Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Film Incentive Overview

The Saudi Arabia Film Incentive offers up to a 40% cash rebate on qualified production expenses for international projects. The Saudi Arabia Film Incentive supports films, TV series, and streaming content that shoot in the country and collaborate with local partners. Administered by the Saudi Film Commission, the Saudi Arabia Film Incentive covers labor, equipment, accommodation, and post-production services. With vast landscapes, historic locations, and growing infrastructure, the Saudi Arabia Film Incentive positions the Kingdom as a rising production hub.

Hoodlum Introduction

Hoodlum Film Fixers supports your production from planning through post when accessing the Saudi Arabia Film Incentive. We structure your project to qualify for the Saudi Arabia Film Incentive and manage partner sourcing, documentation, and compliance. Hoodlum’s team works directly with local officials to fast-track approvals and rebate claims. With our guidance, you’ll unlock the full value of the Saudi Arabia Film Incentive and execute a smooth, regulation-compliant shoot.

Incentives Offered

The Saudi Arabia Film Rebate offers attractive incentives to filmmakers, including:

• Cash Rebate: Up to 40% cash rebate on production spend, applicable to both Saudi and international production companies.
• Licenses and Approvals Support: Assistance with obtaining necessary licenses and approvals for filming in Saudi Arabia.
• Unique Locations: Access to a diverse range of stunning locations, including deserts, seas, islands, mountains, and historical sites.
• Local Service Providers: Connection to a database of professional service providers, including crew members and industry experts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Production companies must be registered and licensed in Saudi Arabia or have a co-production agreement with a Saudi production company.
• Obtain a shooting permit in Saudi Arabia.
• Meet the minimum qualifying expenditure:
  • Fiction Feature Films: $200,000 per project
  • Documentaries: $50,000 per project
  • Animation: $50,000 per project
• Complete the incentive program application process and obtain approvals.

Accepted Production Categories

The Saudi Arabia Film Rebate accepts the following categories of production for evaluation:

1. Feature Films: Narrative films with a minimum duration of 70 minutes
2. Series: Episodic content with a minimum of 4 episodes and a minimum duration of 20 minutes per episode
3. Documentaries: Non-fiction films that explore real events, people, or places
4. Short Films: Films with a duration between 15 and 70 minutes
5. Animation: Animated productions, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or other animation techniques

Qualifying Production Expenditure

Pre-Production Expenditures

• Script development costs
• Location scouting expenses
• Casting fees
• Storyboarding and planning costs
• Budgeting and scheduling expenses

Production Expenditures

• Actor fees
• Director’s salary
• Producer fees
• Crew member salaries (e.g., cinematographer, editor, production designer)

Professional Fees

• Legal fees related to production
• Accounting and financial services
• Insurance premiums
• Consultant fees (e.g., location manager, production accountant)

Labour Costs

• Salaries and wages for cast and crew members
• Benefits and payroll taxes
• Fees for freelance workers
• Labour for services like set construction, special effects, and sound

Equipment Rental

• Camera, lighting, and sound equipment
• Grip and rigging gear
• Specialized rentals (e.g., drones, Steadicam)
• Generators and power supplies
• Set construction and dressing gear

Location Fees

• Fees for private and public filming locations
• Permits and licenses
• Location management fees
• Prep and restoration costs

Wardrobe and Costume

• Design and creation
• Rentals and purchases
• Alterations and maintenance
• Department staff salaries

Set Design and Construction

• Design and planning
• Construction materials
• Labour for construction and dressing
• Set decoration and props
• Equipment rentals for set work

Special Effects and Stunts

• CGI and visual effects
• Practical effects and model-making
• Stunt coordination and performers
• Specialized gear rentals

Catering and On-Set Services

• Food and beverages for cast and crew
• Craft services
• Catering staff and equipment
• Hair, makeup, and wardrobe services

Specialized Services

• Aerial footage (e.g., drone)
• Animal handling
• Camera/equipment operation specialists
• Sound recording and mixing
• VFX and post-production

Accommodation and Transportation

• Hotel accommodations
• Airfare and local transport
• Crew and cast transportation logistics
• Travel agency fees

Travel

• Airfare, car rentals, taxis, shuttles
• Per diem allowances
• Travel insurance

Miscellaneous

• Office supplies and rentals
• Communication (phone, internet)
• Insurance (equipment, liability)
• Permits and licenses
• Security services
• Other eligible production expenses

Post-Production Expenditures

• Editing
• Visual effects
• Sound design and mastering
• Music composition and licensing
• Color grading
• Software and equipment rental

Non-Qualifying Expenditures

• Development costs (e.g., script development)
• Financing costs (e.g., interest, loans)
• Marketing and distribution expenses
• Costs incurred before or after principal photography
• Expenditures not directly related to production
• Goods or services not provided by Saudi-based suppliers

Application Process

1. Eligibility Check: Verify that your project meets the program’s eligibility criteria, such as filming in Saudi Arabia and meeting content requirements.
2. Documentation Preparation: Gather required documents, including:
   • Project synopsis
   • Detailed budget breakdown
   • Shooting schedule
   • List of key crew and cast members
   • Proof of financing
3. Application Submission: Submit your application through the designated online portal or platform.
4. Review and Assessment: The Economic Development Board reviews your application, assessing:
   • Project feasibility
   • Economic impact
   • Alignment with program objectives
5. Approval and Agreement: If approved, you’ll receive a rebate offer outlining terms and conditions. Review, sign, and return the agreement.
6. Production and Compliance: Ensure compliance with program requirements during production, including maintaining records of expenditures and filming activities.
7. Rebate Claim: After production completion, submit a rebate claim with required documentation:
   • Final budget
   • Expenditure receipts
   • Proof of filming in Saudi Arabia
8. Audit and Rebate Payment: The Economic Development Board reviews your claim, conducts audits if necessary, and disburses the rebate payment upon approval.

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.