Fiji to entice film, TV biz

Seeking to attract production, the government of Fiji is implementing a tax rebate benefiting film and TV productions that use island locations and spend at least 35% of their production budgets in Fiji.

In addition, Taniela Bolea, CEO of the Fiji Audiovisual Commission (FAVC) has unveiled plans for construction of Yaqara Studio City and the opening of a Los Angeles office.

The FAVC is a statutory body set up to promote and develop the country's audiovisual industry, administer tax incentives and provide a free locations service.

The legislation will apply retroactively from the beginning of this year and provide for a 15% tax rebate payable by the government to film and TV productions. In order to qualify, expenditure in Fiji must be between FJ$50,000 ($23,310) and a limit of $1.16 million."Fiji already has in place tax incentives, known as Fi and F2, for filmmakers and other audiovisual operators who can raise production financing from Fiji taxpayers, with the latter eligible for up to 150% tax deduction on their investment," said Bolea. "The new tax rebate is targeted primarily at fully funded small to medium film and television productions."

Wanting to build on a filmography that includes "Cast Away," "Blue Lagoon," reality TV's "Eco-Challenge" and MTV's "Road Rules," Fiji formally ventured into the audiovisual industry last year with its first slate of tax incentives.

Yaqara Studio City, a proposed 5,000-acre zone, will include soundstages, offices, backlots and hotels, linked to an optical-fiber cable system connecting Fiji with Australia, New Zealand and North America.

The FAVC appointed 20-year L.A. Fiji Trade Commission officer, Florence Swamy, as the commission's first overseas representative to act as liaison at its Los Angeles office.

For more information, visit www.fijiaudiovisual.com or call [phone].

* * *

South Australia is calling on L.A. innovators for its Thinkers in Residence Project. World-class thinkers from the film industry are being invited to participate in a two- to six-month, fully-funded residence program.

Initiative, fostered by SA Premiere Mike Rann, is being implemented to grow a knowledge-based economy and will include participants from the food and wine industry, defense and IT sectors to work with the government and partner organizations.

The South Australian Commercial Office is seeking to enlist American studio personnel, indie filmmakers and respondents in advertising and commercial production.

The South Australian Film Commission and the local government want to build on existing production and post facilities that have been used on features such as "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," "Shine" and "Rabbit-Proof Fence" and raise awareness of its digital and f/x companies, which have worked on U.S. pics including "The Matrix" and "Red Planet."

Beginning this year, two or three innovators will be invited annually during the four-year program. Thinkers will be required to conduct research, teach, give public lectures, coach and participate in master classes, regional visits and round table discussions. Participants will have the option of working on their own projects as well.

South Australia boasts ocean, desert and rolling hills locations, all within hours of each other and Adelaide's international airport. Existing tax incentives include a 6% payroll tax exemption for projects produced wholly or substantially within the state and that employ residents. Police and fire services are free.

A 2001 refundable tax incentive provides a benefit worth 12.5% of qualifying production expenditure, with the key requirement being a minimum Australian expenditure of A$15 million ($9 million). Scheme is restricted to features, miniseries and telepics, and the producer applies for the refund upon completion of the project.

For more information, visit www.southaustralia-usa.com or call SA's office in the U.S. at [phone].