Lapland Film Incentives Overview
Lapland Film Incentives offer production support of up to 50% for filming in this Arctic region. Lapland Film Incentives are managed by the Lapland Centre for Economic Development and Lapland Film Commission.
Projects seeking Lapland Film Incentives must shoot at least 50% of their scenes in the region and collaborate with local crews. Lapland Film Incentives cover feature films, series, documentaries, and commercials.
Lapland Film Incentives offer unique snowy landscapes, Saami culture, and a supportive filming ecosystem.
Hoodlum Introduction
Hoodlum Film Fixers pave the way for accessing Lapland Film Incentives. We help producers connect with local partners, plan Arctic shoots, and secure Lapland Film Incentives efficiently.
With Hoodlum, Lapland Film Incentives become a strategic asset for northern location shoots.
Incentives Offered
By Film in Finland (including Lapland)
- 25% Cash Rebate: On eligible film production costs incurred in Finland.
- Eligible Costs: Pre-production, production, and post-production costs in Finland.
- Eligible Productions:
- Feature Films
- Documentary Films
- Serial Fiction (e.g., scripted TV drama)
- Animation
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Productions
- Feature films
- Documentary films
- Scripted TV dramas
- Animation productions
Minimum Spend in Finland
- Feature Films: €350,000
- Documentaries: €500,000
- TV Drama / Animation: €500,000
Minimum Total Budget
- Feature Films: €2,500,000
- Documentaries: €650,000
- TV Drama / Animation: €11,500 per minute
Funding Structure
- 25% cash rebate (national)
- Up to 15% regional support (e.g., Municipality of Inari in Lapland)
- Combined support: Up to 40% of qualifying costs
Minimum QPE Per Project
- Specific Guidelines: Not publicly outlined; minimum QPE is typically addressed during application.
- Regional Variations: Lapland follows Film in Finland guidelines with regional adaptations.
- Application Requirement: QPE details may be clarified during consultations or in the application process.
Accepted Categories for Evaluation
- Feature Films
- Documentary Films
- Scripted TV Dramas
- Animation
All are eligible under the 25% rebate structure as part of Film in Finland’s incentives, including Lapland.
Qualifying Production Expenditures (QPE)
Pre-Production
- All pre-production costs incurred in Finland are eligible under the 25% rebate.
Production
Cast and Crew Salaries & Fees
- Salaries and fees for cast and crew working in Finland qualify.
- Includes professional services from directors, producers, scriptwriters, and other roles.
Labour Costs
- Both employee and freelance labour costs within Finland are eligible.
Equipment Rental
- Rental costs for production equipment used in Finland.
Location Fees
- Fees for using filming locations in Finland qualify.
Wardrobe & Costumes
- Purchase or rental of wardrobe and costume items for the production in Finland.
Set Design & Construction
- Expenses for designing, building, or modifying sets in Finland.
Special Effects & Stunts
- In-country costs for special effects and stunt work qualify.
Catering, Craft & Services
- Catering and craft service costs within Finland.
Specialized Services
- Costs for VFX, editing, sound design, and other post-related services conducted in Finland.
Accommodation & Transportation
- Local accommodation and travel costs for cast and crew.
Travel
- Domestic travel within Finland for production purposes.
Miscellaneous
- Various other production-related costs within Finland, depending on case specifics.
Post-Production
- Editing, color grading, sound mixing, and other post services incurred in Finland are eligible.
Non-Qualifying Expenditures
- International Costs: Travel and production costs incurred outside Finland.
- Unrelated Expenses: Items not directly connected to the production in Finland.
Application Process
Platform
- Apply via Business Finland’s cash-rebate portal.
Eligibility
- Feature films, documentaries, serial fiction, and animation spending in Finland.
Rebate
- 25% of eligible costs, including pre- and post-production.
Timeline
- Ongoing applications
- Decision Time: ~40 days
- Payment Time: ~21 days
Budget
- 2025 Allocation: €10 million
Requirements
- Minimum Local Spend:
- Feature Films: €350,000
- Documentaries: €500,000
- TV Drama/Animation: €500,000
- Eligible Costs:
- Goods/services purchased in Finland
- Equipment and facilities rental
- Salaries paid to Finnish income tax payers
- Domestic travel and logistics
Reporting
- Streamlined reporting system including:
- Combined cost and content reports
- Follow-up questions during approval phase
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.