Czech Production Sector on ‘Edge of Precipice’ Following Suspension of Incentives
variety.comWill Tizard ContributorThe market for international shoots in the Czech Republic is “on the edge of a precipice,” says Vratislav Slajer, the head of the country’s main industry group, the Assn.
of Audiovisual Producers.Speaking to industry colleagues on Sunday at the Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival, Czech producers warned that they are witnessing the impending loss of more than a decade of progress in bringing in foreign shoots – and the prospect of witnessing billions going to other countries.The Czech government suspended film production incentives this year, citing a spending crisis brought on by the need to rescue businesses hit by COVID losses and to accommodate over 300,000 war refugees from Ukraine.
But, says, Slajer, “It’s a false argument.”Booming film productions would offer lots of jobs to Ukrainians, for one thing, he posits. “We can help solve the crisis – we can bring in more money.”What the government has lost sight of, he adds, is how incentives bring in rich returns: “This is an investment.
It’s not like grant money or a donation. If you put in more, you get back more.”Czech Film Commission director Pavlina Zipkova has echoed the sentiment, urging a boost to the sweeteners system.“Production incentives are essential part of the eco filming system, without which we lose competitiveness within Central Europe,” she says. “It’s as easy as that.
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