Cash Rebate is a reimbursement of a portion of the costs incurred by a film company during filming in a certain territory. Now in some regions of Russia there is a system of subsidies for Russian film companies. The introduction of Cash Ribate for foreign film companies will expand the cinematic capabilities of the regions and increase the attractiveness of Russia for foreign filmmakers.
The program is designed for four years. Until the end of 2019, it is planned to allocate 70 million rubles (1 065 000 $ at the exchange rate on August 23, 2019) for rebates. In 2020, the budget will spend 700 million rubles (10 640 610 $ at the exchange rate on August 23, 2019) for these purposes, and in 2021 and 2022 the amount will be increased to the annual 1.5 billion (22 637 100 $ at the exchange rate on August 23, 2019). Foreign companies will be compensated from 30% to 40% of expenses.
Cash rebate program supports the production of feature films, feature documentaries, animation films, animation series, TV-series and the post-production of all before mentioned works. Foreign film company may apply for the cash rebate through the Russian film company.
Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of November 7, 2019
Feature film (total time of at least 52 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 15 000 000 RUB (197 368 USD)
Documentary (total time of at least 52 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 3 750 000 RUB (49 342 USD)
Animation (total time of at least 52 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 5 000 000 RUB (65 789 USD)
TV-series (season total time of at least 52 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 15 000 000 RUB (197 368 USD)
Documentary series (season total time of at least 52 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 3 750 000 RUB (49 342 USD)
Animation series (season total time of at least 25 minutes) minimum amount of expenses in the territory of the Russian Federation – 5 000 000 RUB (65 789 USD)
The operator of the program will be the “Russian Export Center”, which will create an expert group, which will include representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Film industry. The Cash Rebate will be available to feature films and documentaries, as well as cartoons and series.