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SERBIA FILM COMMISSION | 2019
25% CASH REBATE
FOR FILM, TV AND ADVERTISING EXPLAINED IN DETAIL
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
QUALITY SERVICES COMPETITIVE COSTS Serbia Film Commission • Address: Kralja Milana 4, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia T: +381 11 405 9961 • info@filminserbia.com • www.filminserbia.com
Dear Film World: Welcome to 2019 edition of Serbia Production Guide – the best resource for information regarding shooting in Serbia. Since the establishment of 25% cash rebate and significant increase in the national film funds Serbian film industry has expanded almost three times in just four years. Locations, studios, equipment, crews and talent supported by film friendly business environment and infrastructure. With Belgrade’s vibrant city experience, excellent new hotels, eclectic architecture combining old Central Europe, socialist monumentalism and urban developments it offers competitive experience in all aspects required for quality filmmaking. This Production Guide provides an overview of some of the latest projects shot on location with insights from international professionals across the industry spectrum about the experience of filming in Serbia. Extensive attention is dedicated to the 25% cash rebate that proved to be the one of the most efficient procedures in Europe. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Film in Serbia brand and Serbia Film Commission (SFC) as a flagship non-profit association in promotion of a country as an international film location. We keep our dedication in assisting international productions of film, TV and advertising from the first enquiry and the initial scouting to find the most suitable partners and crews, communicate with the government of all levels and demonstrating the country’s overall film friendly policy. Looking forward to welcoming you in the “Capital of Cool”! Best regards, Milica Božanić Executive Director
Serbia Film Commission /
Srpska filmska asocijacija Kralja Milana 4, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4059 961 info@filminserbia.com www.filminserbia.com
TERAZIJE Photo: Dragan Trifunović
WHY SERBIA
??
FRESH & VIBRANT Serbia is a must see film destination in South East Europe with an outstanding production infrastructure juiced up with amazing talents and uniquely creative crews that can make any idea possible and looking fabulous on screen!
PEOPLE WHO REALLY CARE Warm welcoming Mediterranean culture Serbia is well known for offering companies that truly care about your project. They are your real partner, not just another service provider.
ULTIMATE VALUE FOR MONEY Beyond 25% cash rebate the costs of shooting in Serbia allow for major savings on any type of international production making Serbian production cost effectiveness unmatchable in the Eastern Europe.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY Serbia has High English proficiency index (EF EPI) that scores 59.37, above European average making Serbia rank #12 out of 27 in Europe and #16 out of 80 countries globally.
HUB TO SHOOTING IN THE BALKANS Serbia boasts an array of various film friendly locations. From a unique mixture of architectural styles to the scenic nature and exquisite historical sites – fortresses, castles, villages, and the magnificent Danube. Proximity of coast, high mountains and urban European cityscapes makes it a perfect hub to combine locations in surrounding countries.
BELGRADE – THE CAPITAL OF COOL ...as Lonely Planet put it once. The reputation of a safe, fun and exciting city has only grown ever since. The metropolitan spirit with warm welcoming population where no paparazzi will bother you is destination everyone loves working and living! Great choice of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs are all at walking distance.
HANDS ON SERBIA FILM COMMISSION Serbia Film Commission is industry driven network available to guide you through everything from location research to business environment, providing premium industry contacts and partners that extend beyond the film industry!
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENT
25% CASH REBATE FOR FILM, TV AND ADVERTISING EXPLAINED IN DETAIL
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
01
ERBIA FILM S COMMISSION INTRO LTR
05
WHY SERBIA
08
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
34 FILM
INCENTIVES
INTERVIEW ANA ILIĆ INTERVIEW NEBOJŠA STANKOVIĆ
14 PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES FILM TV & TVC STUDIOS PFI AVALA VISION TEAM EQUIPMENT RENTAL VISUAL EFFECTS AND POST PRODUCTION CREW & TALENTS
SHOOTING
ON LOCATION
PENNY: ORGANIC FOOD FOR ALL
INTERVIEW WITH DEAN DEVLIN
12 42
91 DAYS AT THE OUTPOST INTERVIEW WITH SIVA ANANTH
LOCATION
HIGHLIGHTS
PERFECT FOR BUDGET WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY
70 BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT
30 86
INTERVIEW WITH VICTOR PEREZ
VAT AND TAX TREATIES VISAS & WORK PERMITS ATA CARNET
74
BELGRADE EXPERIENCE GETTING HERE WEATHER ACCOMMODATION BUSINESS HOURS HOLIDAY-NON WORKING DAYS IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
REMOTE TEAMS THAT WORK LIKE CLOCKWORK LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS » NEW BELGRADE BLOCKS » GOLUBAC » WHITE PALACE » OLD MOUNTAIN » LIBERTY SQUARE NOVI SAD » GUARD HOUSE TOPČIDER » BLUE TRAIN » KPGT » THE PREFECTURE, SOMBOR » HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION, UŽICE » LUMINA STUDIO
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MADE IN SERBIA WORKING WITH CHINA BOLLYWOOD IN SERBIA
42
INDU
TRY S DIRECTORY
KEGLEVICH VODKA - TVC Photo: Courtesy of Tuna Fish Studio
PRODUCTION DIRECTORY FILM
S
erbia film industry infrastructure is the rising star on the global filming map with a proven film tradition and comprehensive set of production services. Production companies are highly accomplished in the regional market, offering quality services at competitive costs and multilingual staff adept at shooting throughout the region. Skilled in handling different types of projects, each company specializes with their own stylistic flavor working to ensure a film friendly environment for all production needs. They are backed by local authorities to facilitate special permits and access to location sites. The country’s production companies enjoy strong working partnerships with key industry players and counterparts across the Balkans, making Serbia the ideal hub for regional and international productions.
FILM PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES
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CINNAMON FILM
VIKTORIJA FILM
Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 39a, Belgrade Phone: +381 (0) 64 8588 574 cinnamon@sbb.rs www.cinnamonproduction.comC
Kursulina 20, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2438 316 office@viktorijafilm.net www.viktorijafilm.net
BABOON
CONTRAST STUDIOS
VISION TEAM
Splitska 6, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2048 720 office@baboonproduction.com www.baboonproduction.com
Ustanička 25/4, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2440 701 office@contraststudios.rs www.contraststudios.rs
Dalmatinska 33/V, Belgrade Phone: +381 62 8077 033 ddjurkovic@visionteam.rs www.visionteam.rs
BAŠ ČELIK
CLOCKWORK FILM
SAMALJOT
Gospodar Jevremova 35/9, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3034 441 jelena@bascelik.net www.bascelik.net
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION
Svetogorska 5, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4073 613 alek.conic@clockworkfilm.com www.clockworkfilm.com
Miše Vujića 7, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3294 085 info@samaljot.biz www.samaljot.biz
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
Iconic Belgrade locations have successfully doubled Moscow streets in chase scenes of TV series Mc Mafia (BBC/AMC).
MC MAFIA Photo: Nikola Predović
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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INTERVIEW WITH DEAN DEVLIN ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT
91 DAYS AT THE OUTPOST
Serbia quickly became the obvious home for Season Two of The Outpost because they provided world class facilities at PFI Studios, low costs of production and most importantly a competitive rebate on production spend
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When was the first time you heard of Serbia as a possible filming location and what was your motivation to come here? What was the key factor in deciding to move The Outpost from US to Serbia? We relocated the show from the US for Season Two and had scouted a few other countries before deciding on Serbia. When we met with producer Jonathan English from Balkanic Media, who is based in Serbia we quickly saw the benefits of bringing the show there. The entire season of 10 episodes will be shot in Serbia, including the postproduction. What is your experience with Serbian crew and local companies so far? All of Season Two is being shot in Serbia which comprises of 13 episodes in total. The majority of post-production will take place there. We are working with a team of four editors, a post production supervisor and several assistant editors in Belgrade. In addition, the entire Editorial staff are all local Serbians. We are doing sound editing and visual effects with Fried Pictures in Belgrade, who are handling about half the entire VFX on the show. There are many more people on the crew who are Serbian as well. We’ve also hired two local directors to do four episodes plus another Hungarian director. We were truly impressed by the talent and experience of local people we met in Belgrade. There is an established film industry and people really know their craft there. We’ve ended up being a large production with about 150 people in the technical shooting unit plus cast and another 50 – 100 extras per day. The whole production is based at PFI Studios which is a great facility and also had a backlot available for us to build a large exterior set. We’re based at the studios for approximately 8 months and also shooting on location in and around Belgrade. The production is shooting for just over 18 weeks, 91 days. What is the biggest advantage of filming The Outpost in Serbia? Has it influenced the creative process and looks of the new season in any way? Shooting in Serbia has a tremendous impact on the production value and entire look of the show. We are thrilled with the results we have seen from early cuts of some episodes. In Serbia, we’ve been able to achieve a level of production scale and polish that makes The Outpost look like a new show. Everything form the sets, costumes, props, cinematography, and lighting make the whole production look fantastic. Do you see area in which Serbia film industry can improve its performances or how local governments can support film industry more? So far we are very satisfied with all the support we’ve received. The process of applying for the rebate was straightforward with all the companies involved from Balkanic, to Crow RS who are handling the rebate, to yourselves at the commission and even support from the Prime Minister’s office has been instrumental in helping us to establish and run a very smooth production. Training continues to be a key area that we would like to help more with, as more and more projects come to Serbia, creating more skilled labor is key. With Balkanic we established a trainee program for the production and have in total about 25 trainees employed on the show across different departments. Otherwise the overall support has been extremely good.
THE OUTPOST Photo: Aleksandar Letić for Balkanic Media
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TVC
PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES
ARTVARK FILM & TV C Partizanska 105, Ražanj Phone: +381 3784 1058 office@artvark.tv www.artvark.tv
BRAND VISION Žorža Klemansoa 28, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3392 266 office@brandvision.rs www.brandvision.rs
CYBER: FEW GOOD MEN Rige od Fere 22, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2183 939 office@cyber-ent.com www.cyber-ent.com
EMOTE PRODUCTIONS Majke Jevrosime 32, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3037 697 bpetkovic@emoteproductions.com www.emoteproductions.com
» Agency: Serviceplan Campaign » Client: PENNY » Production: Tony Petersen Film GmbH » Director: Martin Aamund » DoP: Julian Hohndorf » Post Production / VFX: Liga01 / Sehsucht » Service Production: Emote
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
Photo: Courtesy of Emote Productions
PENNY: ORGANIC FOOD FOR ALL EMOTE PRODUCTIONS
B
elgrade downtown has successfully doubled for Paris, Stockholm, but the version of German metropolis took a special extra mile in bringing the green future in an astonishingly shot TV commercial for German Penny markets under “Organic Food For All” campaign featuring pop star Nena. Four days of shooting included the very heart of Belgrade downtown, Uzun Mirkova Street and Terazije with establishing shots of famous New Belgrade “blocks” and lavishly green train bridge over Sava River. Director Martin Aamund and DP Julian Hohndorf inhabited over 400 extras in the main scene making it over one thousand extras in the entire project. The crew spanned between 150 - 200 on each day which labels it the biggest TVC project shot on location in Serbia in 2018. The real treat was the fact that a lot of greenery is real set dressing, thanks to production designer Tommy Stark teamed up with Serbian production designer Sanela Spajić and their team that made it all to life.
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TVC
PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES
LE SPOT PRODUCTIONS Simina 1, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3287 097 office@lespot.rs www.lespot.rs
MEDIA PLUS Kajmakčalanska 30, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2424 817 office@mpl.rs www.mpl.rs
RED PRODUCTION Jelene Ćetković 12, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3222 025 + 381 63 379 613 office@redproduction.rs www.redproduction.rs
TOP CUT Svetogorska 33, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3224 777 ana@topcut.rs www.topcut.rs
TUNA FISH STUDIO Rige od Fere 20, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4089 683 office@tunafishstudio.com www.tunafishstudio.com
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
EXCITING EXPERIENCE
SHOOTING OF ING DIRECT
S
hooting of ING Direct was unique due to size of art department building task and equipment complexity. It was shot in PFI Studio 2 in Belgrade. To shoot, it have been used massive light construction, 3 different cranes (Techno Crane 50, Technocrane 30 and Galaxy Crane), 2 cameras RED MONSTRO 8K VV, significant SFX production on set with frozen lake and a lot of snow. The project has included specially pre-designed art department designs with complete technical and architectural specifications, as well as very precise rigging specifications. A special challenge was to prepare four parallel sets, to ensure the possibility of safe stunt actions. Among other tasks, it was particularly interesting to have controlled pyrotechnic conditions in the interior of the studio, to simulated torch light in a Indiana Jones like jungle temple.
ING Direct (Red Production)
» Agency: Rosa Park » Client: ING Direct » Production: BIRTH » Director: Nalle Sjoblad » DoP: Patrick Duroux » Service Production: Red Production » Producers SRB: Miloš Đukelić, Ekaterina Ćirović Photo: Courtesy of Red Production
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I
n addition to the new PFI Studios, former national Avala Studio has been privatized and is undergoing further renovations in order to reach its full capacity in accordance to the highest studio standards.
PFI Studios is a film studio complex that offers comprehensive production facilities and services. Infrastructure includes fully equipped sound stages with attached multi-story production annexes housing fully serviced production facilities – production offices, dressing rooms, makeup & hair, wardrobe and storage. Total of 8 stages are ready for production and the site includes a 12.5 hectare backlot which includes a 6.000m2 backlot set with a replica of San Francisco City Hall in front of a 2.000m2 lake and Venice, Monte Carlo and DC streets. The most recent addition to the studio complex are standing sets of famous Belgrade buildings.
Serbia has been expanding its studio capacities with growing number of incoming productions and flourishing domestic projects PFI STUDIOS Novo Naselje bb, Ĺ imanovci Phone: +381 22 409 440 Fax: +381 22 409 410 office@pfistudios.com www.pfistudios.com
Stage #
Length Width
Height
Area17
Stage 2*
48m
38m
16m
1824m2
Stage 3*
48m
38m
16m
1824m2
Stage 4*
42m
30m
12.5m
1260m2
Stage 5*
42m
30m
12.5m
1260m2
Stage 6*
42m
30m
12.5m
1260m2
Stage 7*
30m
20m
12m
600m2
Stage 8*
30m
20m
12m
600m2
Stage 9*
30m
20m
12m
600m2
Backlot
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
12.5 hectares
PFI STUDIOS
PFI can also provide high quality office equipment, landline and mobile telephones as well as cable and wireless internet, all with full support. Plus, PFI is just 20 minutes from downtown Belgrade! Photo: Courtesy of PFI Studios
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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Studio 8, Set for TV series Vrata do vrata (Met Ro Productions), Photo: Courtesy of Avala Studios
A
vala Studios are investing 50 million EUR in building 12.000m2 of completely new studio facilities, that will in total with production support offices and administration include 50.000m2. The plans include a studio with professional indoor pool for shooting under water. Expected time for completion of first studios is 2021 and the entire facility will be fully completed and ready for use by 2023. Studios`
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
height will be 20 meters and all of them will be built and equipped according to highest technology and standards. After thorough and demanding reconstruction, costume inventory is now offering over 30.000 costumes representing different historical periods, spanning from diverse collection of military costumes to ordinary props and contemporary pieces.
AVALA
STUDIOS
COSTUME INVENTORY Photo: Courtesy of Avala Studios
AVALA STUDIOS Kneza Višeslava br. 88 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: + 381 11 3552 876 marina.ivanovic@avalastudios.com
At the moment the existing 5 studios are functioning regularly with most of them being in long-term rent:
Stage # Size
Hight
Info
Stage 1
48m x 30m, H = 16m (157ft x 98ft; H = 52ft),
two inside water tanks/pools, soundproof
Stage 7
40m x 14m, H= 10m (131ft x 46ft; H= 33ft),
soundproof
Stage 4
24m x 15m, H=9m (78ft x 49ft; H=29ft),
inside pool 9mx14m–H=3,20m, soundproof
Stage 8
20.80m x 10.30, H = 7,5m (68ft x 33ft; H =24ft), soundproof
Stage 5
32m x 13m, H=7m (104ft x 42ft; H = 22ft),
soundproof
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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Established in 2002, Vision Team is a full service film production and rental company offering a range of film and video equipment and production service for feature films, television series and commercials
T
he company became an ARRI rental partner in June 2007 and enjoys partnerships with high quality services and equipment companies in Hungary, Germany and the UK. The company strives to provide production houses with high quality services related to camera, light and grip rental and has recently started independent production of features and TV series. Their three studio facilities are designed and built to house panel shows, quiz shows or live broadcasting, shows requiring large studio audiences, pilots or sitcoms, with high quality services. It only takes 15 minutes from Downtown Belgrade to reach newly built studio complex with studio space ranging 600m2, 1055m2, and 1300m2. Studios are fully equipped with video control rooms, editing rooms, production offices, make-up, wardrobe, full service catering, and a private suite.
Stage 1 600 m2x 6,3m plus 200m2 service/office area for the production Stage 2 1055m2 x 6,3m, plus 450m2 service/office area for the production Stage 3 1300m2 x 7m, plus 450m2 service/office area for the production
VISION TEAM Maksima Gorkog 42, Belgrade Phone: +381 62 8077 033 Phone: +381 62 8077 046 ddjurkovic@visionteam.rs rental@visionteam.rs www.visionteam.rs
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
VISION TEAM
Photo: Courtesy of Vision Team
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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SHOOTING WITH
DP MARC WINDON
ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED PAIRED WITH DEDICATED CREW Working in Serbia with local crew has been an excellent experience for me. I’ve collaborated with top tier technicians including camera operators, key grips and gaffers. Belgrade is well stocked with all the tools we need, ranging from large format cinema cameras, to steadicams, super techno cranes, large scale lighting and state-of-the-art sound stages. Since you are living in Serbia, how would you compare shooting in Serbia and region? Would you recommend Serbia as shooting location to your colleagues abroad?
Photo: Tibor Varga 24
INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
What do think about technical base and crew in Serbia? Can you share some certain impression about working with Serbian crews?
I recommend Serbia as a filming destination to just about every colleague of mine around the world. The locations are beautiful and the local actors are amongst the best I’ve worked with. Shooting in Serbia offers many benefits through tax incentives, great crew, newly built production facilities and dedicated people.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
CINE PLANET Vinogradska bb, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4145 300 Phone: +381 60 3100 500 info@cineplanet.tv www.cineplanet.tv
HELIVIDEO Dragana Rakića 15, Zemun Phone: +381 60 3160 904 Phone: +381 64 2129 829 dragant@gmail.com www.helivideo.rs
MEDIA PLUS Kajmakčalanska 30, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2424 817 office@mpl.rs www.mpl.rs
VISION TEAM Dalmatinska 33/V, Belgrade Phone: + 381 65 4159 030 ddjurkovic@visionteam.rs www.visionteam.rs
Photo: Courtesy of Cine Planet
T
he expansion of Serbia as an international filming destination led to the expansion in range of latest equipment that is available for even most demanding cinematic endeavors. Serbian rental companies specialize in high-quality equipment rental from large format cameras, fast speed cameras, premium lenses and heads to rigging system that make it all work seamlessly. Latest addition being the Russian Arm and Alexa LF. Drone fleet is expanding
and is coupled with countries’ aviation tradition that ensures safety and efficiency during shooting. Large stocks of equipment and consumables for immediate needs. Rental companies enjoy great partnership with all mayor equipment producers with great flexibility to procuring more unusual equipment requests from facilities across Europe in no time. Serbia is also a member country of the ATA Carnet Agreement which enables free transport of your equipment for shooting purposes without any additional costs or paperwork. PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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BUNKER VFX BUNKER VFX Takovska 36, Belgrade Phone: +381 60 4425 544 studio@bunkervfx.com www.bunkervfx.com
CRATER STUDIO Knićaninova 3/I, Belgrade Phone: + 381 11 2620 647 effects@craterstudio.com www.craterstudio.com
DIGITALKRAFT
DIGITAL ASSET TAILORS Resavska, Belgrade contact@digitalassettailors.com www.digitalassettailors.com
DREAMDUST Cvijićeva 110/V/9, Belgrade Phone: + 381 11 3291 051 Phone: + 381 63 7763 716 office@dreamdustvfx.com www.dreamdustvfx.com
THE PIG ON THE HILL, CRATER STUDIO
FRIED Ivankovačka 6, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4094 302 hello@fried.com www.fried.tv
MIR MEDIA GROUP Mitrovicev prolaz 3a, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2458 291 mirmediagroup@gmail.com www.mir-media.rs
EDERLEZI RISING, PRIMER STUDIO
MOSQUITO ADV Maršala Birjuzova 3-5, 9th floor, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4080 473 Phone: +381 63 2809 95 office@mosquito.rs www.mosquitoadventures.com
ECHO, DIGITALKRAFT
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
SWEETHEART, CRATER STUDIO
Svetogorska 18, Belgrade Phone: + 381 11 3228 776 office@digitalkraft.rs www.digitalkraft.rs
OPEN STUDIO Rige od Fere 20, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2910 810 office@openstudio.rs www.openstudio.rs
PRIMER STUDIO Golsvordijeva 38, Belgrade marko@primervfx.com www.primervfx.com
SPRING ONION STUDIO Makenzijeva 67, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3087 577 springonion.studio@gmail.com www.springonion.rs
VR LABS Branka Ćopića 30, Novi Sad Phone: +381 64 2500 580 info@vrlabs.pro www.vrlabs.pro
WAVE FORM 10 Terazije 29, Belgrade Phone: +381 64 1153 182 bajski@waveform10.rs www.waveform10.rs
AIRPOCALYPSE, CRATER STUDIO
VISUAL EFFECTS AND POST PRODUCTION
S
erbia hosts an ambitious talent pool in post-production capable of a wide array of services for high-end VFX projects. Prominent VFX studios have collaborated with a number of film and advertising production companies from LA and New York to Dubai and Mumbai; meeting each new project with the highest level of professionalism, passion, and skill. Visual effects and post-production studios and their teams handle all aspects of creative and technical post production services: from full 3D animation to visual effects, motion capture, color grading and even stereo conversion. Whether it is feature films, TV commercials, animation, or game cinematics, Serbian artists are dedicated and equipped to realize any project with artistic quality and precision. All studios are equipped with high speed optical broadband with technical infrastructure being continuously upgraded in terms of both software and hardware.
ADIDAS TVC, DIGITAL ASSET TAILORS
Together with booming gaming community visual effects artists and filmmakers are exploring new media such as VR and AR. We partner with initiatives beyond film industry and collaborate closely with gaming, digital arts, tech and researchers that are passionate about storytelling infused with latest image technology. SFC is dedicated to further empowering the ecosystem related to CG industry and in that aim has established CGA Belgrade Conference together with Crater VFX Training Center and portal VFXSerbia.com turning November into a month of computer graphics. Employing high quality musicians and sound engineering, the companies can accommodate various types of projects, ranging from full scale symphony orchestra performances to smaller ensembles, and from recordings for films, television and advertising to live concert performances. Contemporary music composers combine their world experience with standard and custom based mixing consoles, supported by a range of high-end analogue and digital modules and excellent choice of microphones, mobile recording facilities and high speed and secure transfer of data.
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SWEETHEART (2019)
Spring Onion Studio
» Director: J.D. Dillard » Production Company: Blumhouse Productions » Visual Effects: Crater Studio
THUGS OF HINDUSTAN (2018) » Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya » Production Company: Yash Raj Films » Visual Effects: Crater Studio
2.00 (2018) » Director: S. Shankar » Production Companies: Dakshaa, Lyca Productions » Visual Effects: Crater Studio
AIRPOCALYPSE (2018) » Director: Yang Xiao » Production Companies: Excuse Me Pictures, Head Gear Films, Jixiang Entertainment » Visual Effects: Crater Studio
THE PIG ON THE HILL (2018) » Directors: Jamy Wheless, John Helms » Production and Visual Effects: Crater Studio and Lightstream Animation Studios
INCOMING (2018) » Director: Eric Zaragoza » Production Companies: Benattar/Thomas Productions, Incoming Productions, Premiere Entertainment Group » Visual Effects: Dreamdust
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
Fried
THE INVISIBLE BOY: SECOND GENERATION (2018) » Director: Gabriele Salvatores » Production Companies: Indigo Film, Rai Cinema, Frame by Frame » Visual Effects: Crater Studio » Visual Effects Supervisor: Victor Perez
BULLET HEAD (2017) » Directors: Paul Solet » Production Companies: Nu Boyana Film Studios, Sunset Junction Entertainment » Visual effects: Dreamdust
A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (2017) » Directors: Barry Sonnenfeld, Mark Palansky, Bo Welch » Production Company: Netflix » Visual effects: Crater Studio
THE SHALLOWS (2016) » Director:Jaume Collet-Serra » Production Company: Columbia pictures » Visual effects: Crater Studio
Bahubali Crater Studio
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INTERVIEW WITH VICTOR PEREZ VFX SUPERVISOR
REMOTE TEAMS THAT WORK LIKE CLOCKWORK Artists from Crater Studio were delivering what I was asking in the timing I was asking. Could that be better?
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
You worked as a VFX Supervisor with Crater Studio on the project The Invisible Boy: Second Generation. What was your experience in working with Serbian VFX artists? How do you rate the creative and organizational cooperation with them? I would say it was kind of flawless. I don’t find actually any difference between working with Serbian, US or UK artists… they are up to the level of any other studio in the world. It was really pleasant because they were delivering what I was asking in the timing I was asking, Could that be any better? The communication was really fluid, even considering I was working from another country, it was really easy. Totally approved, I would like to work with the team again in the near future. How do you see VFX industry in Serbia? Is it developed enough and what we can do better? What can be the biggest advantage of Serbian VFX artists and studios that could motivate international production companies to hire them? Right now my only experience with Serbian VFX companies is with Crater, and since I attended CGA Conference last year I learned a few things about the Serbian VFX panorama. I personally thing Government should push towards exposing the national VFX industry internationally because it is a very promising industry and you guys have clearly very good professionals. Maybe I’m being naive about this, but instead of enquiring other VFX companies to outsource from them you should invest into searching for new directors, and new production companies which are maybe starting to create interesting stories, so you have to hunt for good fresh projects. You were a key note speaker at CGA Belgrade Conference 2018. What was your main impression of the event and community? Have you had a chance to meet with new interesting talents? I wasn’t expecting it to be so well organized, since it’s the second year, but it was a very exciting experience, with amazing speakers. It doesn’t look like the second year at all, so it was actually – unexpected. I saw an amazing group of young people very willing to learn and to open to the international panorama of visual effects and that is great. I think you have the talent and the interest, you just need to cultivate it. That’s obvious, let’s say, to grow the industry. This kind of events are really important for the community of VFX because you’re going to put in touch people. Many guys there asked me about my work and methodologies; I met plenty of talent here. You gave talk on the most debated issue in the industry – “VFX in independent films: Low Budgets and Big Ideas”. Is there an easy way to it? Have you discovered some new recipe since November? There is never an easy way. If so, everybody would have done it already. It depends on the project and the director. You need to “educate” your clients when you are working on an independent project. If you work, for instance, with Steven Spielberg he will educate you as he knows very well the language and the narrative capabilities of VFX as a storytelling tool for a filmmaker. So the easiest way is to work with them from the very early days of the preparation of the project. I think independent films are really interesting as a market because they are going to constrain you to be focused on the story since you don’t have money to spend on anything that is not strictly useful for the story. I like that but there is no easy way to do that, you have to be inventive. VFX supervisors need to be storytellers - that is the main thing! At the end of the day everybody that is working on the film is a storyteller, we can’t limit ourselves to work on just pixels. We picture emotions.
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FILM SKILLS ACADEMY
THE OUTPOST Photo: Aleksandar Letić for Balkanic Media
CREW & TALENTS
T
he Serbia film sector has a history of highly skilled crews with international portfolios spurring from the families of filmmakers. From production designers to wardrobe and set construction, Serbian crews apply the values and attention to detail to their film work that spring from centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. Furthermore, Serbian crews are some of hardest working in the world, meaning that each dollar will go further with every shooting day. Additionally, English is essentially spoken everywhere so crew members will be more likely to speak English than in other countries in the region. Even though domestic film productions are organized in continental chain of command, based on the German and Italian traditions, they have adopted styles and working habits of international teams and easily blend in different cultures and film practices. The number of Serbian film professionals working abroad is another testament of high-quality film craftsmanship. Serbia is also famous for a wide range of professional actors, models, extras and talents. Moreover, crew in Serbia is not unionized, though professional guilds are established in almost every production department. Typically, working week is 6-day-week, 12 hours a day (11+1).
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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
In 2018 Serbia Film Commission started Film Skills Academy – a training programme aimed at providing courses for technical (onset) film skills and post-production. Programme consisted of six training modules successfuly attended by total of 76 film professionals. Trainings were modular and structured to appeal to beginners, intermediates and advanced level participants and provide them quicker improvment. Tutors were selected among industry experts with established international portfolio. This project represents a pilot for creation of a broader year-long training programme that will be a platform for quality and continuous education of people trained to work in film industry.
CASTING AGENCY SAV TAJ GLUMAC Molerova 68, Belgrade office@savtajglumac.rs www.savtajglumac.rs
Rian Johnson Director of the Brothers Bloom.
SERBIAN STUNTMAN AGENCY – SKA TEAM Džona Kenedija 11, Belgrade Phone:+381 60 4608 609 slavisakaskader@yahoo.com www.stuntserbia.com
SERBIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS Kosovska 11, Belgrade Phone: +381 64 6104 514 desk@sascine.rs www.sascine.rs
We had a great time with the local crew. We were based in Serbia, so large part of our crew was Serbian. But then we also traveled around with them to Montenegro, Romania and to Prague. A lot of our key crew members actually came from London, so it was interesting seeing the people from London come in and mixing with the local crew, and by the end of it, everybody just loved each other. I just had such a fantastic time there, too. I mean Belgrade is a city with such a vibrant spirit. You can feel almost feel, especially the youth and the spirit. It is blossoming.
KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS Photo: Dragan Trifunović
INCE
FILM NTIVES
FILM INCENTIVES
T
INCENTIVE TYPE Cash rebate
AMOUNT
25% of Qualifying Serbian Spend
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2019
Applications are received all year round with September 30th, 2019 the latest.
WHO CAN APPLY
Applicants must be a legal entity registered in Serbia and which is responsible for paying all relevant Serbian taxes for the production. It can be co-producer or company commissioned to do production services.
MINIMUM LOCAL SPEND
Feature films, TV films and TV series: 300.000 EUR (~ $340.000) Animated film, audio and/or visual postproduction: 150.000 EUR (~ $170.000) Special-purpose film/TV Commercials: 100.000 EUR (~ $114.000) Documentary films: 50.000 EUR (~ $57.000)
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FILM INCENTIVES
The introduction of 25% cash rebate for film has been crucial game change of the decade for Serbian film industry. The programme has benefited over 100 projects since the launch in 2016 and it success is continuing with Serbian Government determination to support creative industries. Ministry of Economy has decided to continue incentivising projects in the upcoming year with additional 100 million RSD. This makes the total budget available in 2019 go up to €7,5 million ($8,6 million). Simultaneously, the increase in the national funding for domestic and co-productions under the Ministry of Culture and Film Center Serbia to €9 million, represents significant investment in two very strong support mechanisms for the audiovisual sector in Serbia. The extremely active last year has seen the total of 11 feature films including The White Crow directed by Ralph Fiennes, Anna by Luc Besson and Intrigo: Death of an Autor by Daniel Alfredson, creator of Millennium Trilogy. Serbia is one of handful countries in the world to offer cash rebate to advertising and special purpose projects. In previous year it was applied to 40 projects. Those that top the value are campaigns for X-BOX Game Pass and Penny retail chain which demonstrated strong creative and production support by Serbian service companies in advertising.
ACCEPTABLE FORMATS
• Feature film, TV film, feature-length documentary film and animated film intended for broadcasting, that last at least 70 minutes • TV series containing at least three episodes not shorter than 40 minutes • Documentary programmes not shorter that 40 minutes • TV Commercials • Post-production or VFX for any of the abovementioned formats
QUALIFYING SERBIAN EXPENDITURE The following are considered Qualifying Expenditure towards the incentive: • Costs pertaining to the production of an audiovisual work that have oc-
curred and that have been disbursed to legal or natural entities in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. These include purchased goods and provided services, use of locations, crew payments and royalties to individuals who are residents of the Republic of Serbia or to foreigners who are legally residing for at least a year in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, in accordance with the regulations of the Republic of Serbia; • Incurred costs pertaining to the use of goods, ie. leasing of movables and immovables may be recognised only if the goods, and/or movables and immovables, are the property of legal or natural entities, in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. • The eligible costs include gross sums where there are social benefits, insurance, authorship or other types of taxes included in the calculation of costs
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION Application and all required documents must be submitted in Serbian: 1. filled out Form 1; 2. synopsis and script of the audiovisual work;
3. list of main crew members for
SMEDEREVO FORTRESS
NON-QUALIFYING EXPENDITURE The following costs do not qualify for the incentive: •M arketing costs, costs related to real estate purchase, distribution costs, •T ypes and content of qualifying and non-qualifying expenditure are prescribed in more detail in the Guidelines for the incentive programme.
FUNDING AND CAPS
There is no cap per project. Every year the Serbian government will allocate funds for the incentive programme. The budget allocated for 2019 is 900.000.000,00 dinars (around EUR 7,5 million or USD 8,6 million). Projects that surpass amount of annual budget allocated for this fiscal year may be transferred into the next year.
PROCEDURE
The applicant applies for the incentive programme to the government organization Film Center Serbia, providing an estimated budget, a production schedule together with a completed application form and other required documents. The Commission will review the application within 7 days. If approved, the Ministry of Economy will sign a contract with the applicant. Upon completion of the production, the applicant needs to conduct an independent audit and submit a Request for Payment within 45 days from the completion of production. The Commission will pay the 25% rebate within 60 days of the Commission’s meeting to review the completed production reports and financial information.
VAT
VAT is NOT considered qualified Serbian spend.
production of the audiovisual work (director, actors, etc.); 4. overview of the production budget, with an overview of part of the budget intended for production in the Republic of Serbia, expressed in dinars; 5. statement that the audio-visual work fulfils the conditions from Article 4 of the Regulation on Investor Incentive for the production of audiovisual works in the Republic of Serbia; 6. production calendar of the audiovisual work in the Republic of Serbia; 7. shooting schedule of the audiovisual work in the Republic of Serbia; 8. evidence that none of the reasons from Article 5 of the Regulation on Investor Incentive for the production of audiovisual works in the Republic of Serbia have been fulfilled (certificate by the Tax Authorities); 9. Statement on commencing production of the audiovisual work in the Republic of Serbia; 10. Statement whether it has received de minimis state aid for the same eligible costs in the current fiscal year and in the two previous fiscal years.
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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INTERVIEW WITH ANA ILIĆ
SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRIME MINISTER FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AND TOURISM
VISION FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Thanks to the Incentive programme, production in Serbia increased 162% in 15 months How do you evaluate the results achieved after three years of introduction of incentive programs for film and audiovisual production? Your former role as film commissioner was the strongest voice for introduction of cash rebate for filmmaking. As Film Commissioner, I began lobbying for Film Incentives in 2009 and since it was finally introduced in 2016, I’m delighted to report that the Serbia Film Incentive programme has proved more successful than even I could have hoped. In just the first fifteen months, from April 2016 to June 2017, the total value of inbound production in all genres was € 23,1 million. The total amount of qualifying production Serbian expenditure (i.e. qualifying for the incentive) was € 18,9 million and the Serbian Incentive rebated RSD 467.509.098 (€ 3.8 million) Feature film production alone increased over previous year total productions by 54% and the Serbia Film Incentive remains one of the only programmes to include TVCs globally. Importantly for government, our research showed that 61% of production expenditure in Serbia is spent
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FILM INCENTIVES
with small business suppliers in the value chain. 39% was spent on direct labour (independent crew). The incentive program created 2254 project-based work opportunities, equivalent to 104 full time jobs. The whole programme has offered such strong ROI, and has been so efficiently managed, that the rebate was increased to 25% for the 2019 year and the available budget doubled. How closely do you collaborate with film industry now? What are usual demands that foreign film producers have for Serbian Government? The Serbian film sector receives unprecedented levels of support from our Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who has been an enthusiastic champion of the Creative Sector, and has made the creative and digital industries, as well as education, her main policy focus. Therefore, I remain very much involved in the industry, and attuned to its needs. Unusual locations remain a key request, since we have the experience and opportunity to facilitate access to some of the most important government owned properties in the country. Beyond immediate production requirements, there’s obviously growing demand for post-production services and also for film studios, and from the Prime Minister’s cabinet we continue to meet with investors and interested parties to find ways to attract investment in these areas. And we are constantly alert to opportunities to fine-tune the film incentive programme. The budget for film industry is constantly increasing together with the budget for incentive program. What are next steps and plans of this Government regarding investments and support to film industry? Under this government, we have seen the total budget for film production increased 50 times from what it was six or seven years ago. This includes the fund for Serbian content production as well as the incentive program that’s applicable to both local and international productions. The ultimate goal really is to give Serbian film and TV industry much bigger visibility globally, to enhance international co-productions for Serbian stories and to enable our actors and filmmakers to be recognised and work around the world. But in spite of our increased financial support, we’re not interested in competing in a race to the bottom with incentives; there will always be competing destinations willing to offer more. So instead of simply continuing to raise the percentage of rebate, or cutting the qualifying threshold, our main priority has been to ensure the ongoing improvement of the quality of the programme. We’ve been keen to ensure that there are sufficient goods and services and depth of crew available in the country that film budgets can be spent on.
IP BOX INCENTIVE From January 1st of this year, there is a so-called "IP Box” incentive, which is a lower taxation regime that applies to revenues from any intellectual property created in Serbia. The new tax regime covers not only patents but the works of authors such as movies, music, games, books etc. Tax on those revenues is just 3%, which is 80% lower than the regular 15% corporate income tax (CIT). Any companies earning revenues in Serbia from feature film sales are therefore subject to an extremely low CIT regime, and the profits can be used for new projects. Additional recent changes to the CIT law provide a much better treatment of investments into culture and promotion which should incentivise the private sector to invest more in art, films and other creative endeavours through sponsorships and donations.
The newly established platform “Serbia Creates” aims to globally represent Serbia as a country of innovations and creative people. How did you recognize film industry in that concept? We are aware that Serbia’s international reputation is unfortunately sometimes linked to events of the past. We realized that there needed to be a new narrative, a new way of talking about Serbia that recognised both the country’s cultural heritage and its ingenuity, innovativeness and creativity. Serbia Creates Film sits comfortably alongside Music, Contemporary and Performing Arts, Technology, Gaming, Fashion, Design, Architecture and a whole range of other creative sectors, where Serbians are doing great things and earning recognition all around the world. I believe we’ve succeeded in changing awareness of Serbia from just a little known destination to a viable, exciting creative partner for the production of films. What is the position of film industry in Serbian creative industry? Can good example of incentive program in film industry apply to other creative industries? Film incentive programme is a shining example of good policy implemented well. The two key organizations – the Serbia Film Centre and the Serbia Film Commission work very well together and with the supportive Ministry of Economy that provides the incentives, the President and Prime Minister personally, the industry is very well established and has great potential for further development. It’s also true that the lessons from the film sector are replicable in other creative industry subsectors. From an economic perspective, incentives can help remove some of the more contentious issues of funding. It allows partners to plan and cashflow better, and ensures that money is spent and documented ever before government refunds a cent. And while there is obviously a need for a cultural funding programme, the parts of the Creative Industries that don’t have a historic heritage value – gaming, VR and AR, or major events for instance – can be readily supported through such methods.
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39
INCENTIVES -HAND
FIRST
NEBOJŠA STANKOVIĆ
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR IN CROWE RS
From the point of and independent Auditor, what is your overall impression of the results of the film incentive program so far? What is your experience with effectiveness of the process? From the interest shown by producers locally and from abroad, and from the increasing number of granted incentives in the third year of the incentive program in Serbia, we find the results positive and encouraging. In addition, incentive for production of commercials introduced in Serbia, unlike incentive programs in other countries, attracted a wider range of investors to Serbia, who recognized our country as a prosperous destination in the film industry. It takes about two months on average from the time audited documentation is submitted to the Incentive Committee for approval to the actual cash payment of the incentive, which most of the international producers, experienced with government incentive programs elsewhere, find very effective. Have production companies mastered the process of application for incentive program? Local and international production companies we have the pleasure servicing over the past years have already mastered the process. We see this on a daily basis from the decreasing number of questions and difficulties they encounter with the incentive application process, activities on compiling documentation relevant as proof of qualified costs and other aspects of the incentive process. How many film, TV and advertising projects have you audited so far? What was the most demanding or challenging aspect, or the biggest project you encountered? We successfully completed over 70 audits of production projects, which include films, TV series, commercials and post-production projects. Biggest
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FILM INCENTIVES
and most demanding projects we were engaged on pertain to TV series due to the size of their budgets and extensive documentation covering long periods of production. What would be your first advice for international productions that are thinking about filming in Serbia? What would be some first “does and don`ts” you advise them? As auditors we are concerned about did proving qualifying costs were incurred in the production. Therefore, we advise thinking ahead about formal aspects, such as keeping orderly documentation and accounting records on various production activities. We can help you with this. How do you see the support of Ministry of Economy regarding film industry so far? Although the overall impression of the incentive procedure we have and receive from producers we work with is a positive one, we believe there is room for improvement when it comes to the transparency of the process, defining clear deadlines to abide by, in order to give producers more certainty and clarity of the process. Besides audit for incentive program, what other services or types of collaboration do you offer to your clients? Over the past years and having a significant number of projects behind us, we gained deep knowledge of the film industry in the way that we are able to advise on accounting, financial, tax and, specifically, government incentive procedure aspects of production activities undertaken in Serbia. In addition to audit, tax and financial advisory, we also render accounting services to international and local production companies.
Investors recognized Serbia as a new prosperous destination in the film industry
Lucy Drake
Financial Controller, Intrigo Pictures Ltd We received the tax incentive in our bank account within 8 weeks from the end of our filming in Serbia. The process was smooth and simple, with support and advice available from the Serbia Film Commission.
CROWE RS Majke Jevrosime 23, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 6558 500 office@crowe.rs www.crowe.com/rs
On Intrigo, the Serbian tax incentive has definitely been the smoothest of the tax incentives from all the countries we worked in (Slovenia, Croatia, Belgium).
PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2019
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DANUBE RIVER, Novi Sad Photo: Marija Konjik
LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION, UŽICE Photo: Filip Petronijević
S
erbia offers an eclectic range of geographical, architectural, and cultural locations across the country that can represent a wide range of destinations. Belgrade is considered to be an open air studio with elegant central European Habsburg, eastern Ottoman and Socialist era aesthetics combined and contrasted to offer richly varied backdrops for all kinds of productions—both period and modern. Outside buzzing capital there are exquisite Byzantine monasteries and churches, Roman fortresses and medieval castles, sleepy villages, scenic vineyards and rolling farmland cut by majestic rivers, dramatic mountains, and mysterious forests. The region has so many beautiful, rich and vibrant sites perfect for filming anything from a TV commercial and documentaries to big budget feature film.
LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS
Film Friendly Serbia is a program created by the Serbia Film Commission to improve cooperation between the film industry and the public sector. The program has established 28 local municipalities and governments available to assist and encourage filming with a low-key approach— meaning limited bureaucratic requirements and a willingness to engage production to make things work. Producers do not need to apply to a central authority for a permission to shoot in Serbia. Filming permits are issued for specific locations . However, they are very instrumental in making the experience of filming in Serbia cost-effective, efficient, smooth and, most of all, pleasant. Compiled here is a collection of some of the most popular and attractive filming locations that doubled for Berlin, Stockholm, Paris, Moscow and even Kashmir. More locations can be found online through our location database at filminserbia.com/locations.
LUMINA STUDIO Lumina Images is a photo/video production studio founded to specialize in commercial lifestyle, portrait, still life and architectural photography. Their reputation with worldwide clients, including corporations, big and small stock agencies, small businesses and artists made their creative output visible all around the world. The white spacecraft-like-interior of the studio grabbed the eye of film productions. Second small studio is specifically created to double any home interior with smart modular set designs. Photo: Courtesy of Lumina Studio
Lumina World Bulevar Despota Stefana 115, Belgrade Phone: +381 60 3030 654 contact@luminaimg.com www.luminaimg.com
OLD MOUNTAIN Magical, undiscovered and still not so popular on the big screen, this Serbian eastern mountain range succeeded to reinterpret even the landscapes of Kashmir so authentically that not any Indian production could recognize the difference. Now, it is waiting for some film crews that need untouched nature and capture-ready mountain tops, impressive waterfalls and valleys. Left - URI: The Surgical Strike, Photo: Courtesy of Clockwork Film Production Right - Photo: Courtesy of Top Cut
WHITE PALACE Sophisticated royal villa built in the spirit of Serbian medieval building tradition with lovely lawns and flower areas has been perfect location for numerous period dramas and contemporary thrillers. The simple elegance of white front walls, terraces and pools, vivid and picturesque rooms and subtle entrance halls are filmmakers’ film friendly location in Belgrade. Photo: Archive of the Royal Palace Serbia
GOLUBAC Medieval atmospheric fortress which rises up from the Danube River, recently renovated and ready for its first film crews. Offering its mystical walls as scenery for historical spectacles, or projects inspired by mythology and fantastic creatures. Just be careful - the spectacular view on the 6km wide Danube will leave you breathless. Photo: Darko Ä?oković
KPGT This devastated industrial site is house to alternative theater company and thanks to its easy-transformable appearance is one of the most wanted locations for shooting. It is not surprising it served as rebel hideaway for Ralph Fiennes and his Coriolanus among other numerous projects that benefited from shooting here.
Can you share your impression while scouting in Serbia? My scouting was very concentrated around the Belgrade area. What I didn’t expect to find just outside the city were the most incredible farms and factories set on hillside which were very cinematic. The undulating hills just outside the city would work very well for a movie with multi country locations. Belgrade itself could double for most European cities and there are also locations with American influence so there is a lot of variety here. Any particular location that you would like to come back and shoot? For the Brutalist and Art Deco locations were my favourite. A lot of our sites here in the UK have been developed so it was really satisfying so see such history. The Guard House in Topčider were of particular interest to me. You could certainly see a big car chase or stunt sequence take place here. What are the two most important tasks that a site has to have to be a successful filming location? It was really important to see the infrastructure in Belgrade. The crew being so accessible especially with Budapest being just a few hours away manning if you had a huge picture you could easily crew, the hotel facilities within the city are excellent so I was assured there would be enough local accommodation to put up crew, the studio being so close helps so that there is weather cover if needed and the lighting stores on site - knowing that plant is already there is good. What is your experience working with young location managers during Film Skills Academy? What are three personal or professional characteristics you appreciate the most? The young location managers on the course were so talented and well rounded. I was so thrilled to have such a strong and intelligent bunch of young people. They really wanted to learn new skills but there understanding of all departments was impeccable. There was even a production manager on my course who wanted to understand more about location managing and techniques that are applied. Everyone turned up every day, no one was late and as a class they were so concentrated- I also learnt a lot from the experience.
Photo: Dušan Ivanović
SCOUTING BELGRADE WITH GEORGETTE TURNER, LOCATION MANAGER What I didn’t expect to find just outside the city were the most incredible farms and factories set on hillside which were very cinematic
GUARD HOUSE TOPÄŒIDER Old Guard Complex in TopÄ?ider origins from 1920s royal military that was expanded with 1960s concert hall and meeting areas. Today, it is a cultural protected area whose crossroads edged with greenery and trees are often used for car chase or stunt sceenes for project that are situated both in past century and nowadays.
LIBERTY SQUARE NOVI SAD Main square surrounded with neo-gothic Cathedral is a perfect place for numerous film crews and mass scenes in exterior. Filming in Novi Sad brings Central European town look with lovely facades, cozy streets and calm and light atmosphere of Serbian Northern province Vojvodina. Pictured here is shooting of Russian TV Series The Embassy. Right - Photo: Courtesy of Archangel Production
NEW BELGRADE BLOCKS Brutalist architecture is living its second youth, this time inspiring whole new generation of young film authors. One of the most ambitious residential project of the 70s in Europe now serves as signature cityscape of the socialist realism. It has been portrayed in numerous Serbian feature dramas and TV series gaining its reputation for hip hop and young culture. The famous “blocks� are inevitable checkpoint on any filmmakers scouting list.
THE PREFECTURE, SOMBOR Sombor Prefecture, built in the 19th century, is a monumental two-storey building, sumptuously shaped in the spirit of eclecticism, which has brought Sombor a new urbanistic vision of the European city it tended to be. Today, City Hall`s elegant and symmetrical look recommends itself to cinematographers and directors perfect for period drama.
BLUE TRAIN Train or travel machine? The Art Deco interior of Blue Train was made of high quality materials - wool carpets, velvet and silk and it stayed preserved in its original form. Luxuriously designed in 1959 for travelling of Marshal Tito and senior state officials, Blue Train consists of apartment salon of the President, ceremonial conference salon, dining car, big kitchen, apartment salon for guests, sleeping car and energy-distribution wagon.
ENVI
BUSINESS RONMENT Airport City, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission
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BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
erbia Film Commission works closely with number of business associations, chambers and business service companies related or specialized in media and film production. This way we are continuously building the pool of experts and trusted advisors that know how to best service film productions and secure compliance with both international expectations and local legal framework in all domains of media and entertainment business.
VAT & TAXES FOR FILM AND MEDIA LAW OFFICES SAMARDŽIĆ OREŠKI & GRBOVIĆ / SOG Kapetan Mišina 15, Belgrade Contact person: Milan Samardžić, Partner Phone: +381 11 3282 667 milan.samardzic@sog.rs www.sog.rs
INSURANCE ACB / EXCLUSIVE CORRESPONDENT OF AON IN SERBIA Skender-begova 3-3/a, Belgrade Contact Person: Dragan Odžaklijević Phone: +381 11 7854 600 dragan.odzaklijevic@acb.rs www.acb.rs
Serbian or foreign film production firm, registered for VAT payment obligation in Serbia, is entitled to deduct, against VAT owed, input VAT charged on locally purchased goods and services used in film production. This includes equipment rental, components and goods of Set and Costume design, legal, accounting and other services. Standard VAT rate is 20%. Hotels (accommodation), catering and transportation services are subject to reduced rate of 10%. Refund of VAT is commonly executed within 45 days. Serbia has among the lowest tax rates in the region including Corporate Profit Tax of 15%, which is below European average of 20.6% and North American 33%. Personal Income Tax rate is 10%.
CURRENCY SERBIAN DINAR (RSD)
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATES:
CURRENCY
2018
2019
USD
104.05
104.13
EUR
118.57
118.06
TAX ATTORNEY VUK TAX ATTORNEY Topličin venac 19-21, Belgrade Phone: + 381 11 2028 044 contact@vuk-ta.com www.vuk-ta.com
VAT REFUND CASH BACK IMMO Stevana Markovića 8, Zemun, Belgrade Contact Person: Mirko Vincetić Phone: +381 11 3076 640 cashbackbelgrade@eunet.rs www.refundacijapdv.com
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BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
VISAS & WORK PERMITS Ordinary passport holders with free entry for up to 30 days: Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine. Serbia is constantly introducing visa free regimes with number of countries and following latest bilateral agreements ordinary passport holders of the following 75 countries do not need to obtain visas for 90 days stay: European Union citizens • Albania • Andorra • Argentina • Australia • Bahrain • Bolivia • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Brazil • Canada • Chile • Costa Rica • Cuba • Holy See • Iceland • Israel • Japan • Kuwait • Liechtenstein • Macau • Macedonia • Mexico • Moldova • Monaco • Mongolia • Montenegro • Norway • New Zealand • Oman • Peru • Qatar • San Marino • Seychelles • Singapore • South Korea • Switzerland • Tunisia • Turkey • United Arab Emirates • United States • Uruguay
WORK VISAS &RESIDENCE PERMITS Expanding list of non-visa countries and work permits drop for creative team members of film crew
Serbian Government has been working on simplifying administration and processes in relation to filming in the country. Therefore, actors and members of creative team including cast are not required to obtain work permits in order to shoot in Serbia. However, if the filming period is longer than 90 days, actors and creative crew members must obtain a permit for temporary residence in Serbia.
We talked to Nevena Milošević, associate at SOG / Samardžić Oreški & Grbović Law Firm on this matter
Do international film crews shooting in Serbia need to have a temporary residence permit? Any foreign citizen (including film crew members) staying in Serbia for more than 90 days within 6 month time period must obtain a temporary residence permit, except in case a visa is required prior to coming to Serbia. Visa regime for entering Serbia for every country may be checked here.
How long it takes to get a temporary residence permit? It takes about 4 weeks to get a temporary residence permit, as of the day of filing the request for issuance of application. What is the procedure? Where do you submit the application? The Ministry of Interior, Foreigners Department is the competent authority for the issuance of temporary residence permits. A foreign citizen applying for a temporary residence permit should submit general formal documents (passport, health insurance, evidence of the place of stay, financial means) and documents proving reason for staying in Serbia. In case of members of a production crew and/or actors’ group this is typically a cooperation agreement between international and Serbian production companies and evidence that the crew members are seconded to Serbia to produce the audio-visual work. On the day of submission of the application the date of receiving a temporary residence permit will be scheduled (in most cases within 4 week time period). In the meantime, a passport will be returned to the applicant and he/she can travel freely. In addition, please note that the physical presence of the applicant is required.
Do international film crews shooting in Serbia need to have a work permit? As a general rule of thumb, foreigners who are members of production crews or actors’ groups no longer have to obtain work permits in order to shoot in Serbia. However, according to the Foreigners Employment Act production crew includes only authors (i.e. creative members) who are involved in the production of a movie or TV series. Therefore, other crew members (technical stuff) must obtain a work permit. How long it takes to get a work permit? Usually, it takes around 2 weeks to obtain a work permit. What is the procedure? Where do you submit the application? The National Employment Agency is a competent authority for the issuance of work permits. Work permit can be issued based on: (1) self-employment; (2) secondment; or (3) employment. Depending on the basis for issuance of work permit different documents should be submitted to the National Employment Agency. However, in each of these cases an agreement concluded between a domestic producer and a foreign citizen is required.
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BELGRADE EXPERIENCE
KNEZ MIHAILOVA STREET
BELGRADE EXPERIENCE As emerging film destination Serbia is nestled in the heart of Europe and its cosmopolitan capital is more than accessible with maximum twohour direct flight from around 60 major European, Middle Eastern, and African ports and cities. More than 850 flights are coming in and out of Belgrade every week and over 5.6 million passengers per year. Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International Airport is a twenty-minute drive from the city center and 45-minute drive from Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city. Second international airport Konstantin Veliki connects the south of the country through Niš that offers limited number of flights operated by Swiss Air, Ryan and Wizz Air.
Moscow
Berlin
Helsinki Stockholm Copenhagen
NEW YORK AIRSERBIA OPERATES DIRECT FLIGHT FROM BELGRADE TO NEW YORK FIVE TIMES PER WEEK.
Budapest
Amsterdam London
BELGRADE
Bucharest
Frankfurt Stuttgart Paris
Barcelona Madrid
Sofia
Milan Nice
Dusseldorf Zurich
Moscow
Warsaw
Berlin
Brussels
Prague
Vienna
Kiev Budapest
Sarajevo BELGRADE Ljubljana Bucharest Banja Luka Split Varna Podgorica Dubrovnik Sofia Rijeka Rome Istanbul Tivat Skoplje Larnaca Thessaloniki Athens
Monastir
Beirut Tel Aviv
Krasnodar
Kuwait
Cairo
Abu Dhabi
Monastir
Beirut Tel Aviv
Kuwait Seychelles
Abu Dhabi
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NATIONAL AIRLINE COMPANY: AIR SERBIA - www.airserbia.com Air Serbia is the national airline of the Republic of Serbia and serves 49 Euro-Mediterranean destinations directly from its hub at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International Airport with passenger and cargo services offering long-haul and international destinations in Asia and Australia through its codeshare with equity partner Etihad Airways.
AIRLINES OPERATING IN SERBIA: Aegean Airlines Aeroflot Russian Airlines Air Cairo Air France Air Serbia Alitalia Arkia Israeli Airlines Atlasglobal Airlines Austrian Airlines Belavia Belarusian Airlines EasyJet Etihad Airways Flydubai
LOT Polish Airlines Lufthansa German Airlines Montenegro Airlines Norwegian Air Shuttle Wizz Air Pegasus Airlines Qatar Airways Red Wings Airlines Swiss International Air Lines TAROM Romanian Air Transport Transavia Airlines Tunisair Turkish Airlines
CLIMATE
Brisbane
Perth Melbourne
Sydney
Serbia has a mild continental four season climate. The north of Serbia and the upland regions have a continental climate, with the typical cold winters and hot summers. The summer months of June to August offer a lovely hot climate and little rain. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, and includes snow during winter. The mountains experience heavy snowfall, and the ski season is generally from December to April. Belgrade buzzes with an unparalleled energy these days. From the sublime to the extreme, the city’s frenetic nightlife, cool urban edge, bohemian vibe and safe streets are sure to please even the most discerning visitor. When you are wrapped for the day Belgrade is a vibrant place to enjoy off screen hours and one of the best nightlives away from media attention and paparazzi.
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HOTELS, FOOD, SHOPPING With an increasing array of 4 and 5 star accommodations available from leading chains to new boutique hotels, Serbia Film Commission has developed a network of hotels that favor film crews and cater to their specific needs. As a result, our members and their international clients enjoy special rates for foreign film productions and always recommended as place to stay. Beyond the accommodation hotel industry is a good resource of film locations and follows our overall film friendly policy.
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BELGRADE EXPERIENCE
BELGRADE ART HOTEL Knez Mihailova 27, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3312 000 info@belgradearthotel.com www.belgradearthotel.com
CROWNE PLAZA
Most banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM (some until 7 PM), and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. On Sundays, only designated branches are open.
RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL, OLD MILL Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 15, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 6357 357 info.belgrade@ radissoncollection.com www.radissoncollection.com
POST OFFICES Post offices are open on weekdays from 8 AM to 7 PM, and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM. On Sundays, only designated branches are open.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Area code: +381 Belgrade code: (0)11 Novi Sad code: (0)21 Police: 192 Fire service: 193 Medical emergency: 194 Speaking clock: 195 Help on the road: 1987 Phone directory: 11811 General enquires: 19812 Taxi services: 011 19801-08
SAINT TEN Svetog Save 10, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 4116 633 sara.simovic@saintten.com www.saintten.com
MAMA SHELTER Knez Mihailova 54a, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3333 000 belgrade@mamashelter.com www.mamashelter.com
Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 3333 100 Phone: +381 11 3333 117 corporate.sales@ metropolpalace.com www.metropolpalace.com
Serbian visitors enjoy long business hours that make everything accessible with numerous establishments working 24/7. Most food shops, supermarkets and stores open around 8 AM until 9 PM Monday to Saturday and 8-15 on Sundays. Shopping centers are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.
BANKS
Vladimira Popovića 10, Belgrade Phone: +381 11 2204 115 begcp.frontdesk@ihg.com www.ihg.com
METROPOL PALACE
BUSINESS HOURS
HOLIDAYS-NON WORKING DAYS • January 1 & 2 New Year • January 7 Orthodox Christmas (Serbian Orthodox Church uses the Julian Calendar) • February 15 & 16 • Serbia National Day • May 1 & 2 International Labor Day • Orthodox Easter from Good Friday to the second day of Easter • November 11 Armistice Day • If one of the non-religious holidays falls on a Sunday, then the next working day is a non-working day.
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BELGRADE ESCAPE Photo: Courtesy of Emote Productions
LOCATION Dom Garde, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission
MADE M IN SERBIA
BELGRADE ESCAPE Photo: Courtesy of Emote Productions
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WORKING WITH CHINA Introduction of a visa-free regime between China and Serbia, as well as a cooperation agreement in the field of film and culture signed between
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ast August, the first Chinese feature film Belgrade Escape was shot in Serbia for 30 days on locations in downtown and Students’ campus. The film is collaboration between Broken Star Films from Beijing and Emote Productions from Belgrade. Languages spoken in the film are Serbian, Chinese and English. This film is one of the projects that benefit from 25% cash rebate incentive programme of the Ministry of Economy and the overall experience working with Serbian film crews and locations used in Belgrade Escape give way to more projects from China shooting in Serbia. Earlier, in 2017 Belgrade became an inspiration for the documentary Where the Sava Flows, written and directed by Shanghai bestseller author Chen Danyan, known with her multimillion fan base as Madam Chen. Film that portrays Belgrade recent history and cultural events in spirit of a road movie. Produced by Tang Media Partners and Shanghai Media Group – one of China’s largest media and cultural conglomerates with executive producer in Serbia Vision Team who took over the complete production and creative support. World premier is expected at Shanghai International Film Festival 2019. “This is a movie paradise that has been missed. Serbia and Belgrade have such a rich history, an unimaginable imagination; people are passionate and full of energy. Film professionals respect their job and love movies, they are experienced and loyal to their duties and they were great partners in this project – for the whole cast and me, as a director. In fact, every filming is a battle – not only you have to pick the location for the battle, but also, you have to find a trusted comrade. This is a place worth returning to lead another battle” – Wang Zhongyan, director of Belgrade Escape.
BELGRADE ESCAPE (2019) » Directed by Wang Zhongyan » Starring: Andrew Kai Lin, Dragan Mićanović » Production Company: Broken Star Films » Production service in Serbia: Emote Production
the Serbian Ministry of Culture and Information and the Ministry of Culture of the city of Beijing and National Producers Associations open the doors to more prolific collaboration with Chinese film industry
WHERE SAVA FLOWS (2019) » Directed by Chen Danyan - Madam Chen » Starring: Madam Chen » Production Company: Tang Media Partners, Shanghai Media Group » Production service in Serbia: Vision Team
LION’S REFLECTION OF THE LAYING CAT (2019) - TV SERIES » Directed by Cai Yue Xun, Zhu Dongning » Starring: Zhu Yawen, Yang Zishan, Mike He, Li Yuan » Producer: Pan Yan Xi » Production service in Serbia: Vision Team
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URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE (2019) » Directed by Aditya Dhar » Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam » Production Company: RSVPMovies » Production Service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production
CHEKKA CHIVANTHA VAANAM (2018) » Directed by Mani Ratnam » Starring: Arvind Swamy, T.R. Silambarasan, Arun Vijay » Production Company: Lyca Productions » Production Service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production
SOORMA (2018) » Directed by Shaad Ali » Starring: Diljit Dosanjh, Tapsee Pannu, Angad Bedi » Production Company: CS Films’ and Sony Pictures Networks Productions » Production service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production
KOTIGOBBA 3 (2018) » Directed by Shiva Karthik » Starring: Sudeep, Shradha Das, Aftab Shivdasani » Production Company: Rockline Entertainment Production service in Serbia: Family Film
KAATRU VELIYIDAI / INTO THE WIND (2017) » Directed by Mani Ratnam » Starring: Karthi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shraddha Srinath » Production Company: Madras Talkies Production Service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production
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roduction companies from India are increasingly choosing Serbia when it comes to locations for shooting. 2018 marks the busiest year for Serbian production service companies in relation to this big market. From June to August 2018 Indian films URI and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (Crimison Red Sky) were almost simultaneously shot on locations in Serbia which cumulated 100 shooting days serviced by Clockwork Film Production in the past 12 months. Belgrade, Novi Sad, Požarevac and Old Mountain were perfect locations for shooting Bollywood dramas Soorma (released September 2018) and URI: The Surgical Strike, first blockbuster of 2019, portraying European cities and landscapes of India, Myanmar and Kashmir. Sets made for URI even demanded the construction and intervention of local production designers to faithfully show the territory of Southern Asia. Serbian Government institutions such as Ministry of Defense and Military, or Serbian Stuntmen Agency provided crucial assistance and proved the country film friendly attitude.
The other area of collaboration is high end visual effects for Bollywood and box office blockbuster titles. Serbian VFX studios have been collaborating with India advertising market in delivering VFX works, but after the success of Bahubali 2: The Conclusion, the doors have opened for new projects that required high standards and creative dedication to the final look. Thugs of Hindustan is the latest release where Serbian team behind Crater Studio paired to deliver sea ambush scene and breathtaking sea combats, CG sea rocks, water simulations and destruction of ships in the in the style of Pirates of the Caribbean. Equally ambitious was sequel to southern Indian blockbuster 2.0 done in collaboration with several East European studios.
BOLLYWOOD IN SERBIA With the introduction of no-visa regime for stays of up to 30 days Serbia has become the new go-to destination for Indian filmmakers in Europe
URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE Photo: Courtesy of Clockwork Film Production
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What was the key factor in deciding to film in Serbia? What is the biggest advantage of filming here? In each of the three films we've shoot in Serbia we had special requirements. For one we needed to film in an airbase with active fighter jets. For another we needed to cast paraplegic athletics. We wanted untouched natural locations for the third. We could find them all in Serbia and the biggest advantage was that all of it was affordable. We're not Hollywood you see. So the numbers matter a lot. And Serbia was perfect for our budgets without compromising on quality. What was your favorite production department while making your film? Can you share some certain impression about working with Serbian crews and production company (Clockwork Film Production)? Both the production and art teams from Clockwork were excellent. The locations, day to day planning, vehicle and food management, equipment rental... Everything was planned ahead and the plans were executed as promised. How did you cooperate with Serbian production designers? The art team always matched our expectations whether in terms of creating new sets or to match what we had already filmed in India. Over the course of the three films I've earned the trust and friendship of the Serbian crew which I'm am very proud of. Did you have good cooperation with local companies and institutions? Yes. Through Clockwork we had access to all local companies and institutions right up to the very top; including the army and various City councils. What is your favorite location you filmed in Serbia and why? Novi Sad. The city and the people are so lovely. I'll always remember Serbia and Serbians this way – warm, friendly, beautiful and accessible. Like Novi Sad.
INTERVIEW WITH SIVA ANANTH PRODUCER
PERFECT FOR BUDGET WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY
Photo: Arjunan Bagath
IMPRESSUM Editorial team: Milica Božanić, Tanja Mitić, SFC members Design: Blur Advertising Printed by: Zlatna knjiga d.o.o. Photo credits: All pictures are copyrighted by Slobodan Pikula and property of Serbia Film Commission except where noted. SFC team would like to thank all the contributors and film professionals who provided content for making this publication. Production companies listed in the publication are members of Serbia Film Commission. Neither Serbia Film Commission nor its partners can be held responsible for any omissions or mistakes in this or any other publication. All measures are taken to prevent inaccuracies. For up to date information visit www.filminserbia.com Publisher: Serbia Film Commission, Address: Kralja Milana 4, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia Phone: +381 11 405 9961 info@filminserbia.com www.filminserbia.com
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INTERNATIONAL CREW–DOUBLE TAXATION TREATIES A foreign taxpayer who earns revenue in Serbia may pay personal income tax in another country and be exempted from taxes in Serbia provided there is a Double Taxation Treaty with that country, and that said person and the way how his income is generated, fulfill conditions defined in Double Taxation Treaty. Nationals of the following countries are eligible to benefit from the double taxation agreement: Albania • Austria • Armenia • Azerbaijan • Belgium • Belarus • Bosnia & Herzegovina • Bulgaria • Canada • China • Croatia • Czech Republic • Cyprus • Denmark • Egypt • Estonia • Finland • France • Georgia • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Iran • Ireland • Italy • India • Kazakhstan • Kuwait • Latvia • Libya • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Macedonia • Malaysia • Malta • Moldova • Montenegro • Netherlands • Norway • North Korea • Pakistan • Poland • Qatar • Romania • Russia • Slovak Republic • Slovenia • Spain • South Korea • Sri Lanka • Sweden • Switzerland • Tunisia • Turkey • Ukraine • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • Vietnam
WHERE BELGRADE MEETS GLOBAL TALENTS IN VFX, GAMING, VR AND DIGITAL ARTS November 1-2, 2019 YUGOSLAV FILM ARCHIVE UZUN MIRKOVA 1, BELGRADE
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