Israel

Israel Film Incentive Overview

The Israel Film Incentive offers a range of funding options and cash rebates for qualifying international productions. Managed by the Israel Film Fund and regional bodies, the Israel Film Incentive supports feature films, documentaries, series, and co-productions. To take part in the Israel Film Incentive, foreign producers must collaborate with an Israeli production company. The Israel Film Incentive can fund up to 30% of local production costs, including crew, locations, accommodation, and post.

The Israel Film Incentive makes the country’s diverse geography—deserts, beaches, cities—more accessible for filmmakers. Israel’s supportive creative community and cutting-edge facilities enhance the value of the Israel Film Incentive. For producers looking to maximize budgets while accessing unique visuals, the Israel Film Incentive is a smart choice. Whether you’re producing a short or full-length feature, the Israel Film Incentive will help bring your vision to life.

Hoodlum Introduction

Hoodlum Film Fixers removes complexity from the Israel Film Incentive process. We work with approved local partners to ensure your production aligns with Israel Film Incentive requirements. From setting budgets to handling fund applications, we manage each phase of the Israel Film Incentive journey. Our team provides expert support for logistics, compliance, and disbursement tracking—so you can focus on telling your story while we maximize the benefits of the Israel Film Incentive.

Incentives Offered

Israel offers attractive incentives to boost its film industry. Key benefits include:

• Rebate on Production Budget: 30–60% rebate on “The Production Budget in Israel”, which covers costs directly related to producing a film or series in the country.
• Large Budget International Productions: 60% rebate
• Computerized Content in Jerusalem Studios

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Israel Film Rebate, productions typically must meet:

• Production Type: Feature films, television series, documentaries, and animated productions may be eligible.
• Minimum Budget: Varies depending on the program.
• Shooting Location: A significant portion must be shot in Israel.
• Expenditure: Must incur a defined amount of in-country expenditure.
• Qualifying Costs: Includes crew, equipment, location fees, and related production expenses.
• Application Process: Apply before or during production and meet specific deadlines.

Minimum QPE per Project

• Not publicly disclosed before submitting a production synopsis.
• Rebate Percentage: 30–60% of eligible costs.
• Maximum Rebate: $1.5 million per production.
• Minimum Spend (Large Budget Productions):
  Typically NIS 4M–8M (approx. $1.1M–$2.2M USD)
• Project Cap: NIS 4M–10M (approx. $1.1M–$2.8M USD)

Accepted Categories Under the Film Rebate Scheme

• Feature Films: Eligible for rebate up to 60% of eligible costs.
• Television Programs/Series:
  Episodic drama or comedy, minimum 13 episodes, each ≥ 30 minutes.
• Documentaries: Non-fiction films exploring various topics.

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum spend thresholds (e.g., NIS 4M–8M)
• Minimum number of shooting days in Israel
• Meeting cultural criteria or showcasing Israeli talent/locations

Qualifying Production Expenditures (QPE)

Pre-Production Expenditures

• Script development
• Location scouting
• Casting
• Storyboarding and pre-visualization
• Budgeting and scheduling
• Permitting and licensing
• Location management, production design, and crew assembly

Production Expenditures

Cast and Crew Salaries and Fees

• Actor and performer fees
• Director, producer, crew salaries
• Writer, composer fees

Labour Costs

• Salaries, wages, and benefits
• Professional fees
• Social benefits and insurance

Equipment Rental

• Camera, lighting, sound, grip, electrical
• Specialized equipment (e.g., drones, cranes)

Location Fees

• Filming permissions on public/private property
• Permits, licenses, management fees

Wardrobe and Costume

• Costume design, rental, purchase, alterations
• Accessories and props

Set Design and Construction

• Set design and construction
• Set decoration, props (purchase/rental)

Special Effects and Stunts

• VFX (CGI, motion graphics)
• SFX (practical effects)
• Stunt coordination, equipment, performers

Catering, Craft, and Services

• Catering and refreshments
• Craft artists/technicians
• Set/location services

Specialized Services

• VFX, sound design, editing, post-production
• Music scoring, stunt coordination, camera services

Accommodation and Transportation

• Hotels, airfare, rentals, fuel, drivers
• Other cast/crew travel costs

Travel

• Airfare, train/bus tickets
• Car rentals, taxis, ride-shares
• Travel agency fees

Miscellaneous

• Office, communication, insurance
• Permits, incidental production costs

Post-Production Expenditures

• Editing (picture, sound, music)
• VFX and CGI
• Sound design and mixing
• Color grading and finishing
• Music composition and scoring
• Post-production facility rentals and personnel

Non-Qualifying Expenditures (NQE)

• Financing costs (interest, bank fees)
• Marketing and distribution
• Script development and optioning
• General administrative overhead
• Any costs not directly tied to production

Application Process

1. Pre-application Consultation:
   Meet with the Israeli Film Council to review eligibility.
2. Application Submission:
   Provide:
   • Project overview and synopsis
   • Script
   • Budget breakdown
   • Shooting schedule and locations
   • Crew and cast info
   • Production timeline
3. Eligibility Review:
   Authorities assess project eligibility.
4. Certification:
   If eligible, receive certification outlining terms.
5. Production:
   Begin production, following the certification’s conditions.
6. Expenditure Tracking:
   Maintain invoices, receipts, and payment proof.
7. Post-Production Audit:
   Verify expenditures and calculate rebate.
8. Rebate Application:
   Submit:
   • Final budget and expenditure report
   • Audited financials
   • Required documents
9. Rebate Approval:
   Authorities review and approve.
10. Rebate Payment:
    Payment issued as per approved terms.

Ready to maximize your film incentives?

Partner with Hoodlum Film Fixers to navigate rebate programs, streamline compliance, and connect with trusted local partners. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating. Contact us today to get started.