Finishing: Expenses related to colour grading, colour correction, and finishing.
  • Sound Effects and Foley: Costs associated with sound effects and Foley recording.
  • Post-Production Software and Equipment: Rentals or purchases of post-production software and equipment.

Production Expenditures

  • Equipment Rental: Costs associated with renting equipment, including cameras, lighting, grip equipment, and sound equipment.
  • Location Fees: Expenses related to location fees, including permits, licenses, and other costs associated with filming on location.
  • Set Construction and Design: Costs associated with building and designing sets, including materials, labour, and equipment rental.
  • Special Effects and Stunts: Expenses related to special effects and stunts, including pyrotechnics, CGI, and stunt coordination.
  • Wardrobe, Makeup, and Hair: Costs associated with wardrobe, makeup, and hair, including purchasing or renting costumes, wigs, and prosthetics.
  • Catering and Craft Services: Expenses related to catering and craft services, including food, beverages, and snacks for cast and crew.

Post-Production Expenditures

  • Editing: Costs associated with editing, including editor fees, editing software, and equipment rental.
  • Visual Effects: Expenses related to visual effects, including CGI, motion graphics, and compositing.
  • Sound Design and Mixing: Costs associated with sound design, sound mixing, and sound editing.
  • Music Composition and Licensing: Fees for music composition, licensing, and recording.
  • Colour Grading and Finishing: Expenses related to colour grading, colour correction, and finishing.
  • Sound Effects and Foley: Costs associated with sound effects and Foley recording.

Non-Qualifying Production Expenditures (NQE):

  • Marketing and Distribution: Costs associated with marketing and distributing the production, including advertising, publicity, and distribution fees.
  • Financing and Interest: Expenses related to financing, interest, and other financial costs.
  • General Business Operations: Costs associated with general business operations, including overheads, administrative expenses, and office expenses.
  • Equipment Purchases: Purchases of equipment, unless specifically approved by the Greenland Economic Development Board.
  • Non-Production Related Expenses: Expenses that are not directly related to the production, including personal expenses, travel, and entertainment.
  • Expenditures Incurred Outside Greenland: Costs incurred outside of Greenland, unless specifically approved by the Greenland Economic Development Board.
  • Gifts and Donations: Gifts and donations to individuals or organizations.
  • Fines and Penalties: Fines and penalties imposed by government agencies or other authorities.

Application Process for Greenland Film Incentive:

Step 1: Eligibility Check

  • Review Eligibility Criteria: Check if your production meets the eligibility criteria set by the Greenland Economic Development Board.
  • Confirm Production Type: Confirm that your production is a film, television show, or other media project that is eligible for QPE.

Step 2: Registration

  • Register Your Production: Register your production with the Greenland Economic Development Board.
  • Provide Required Information: Provide required information, including production title, production company, and contact details.

Step 3: Application Submission

  • Submit Your Application: Submit your application for QPE, including all required documents and information.
  • Application Form: Complete the application form, which will require information about your production, including budget, schedule, and crew.

Step 4: Review and Assessment

  • Review and Assessment: The Greenland Economic Development Board will review and assess your application.
  • Evaluation Criteria: The Board will evaluate your application based on the eligibility criteria, production value, and potential economic benefits to Greenland.

Step 5: Approval

  • Approval: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval from the Greenland Economic Development Board.
  • Terms and Conditions: The letter will outline the terms and conditions of the QPE, including the amount of funding and any reporting requirements.

Step 6: Production and Expenditure

  • Production and Expenditure: Proceed with your production, incurring eligible expenditures and following the approved budget and schedule.
  • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of your expenditures, including invoices, receipts, and contracts.

Step 7: Claim Submission

  • Claim Submission: Submit your claim for QPE, including all required documents and information.
  • Claim Form: Complete the claim form, which will require information about your production expenditures and QPE eligibility.

Step 8: Claim Review and Payment

  • Claim Review: The Greenland Economic Development Board will review your claim and verify your eligible expenditures.
  • Payment: If your claim is approved, you will receive payment for the QPE.

Qualifying Production Expenditures (QPE)

  • Reimbursement of Eligible Expenditures: The Greenland Economic Development Board offers reimbursement of eligible expenditures, including production costs, equipment rental, and location fees.
  • Percentage of Eligible Expenditures: The reimbursement percentage varies, but can be up to 25% of eligible expenditures.
  • Production Costs: Costs associated with producing the film or media project, including equipment rental, location fees, and crew salaries.
  • Equipment Rental: Rental costs for equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
  • Location Fees: Fees associated with filming on location in Greenland, including permits and licenses.
  • Crew Salaries: Salaries and benefits for crew members, including directors, producers, and production staff.
  • Cast Salaries: Salaries and benefits for cast members, including actors and presenters.
  • Special Effects: Costs associated with special effects, including visual effects, sound effects, and stunts.
  • Music and Soundtrack: Costs associated with music and soundtrack, including composition, recording, and licensing.

Cash Grant

  • Cash Grant: The Greenland Economic Development Board offers a cash grant to support film and media production in Greenland.
  • Grant Amount: The grant amount varies, but can be up to DKK 1 million (approximately USD 150,000).

Location Support

  • Location Support: The Greenland Economic Development Board offers location support, including assistance with location scouting, permitting, and logistics.
  • Local Knowledge: The Board provides local knowledge and expertise to help producers navigate the complexities of filming in Greenland.

Networking Opportunities

  • Networking Opportunities: The Greenland Economic Development Board offers networking opportunities with local industry professionals, including producers, directors, and crew members.
  • Industry Events: The Board participates in industry events, including film festivals and conferences, to promote Greenland as a filming location.

Tax Incentives

  • Tax Incentives: Greenland offers tax incentives to film and media production companies, including a reduced corporate tax rate.
  • Tax Relief: The tax relief can be up to 20% of taxable income.

Eligible Projects

  • Film Productions: Feature films, short films, and documentaries are eligible for QPE.
  • Television Productions: Television series, documentaries, and reality TV shows are eligible for QPE.
  • Digital Media Productions: Web series, online content, and digital media projects are eligible for QPE.
  • Commercial Productions: Commercial productions, including advertising and corporate videos, are eligible for QPE.