Production Guide Serbia

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PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA

www.facebook.com/FilminSerbia

www.filminserbia.com

SERBIA FILM COMMISSION | 2017

FILM FRIENDLY LOCATIONS 20% CASH REBATE FOR FILM, TV AND ADVERTISING EXPLAINED IN DETAIL

GUIDE THROUGH KEY PRODUCTION SERVICES BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

QUALITY SERVICES COMPETITIVE COSTS Quality services, competitive costs, professionalism, dedication, experience and multilingual crew: this is what you need, and this is what you get, in Serbia. Production services, post-production services, studios, commercials, permits...name it! All is housed under Serbia Film Commission. We facilitate international clients and navigate them through business envronment so that production value is maximised with 20% incentive as a bonus on all the existing benefits of partnering with Serbia.

Serbia Film Commission • Address: Kralja Milana 4, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia T: +381 11 405 9961 • [email protected] • www.filminserbia.com

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA

Dear Friends and potential Partners. Welcome to Serbia Production Guide – the best resource for information regarding shooting in Serbia. Serbia offers competitive advantages for foreign productions in all aspects required for quality filmmaking - locations, studios, equipment, crews and talent supported by film friendly business environment and infrastructure. Moreover, the 20% cash rebate is available since April 2016 for features, TV drama, documentaries, animation, post-production, and even TV commercials, making Serbia the next best place to go. With Belgrade’s vibrant city experience, excellent new hotels, cafes and restaurants, shops, eclectic architecture combining old Central Europe, socialist monumentalism and unique, cozy and cool atmosphere I am certain it would meet all your needs and even exceed your expectations in every way. Most importantly, your money will go further with the production value at good quality service; Serbia is extremely cost competitive, with project costs an estimated 20% to 30% lower than the East European region. The Serbia Film Commission (SFC) was established in July 2009 as a non-profit association to promote and develop Serbia as a location for foreign film, TV and commercial productions. We are here to assist you from your first enquiry and the initial scouting all the way through to the end of your project. We will help you find the most suitable partners and crews, communicate with the government on all levels if needed and will even support you with managing media relations while your are filming in Serbia, if you want us to. Within this Production Guide we have provided a range of information that we hope you will find helpful in making decision to film in Serbia. This includes information on the range of Tax and Investment Incentives applicable to inbound productions, “film friendly” accessible locations and details on infrastructure available in the country. Please feel free to let us know if you need additional information or would like to check out specific locations or meet local companies and filmmakers. We are available and ready to help. Looking forward to welcoming you in the “Capital of Cool”! Best regards, Milica Božanić Executive Director

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LOCATION Djerdap hunting ground, MAJDANPEK

SERBIA FILM COMMISSION SERBIA FILM COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY 2009 AS THE INDEPENDENT NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION OF THE SERBIA FILM INDUSTRY. MEMBERS INCLUDE THE LEADING PRODUCERS OF FEATURE FILMS, TELEVISION, TV COMMERCIALS AND ANIMATION, BUT ALSO STUDIOS, RENTALS, HOTELS, TRANSPORT COMPANIES, CATERING, ETC. TODAY, THE SFC HAS MORE THAN 80 MEMBERS.

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he principal aim of the Serbia Film Commission is to promote and develop Serbia as a cost-effective, high-quality, competitive destination for international film and TV production, and to provide information and support to international filmmakers considering using Serbia for their projects. The commission is therefore dedicated to expanding the film location and crew/business database, improving skills and services, and generally fostering a film-friendly environment in the country. Our campaign materials are branded Film in Serbia. SFC has created and is continually updating an extensive online database of film locations in Serbia, offering over 500 locations for shooting in Serbia, with over 5,000 high quality photos. We have developed Film Friendly certification program and have certified 28 towns and municipalities thus far. Serbia

Film Commission is the only film commission in the region of Southeast Europe, SFC is also member of the European Film Commissions Network EUFCN. SFC is the first point of contact for international clients and the perfect liaison between the industry and the government on all levels. Services we provide: • Initial information, references for local suppliers; • Locations recommendation as per specific request and script • Initial scouting of locations • Concise information and consultation on local incentives, taxes and other regulations • Special deals with hotels, accommodation, transport companies and other suppliers • Facilitating media relations and supporting PR management

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Let us know how we can assist you! Serbia Film Commission / Srpska filmska asocijacija Kralja Milana 4, Belgrade, T:+381 11 405 9961 [email protected] • www.filminserbia.com 5

LOCATION Knez Mihajlova, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission

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 Serbia is well known for offering fully committed, reliable service companies that truly care about your project. They are your real partner, not just another service provider.

DIVERSITY OF LOCATIONS AND SEASONS 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. And it is all accessible at FilminSerbia.com location database.

VARIETY OF FACES Serbia is in the middle of Europe, at the borders between the West and the East and Serbian people represent a unique mixture of cultures and looks. You can find actors, extras and stunts of a great number of ethnical looks.

ULTIMATE VALUE FOR MONEY All of it comes on a very competitive budget allowing for major savings on any type of production. With the 20% cash rebate introduced in 2016 production value you get for actual costs goes higher than in any surrounding countries.

BELGRADE - BEST CITY TO VISIT IN EUROPE IN 2014 ...as announced by famous travel bloggers. Or the „Capital of Cool“ as Lonely Planet put it. The reputation of a safe, fun and exciting city has only grown ever since. No paparazzi will bother you! And you will have great choice of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs, all at walking distance.

BRAND NEW SOUND STAGES JUST 20 MIN FROM DOWNTOWN Eight brand new studios under PFI flag have been servicing international productions with new infrastructure investments happening around the capital as we speak. Restructure of Avala Studio will complete the offer of two major sound stages both just 20 minutes from the international airport and city center.

HANDS ON SERBIA FILM COMMISSION Serbia Film Commission will guide you through everything and find the best partners for your project! Let us know WHEN you are ready to come. We know HOW to cater to all your needs. And if you need more convincing, please ask Ralph Fiennes, Pierce Brosnan, John Cusak, Gerard Butler, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Chastain, Chris Noth, Derek Jacobi, Anthony LaPaglia, or Vanessa Redgrave—all of which have filmed in Serbia!

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LOCATION Cunguljski Waterfall, Pirot Photo: Tourism organisation Pirot

TABLE OF CONTENT

SERBIA FILM COMMISSION INTRO

WHY SERBIA

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10

05 INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

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63 33 FILM INCENTIVES

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

FILM FRIENDLY LOCATIONS

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FILMED IN SERBIA GETTING AROUND

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LOCATION KPGT, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission

INDUSTRY DIRECTORY EXPANDING NUMBER OF PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES, POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND TWO SOUND STAGE STUDIOS

PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES ARTVARK FILM & TV Partizanksa 105, 37215 Razanj T: +381 37 841 058 [email protected] www.artvark.tv

BABOON PRODUCTION Splitska 6, Belgrade T: +381 11 2048720 [email protected] www.baboonproduction.com

BANDUR FILM Kneza Viseslava 88 Belgrade T: +381 11 40 94 873 [email protected] www.bandurfilm.com

FILM HOUSE BAS CELIK Gospodar Jevremova 35/9 Belgrade T: +381 11 303 4441 [email protected] www.bascelik.net

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THE COUNTRY’S PRODUCTION COMPANIES ENJOY STRONG WORKING PARTNERSHIPS WITH KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS.

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erbia offers a well-developed film industry infrastructure and a comprehensive set of production services. Production companies are highly accomplished, offering quality services at competitive costs and multilingual staff adept at shooting throughout the former Yugoslavia. 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. The industry directory presented here is a collection of well established and experienced leading production companies in features, television, and commercials. These production companies are highly accomplished in the local market and are established in the international market as well. They are skilled in handling different types of projects, though each company specializes with their own stylistic flavor. Serbia Film Commission serves as a premium resource in offering partnership connections with network of productions companies and all relevant service providers, infrastructure and business partners.

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BAS PRODUCTION Ruzveltova 48, Belgrade T: +381 011 3282 530 [email protected] www.basproduction.com

CINNAMON FILMS Vladimira Tomovica 5, Belgrade T: +381 (0)64 8588574 [email protected] www.cinnamonfilm.com

CONTRAST STUDIOS Ustanička 25/4, Belgrade T: +381 11 244 07 01 [email protected] www.contraststudios.rs

BRAND VISION Zorza Klemansoa 28, Belgrade T: +381 11 3392266 [email protected] www.brandvision.rs

EMOTE PRODUCTIONS Majke Jevrosime 32, Belgrade T: +381 11 303 76 97 [email protected] www.emoteproductions.com

CYBER: FEW GOOD MEN Rige od Fere 22, Belgrade T: +381 11 3036 054 [email protected] www.cyber-ent.com

INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

LEGEND INFO SFC HAVE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL REFERENCES IN FOLLOWING SERVICES AND PROJECTS: F-F  ILM PRODUCTION AND SERVICE COMPANIES TV – TV PRODUCTION TVC – ADVERTISING PRODUCTION VR – VIRTUAL REALITY VFX – VISUAL EFFECTS PP – POST PRODUCTION SERVICES R – RENTAL COMPANY S – STUDIO FACILITIES S – SOUND DESIGN C – CREW TLC – TAX AND LEGAL SERVICES H – HOTELS

CHRIS NOTH Actor

ANTHONY LAPAGLIA AND JAMES FLOYD SHOOTING NEWCOMER (2015) Photo: Slobodan Pikula, courtesy of Ringier Axel Springer

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

I think professionalism here is of highest quality and standard. It is what makes it very enjoyable, as an actor, to be able to come to places like this.

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PRODUCTION SERVICE COMPANIES FILM IN SERBIA BRAND ENABLES EASY NAVIGATION TO ALL PRODUCTION SERVICES AND KEY INDUSTRY CONTACTS

CLOCKWORK FILM PRODUCTION Svetogorska 17, Belgrade T: +381 11 407 36 13 [email protected] www.clockworkfilm.com

LE SPOT PRODUCTIONS Simina 1, Belgrade T: +381 11 3287 097 [email protected] www.lespot.rs

MEDIA PLUS Kajmakcalanska 30, Belgrade T: +381 11 24 24 817 [email protected] www.mpl.rs

SAMALJOT PRODUCTION Mise Vujica 7, Belgrade T: +381 11 3294 085 [email protected] www.samaljot.biz

TOP CUT Svetogorska 33, Belgrade T: +381 11 3221 777 [email protected] www.topcut.rs

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RED PRODUCTION Jelene Cetkovic 12, Belgrade T: +381 11 322 2025 [email protected] www.redproduction.rs

TUNA FISH STUDIO Rige od Fere 20, Belgrade T: +381 11 4089 683 [email protected] www.tunafishstudio.com

VIKTORIJA FILM Ljubostinjska 5, Belgrade T: +381 11 344 0456 [email protected] www.viktorijafilm.net

VISION TEAM Dalmatinska 33/V, Belgrade T: +381 62 8077 046 [email protected] www.visionteam.rs

VR LABS Branka Copica 30 Novi Sad T: +381 64 2500 580 [email protected] www.vrlabs.pro

“CAN DO“ ATTITUDE

Serbian production companies are already famous for its “can do“ attitude and willingness to take on any chalenge securing high production value at competitive price.

INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

LOCATION Film set Roma Barocca, Kosutnjak Photo: Verdict Film

RACHEL WEISZ Actress

RAM BERGMAN Producer of Brothers Bloom

We had a blast. We loved being in Serbia. It was amazing getting to know Belgrade. We had a wonderful time there, made Serbian friends. Really good!

It was a great experience. It was against what the most people expected. The variety of location and the fact that there was a good crew, plus the cost of - it was a crucial thing. When I edited all, I said “It is a no brainer!” . And the experience, it was totally worth it! And I am gonna do another movie there.

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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SOUND STAGES AND STUDIOS

PFI STUDIOS Novo Naselje bb 223000 Simanovci T: +381 22 409 400 Fax: +381 22 409 410 [email protected] www.pfistudios.com

PFI STUDIOS

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erbia has been expanding its studio capacities with growing number of incoming productions and flourishing domestic projects. In 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.

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LOCKOUT (2012) Courtesy of PFI Studios

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FI 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 back lot. The most recent addition to the studio complex is a 1,200m2 green stage. PFI can also provide

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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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high quality office equipment (PCs, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, etc.), office supplies, landline and mobile telephones as well as ISDN, cable and wireless internet, all with full support. Plus, PFI is just 20 minutes from downtown Belgrade!

12.5 hectares

INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

AVALA STUDIOS Kneza Višeslava br. 88 Belgrade T: + 381 11 3552 876 [email protected]

AVALA STUDIOS IS COMPLEX OF FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE LARGE KOŠUTNJAK PARK, ONLY 6 KILOMETERS AWAY FROM BELGRADE’S CENTER.

AVALA STUDIOS

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vala Studios Beograd is complex of facilities located in the heart of the large Košutnjak park, only 6 kilometers away from Belgrade’s center. Avala Studios is the oldest and the largest film company of the former Yugoslavia founded in 1946. Driven by Marshal Tito’s passion for cinema Avala film produced a total of 220 feature films, 430 documentaries, and participated in production of the international world classics such as Long Ships, Kelly Heros, Boris Godunov, Genghis Khan, with Hollywood stars Elisabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Yul Brynner, Orson Vels and Sofia Loren being among many guests of Avala. Today new management of the studios initiated reconstructioction and complete renovation of

the facilities expecting to offer its full capacities in three years time. Currently the studio offers 4 sound stages and a backlot with the addition of a Head Office,

vehicle storage unit, as well as a small building with apartments for actors. Studios 1, 5 and 7 are used for TV shows while external studio Surcin is equipped and available for TV commercials.

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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 5

32m x 13m

H=7m (104ft x 42ft; H = 22ft)

soundproof

Backlot with total

9,850 m29,850 m2

Studio

Size

Hight

Surcin

40m x 20m

H=8m (131ft x 65ft, H=26ft)

Info: 800m2 with 200m2 additional office, makeup and wardrobe space

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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EQUIPMENT RENTAL

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range of Serbian companies specialize in high-quality equipment rental. Most maintain large stocks of equipment and consumables for immediate needs and are experienced at procuring more unusual equipment requests from facilities across Europe. 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.

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VISION TEAM Dalmatinska 33/V Belgrade T: +381 62 8077 046 [email protected] www.visionteam.rs

CINEPLANET Vinogradska bb, Belgrade T: +381 11 4145 300 T: +381 60 3100 500 [email protected] www.cineplanet.tv

CINNERENTAL Bulevar Vojvode Misica 39a, Belgrade T: +381 (0)64 8588 574 [email protected] www.cinnerental.com

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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

ATA CARNET ATA DEPARTMENT SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Krunska 26, 11000 Beograd T: +381 (0)11 3231 016 [email protected] www.pks.rs [email protected] ATA Carnet adviser - in charge of claims T: +381 (0)11 3304 533 Aleksandar Miladinovic [email protected] Milan Sovilj - [email protected]

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

BY AIR OR ROAD YOUR GEAR IS COVERED BY CARNET

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erbia is a member country of the ATA Carnet Agreement which enables free transport of your equipment for shooting purposes without any additional costs or paperwork. Whether you are coming in the country by air or by road your gear is covered by carnet. For assistance in issuing ATA documents for equipment to be transported outside Serbia please advise Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Online application for new and additional Carnet documents is possible.

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SOUND & MUSIC MIR MEDIA GROUP Mitovicev prolaz 3a, Belgrade T: +381 11 245 8291 E: [email protected] www.mir-media.rs

WAVEFORM10 Terazije 29, Belgrade T: +381 64 1153 182 E: [email protected] www.waveform10.rs

STUDIOS OF DIFFERENT SCALE CAN PROVIDE VARIETY OF SOUND POSTPRODUCTION SERVICES FROM COMPOSING TO ORCHESTRATION, SOUND ENGINEERING TO FOLLY AND ADR.

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ince 1985 Faculty of Drama Art, Belgrade University introduced graduate program for sound recording, design and engineering across film, television, radio, theatre and multimedia. As one of the first departments in the region it is complemented with numerous other schools and academic studies that spring talents and award winning sound designers and recording professionals that have worked in every corner of the globe.

Employing high quality musitians 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. Studio facilities pack leading technology brands and offer simultaneous recording with backup system capable of recording at any rate from 48 to 96k. 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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PIERCE BROSNAN Variety We shot for real on the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, they were so great to us. They gave us palaces and the government buildings. They let us run around in their city with guns and explosions and car chase sequences!

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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

August Jacobsson DoP, Sword of Vengance Photo: Red Production

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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CRATER STUDIO Knicaninova 3/I Belgrade T: + 381 11 2620 647 [email protected] www.craterstudio.com

DIGITALKRAFT Svetogorska 18 Belgrade T: + 381 11 3228 776 [email protected] www.digitalkraft.rs

DREAMDUST Cvijiceva 110/V/9 Belgrade T: + 381 11 329 1051 + 381 63 776 3716 [email protected] www.dreamdustvfx.com

MEDIA PLUS Kajmakcalanska 30 Belgrade T: +381 11 24 24 817 [email protected] www.mpl.rs

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POST PRODUCTION - VFX SERBIA HOSTS AN AMBITIOUS POSTPRODUCTION INDUSTRY CAPABLE OF A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES FOR HIGHTECH POST-PRODUCTION PROJECTS.

SPRING ONION STUDIO Makenzijeva 67 Belgrade T: +381 11 308 75 77 [email protected] www.springonion.rs

CINNE POST Bulevar Vojvode Misica 39 Belgrade T: +381 64 85 88 574 [email protected] www.cinnepost.com

MOSQUITO ADV Draze Pavlovica 3 Belgrade T: +381 11 27 54 710 [email protected] www.mosquito.rs

AMY SMITH Global Head of Recruitment, Framestore

OPEN STUDIO Rige od Fere 20 Belgrade T: +381 11 29 10 809 [email protected] www.openstudio.rs

The talent on display was of a very high standard and I was impressed by how many of the studios are already collaborating on high-profile film projects with major studios elsewhere in the world.

INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

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rominent VFX studios have collaborated with a number of film and advertising production companies from LA and New York to Mumbai and Dubai; 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: modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, rigging, animation, compositing, matte painting, FX, match moving, motion capture, color grading and even stereo conversion. Whether it is feature films, TV commercials, animation, or music videos, Serbian artists are dedicated and equipped to realize any project with artistic quality and precision. Furthermore, post-production and VFX works are eligible for 20% incentive.

PROJECTS /CREDITS • A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS (2017); Directors – Barry Sonnenfeld, Mark Palansky, Bo Welch; Starring – Neil Patrick Harris, Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, Presley Smith; Production Company – Netflix; Visual effects– Crater Studio

All studios are equipped with high speed optical broadband with technical infrastructure being continuously upgraded in terms of both software and hardware. Together with booming gaming community visual effects artists and filmmakers are rapidly expanding into VR and AR.

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• THE SHALLOWS (2016); Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra; Starring – Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Angelo Josue Lozano Corzo; Production company – Columbia pictures; Visual effects – Crater Studio

• LAVALANTULA (2015), directed by Mike Mendez, Production Company: Cinetel Films for SyFy Channel, Visual Effects: Dreamdust

• THE OTHER GUYS (2010); directed by Adam McKay; starring – Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Derek Jeter; Production company – Columbia Pictures; Visual effects – Crater Studio

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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CREW &... SERBIAN STUNTMAN AGENCY– SKA TEAM gathers around members of the Serbian Stuntman Association and is its official team. The Serbian Stuntman Agency represents the Serbian Stuntman Association at all competitions, projects, events with an extensive credit list of international projects. Dzona Kenedija 11, Belgrade T: +381 60 4608609 [email protected] www.stuntserbia.com

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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 artists, crews and specialists listed in international roll out credits speaks in favour of this statement. Moreover, crew in Serbia is not unionized, though professional guilds are established in almost every production department. Typically, they work 6 days a week, 12 hours a day (11+1). Serbia Film Commission can recommend a number of freelancers from all departments. However, your local production service company can gather best available crews for you, with skills and experience fit for the needs of a specific project.

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RIAN JOHNSON Director of the Brothers Bloom. 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.

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INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

CASTING AGENCY SAV TAJ GLUMAC Molerova 68, Belgrade [email protected] www.savtajglumac.rs

SERBIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS Kosovska 11, Belgrade T: +381 64 610 4514 [email protected] www.sascine.rs

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

...TALENTS

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he ethnic makeup of Serbia’s population is diverse, with around 40 nationalities living side by side with the Serb majority. Thus, people of various nationalities, physical types, and ages from the country and the surrounding region are available to enrich any film and TV project. Serbia is also famous for a wide range of professional actors, models, extras and talents.

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LOCATION Ada Bidge, Belgrade Photo: Dragan Trifunovic

FILM INCENTIVES FEATURES, TV SERIES, DOCS, ANIMATION, POST PRODUCTION AND TVCS ARE INVITED TO BENEFIT FROM 20% CASH REBATE

FILM INCENTIVES CROWE HORWATH AUDIT Terazije 5, Belgrade T: +381 11 655 85 00 [email protected] www.crowehorwath.rs

MARC D. EVANS Producer of The Raven We saved $3m-$5m, depending on where you compare to.

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he Ministry of Economy published an open call for applications on April 15, 2016 for feature films, documentaries, TV series, animation, TV commercials and post production to submit for a 20% cash rebate on qualified Serbian spend. Since its inception the procedure proved to ensure a simple, straightforward, well structured and well managed program that so far supported over 20 project across all categories.

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SHOULD YOU NEED ANY HELP WITH UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATIONS AND PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.

FILM INCENTIVES

INCENTIVE TYPE

CASH REBATE AMOUNT 20% OF QUALIFYING SERBIAN SPEND DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2017

APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED ALL YEAR ROUND WITH SEPTEMBER 30TH, CUT OFF FOR 2017. 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) 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 occurred 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; • I ncurred 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 NON-QUALIFYING EXPENDITURE The following costs do not qualify for the incentive: • Marketing costs, costs related to real estate purchase, distribution costs, • Types 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 2017 is 400.000.000,00 dinars (around EUR 3,2 million or $3,6 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 20% 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.

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. l ist of main crew members for production of the audiovisual work (director, actors, etc.); 4. o  verview of the production budget, with an overview of part of the budget intended for production in the Republic of Serbia, expressed in dinars; 5. s tatement 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. p  roduction calendar of the audiovisual work in the Republic of Serbia;

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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.

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INCENTIVES FIRST HAND

MINISTER OF ECONOMY GORAN KNEZEVIC OUTLINES 20% CASH REBATE BENEFITS

I

n April 2016, The Ministry of Economy published a public call for the allocation of Incentives to Investors for the Production of Audiovisual Works in the Republic of Serbia. This has made Serbia the 19th European country offering incentives for the production of international feature films, TV dramas, animation, documentaries, and even TV commercials. With the incentive fund in the amount of 20% of eligible costs, which are now in effect, Serbia as a film destination has become one of the most competitive in the region. The Ministry of Economy summarizes the first year of implementation and the importance of the introduction of the Decree on Incentives to Investors in the Republic of Serbia to Produce Audiovisual Work, the benefits it brings the Serbian economy, expected results in the coming period, as well as the potential for expansion. The Ministry of Economy conducts various incentives for investment in Serbia. What are the key elements for the acceptance of the film industry in Serbia and how will we evaluate the results achieved after the introduction of incentive programs for film and audiovisual production? How are the projects rewarded? What are the reactions of the beneficiaries awarded? Our country has a good foundation for a successful film industry; however, our offers of high level service, lower cost structure, and the potential for growth of the industry cannot be realized without the incentive program. To further this potential, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decree on Incentives to Investors in the Republic of Serbia to Produce Audiovisual Work in mid-2015. This will significantly increase greater investment in the film industry, enabling the return of qualified expenses realized in the Republic of Serbia back to investors. Incentives are awarded in the amount of 20% of eligible costs. For regulation to be applied in full capacity, it was necessary to appoint a competent committee that will analyze the requests and decide on the allocation of incentives, as was done in April 2016. The committee has approved a total of 9 requests for allocation of incentives in the film industry, which has made the payment of incentive funds in the amount of 336,343,304.40 dinars (€2.7 M). As a result of these incentives, Serbia was used for a variety of international film productions from American to Indian, as well as international advertising projects. This is evidence of

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the large capacity of our film industry and the importance of incentives. How will the effects of incentives attract investment in other sectors? We all know how recognizable, attractive locations with a single project can be re-used as a destination for shooting other film projects. Therefore, incentives for film projects in Serbia will have a positive effect on the revitalization of abandoned sites, engaging the local population, as well as the development of tourism in these locations. Let us not forget that the film incentives have a direct impact on employment and payment by production companies and film workers involved in the production of the film and whose services and fees pay taxes and contributions. At the same time, the employment of our suppliers is not an insignificant result. We estimated that 50 to 300 of suppliers— caterers, builders, textile designers, and a variety of other artisans— are engaged per project. The production pays taxes on the purchase of goods and services which therefore creates an inflow to the state budget. Estimates indicate that for each invested euro the state receives a direct income of 1.4 euros through tax revenues. Also, the calculation shows that every euro of incentives attracts €5.32 of foreign film investment. With statistics aside, the efforts of the state to increase the amount of movies shot in Serbia improves recognition of Serbia in the world, attracting tourists, as well as world famous actors, directors, and producers.

INCENTIVE BENEFICIARIES IN 2016 MAYHEM, RAGE LLC (USA). TAU, TAU MOVIE LLC - KAOSTHEORY ENTERTAINMENT (USA). THE MOON AND THE SUN, LIGHTSTREAM ANIMATIONS STUDIOS (USA). THE SHALLOWS, DIGITAL SANDBOX LLC (USA). NUSICIJADA, RTS (SRB). KRYPTON, HORIZON SCRIPTED TELEVISION (USA). PAPILLON, PAPILLON MOVIE LLC (USA). VICTORY, SATHYA JYOTHI FILMS (India). TVC HENKEL LOSK-PAS, Henkel AG&Co (GER)

FILM INCENTIVES

The program was approved with an annual budget of 400 million dinars (€ 3.2 M) in 2016 and the same sum was allocated for 2017. Do you expect higher demand in the near future? Will the Ministry consider options for increasing the budget in the coming years? By May 2017, a total of 21 requests for the granting of incentives were submitted to the committee, but the assumption is that by the end of this financial year all of the funds provided for this purpose in the budget will have been exhausted. Depending on whether it is necessary, and particularly if the significance of the projects should escalate and in turn demand a higher budget for 2017 and the coming year, increasing the budget will be considered as long as it remains in line with revenue and priority commitments of the budget of the Republic of Serbia. The Ministry of Economy is working on new regulations to improve the program. What can international production companies expect in the future? Experience has shown that changes were necessary in order to clearly and precisely define terms and conditions proposed in the regulation, such as the definition of the applicant considering the applicant is not always the investor of the project. Now this will be more clearly defined and insist on the agreement between the parties involved. In addition, we plan to request a mandatory bank guarantee. The bank guarantee ensures a refund of funds to the investor should the applicant not transfer the money to him within 45 days. The changes aim to facilitate an efficient process and easier administration for the applicant.

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

A WORD FROM THE AUDITOR ĐORĐE DIMIĆ, CROWE HORVAT

How would you describe the processing of the film incentive program so far? Although this is only the second year, we feel that the film incentive program is really taking on. Average delivery time of the auditors report is 7 to 12 days for audits of TV commercials and up to 20 days for TV series or films. Regarding the payments of the Ministry, from our practice they can take anywhere between 7 days and a month depending on the time it takes for the presiding commission to decide on accepting the application and the auditors‘ report. What is the best advise for applicants regarding the Audit process? Do you like to be involved in the process from the early stage or after the production is completed? Crowe Horwath offers advisory in preparation of application and setting the reporting process so that the final Audit is time effective and precise. Yes, we prefer to be involved from the early stage. Consulting the client even before the shooting takes place means avoiding potential problems with lacking adequate or complete paperwork proving the existance of qualifying costs. What is the expertiese that Crowe Horwath is offering to film industry? Crowe Horwath is a strong pratner to global Media and Entertainment industry. Our Ireland office was one of the key partners for Irish Tax Rebate programe. We occasionaly consult with our colleagues from other countries on some contentious matters. My team audited over a dozen of projects and assisted in ensuring accurate reporting and financial management of productions that were shot in Serbia. Our extensive expertise coupled with a strong relationship established with Ministry of Economy and all other relevant stakeholders in the film industry result in a first class service that we offer to our clients. What do you think is the added value of Serbian film incentive program? The fact that the call for projects is open all year and that the Ministry is working towards reducing unneccessary paperwork and making administrative proceduress highly efficient is, in our opinion, the key added value.

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FILM FRIENDLY LOCATIONS SERBIA IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN OPEN AIR STUDIO COMBINING OTTOMAN, CENTRAL EUROPEAN AND SOCIALIST AESTETICS WITH CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

LOCATION Palace, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission

FILM FRIENDLY LOCATIONS SERBIA OFFERS A DRAMATIC RANGE OF DIVERSE GEOGRAPHICAL, ARCHITECTURAL, AND CULTURAL LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT CAN REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF DESTINATIONS. SERBIA IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN OPEN AIR STUDIO WITH ELEGANT HAPSBURG, EASTERN OTTOMAN AND SOCIALIST ERA AESTHETICS COMBINED AND CONTRASTED TO OFFER RICHLY VARIED BACKDROPS FOR ALL KINDS OF PRODUCTIONS—BOTH PERIOD AND MODERN.

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utside buzzing Belgrade 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, unique and vibrant sites perfect for filming anything from a TV commercial and documentaries to big budget feature films. Film Friendly Serbia is a program created by the Serbia Film Commission to improve cooperation between the film industry and the public sector. The primary purpose is to standardize the film permitting process in order to improve the environment for filmmakers working in Serbia. Through the Film Friendly program, Serbia Film Com-

mission 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 from each of the 28 film friendly municipalities, respectively. More locations can be found online through our location database at filminserbia.com/ locations

The mini-series “Around the World in 80 Days” starring Pierce Brosnan was filmed in and around Serbia in 1989 with Serbia representing a total of 18 countries and Belgrade alone representing 7 different world cities.

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FILM FRIENDLY LOCATIONS

LOCATION Deep woods of Tara National Park doubled for the Aokigahara forest of Mount Fuji, Japan in the 2016 horror The Forest starring Natalie Dormer. Photo: Jozef Ispanovic

MEDIEVAL FORTRESSES

Display of forts and fortifications across Serbia inspires for epic storytelling. The7 situated along the banks of Danube with Smederevo Fortress (2 and 3) often been described as “one of the most striking and monumental pieces of architecture surviving from medieval Serbia”. It is an accurate display of traditional medieval defensive architecture and has remained well preserved. Other popular among filmmakers include Bac (1), Belgrade Fortress (4), Petrovaradin, Golubac and Maglic.

SOKOLANA, KRAGUJEVAC

Among many peculiar buildings in Kragujevac Sokol House, a sporting venue built in 1928, is one of the jewels representing the influence of english 19th century architecture with rectangular construction entirely made of wood.

OTTOMAN PERIOD LOCATIONS

[1]

[2]

Ottoman houses and architecture are represented in almost every city in Serbia through “konak” – a residence of noble Turkish and Serbian families of the time. Milosev konak (3) and Muzeum of Ponisavlje (1) being the two of many examples. Tešnjar street (2), central neighborhood of town of Valjevo became famous for its representation in Serbian cinema.

[3]

RIVERS AND GORGES The widest point of Danube on it entire route through Europe is just before the entrance of the Iron Gate and Djerdap National Park (left). To the southeast of the country Old Mountain is abundant in pictoreaque landscapes, mountainviews, caves, waterfalls and river gorges such as Rosomacka Gorge (right).

WILD NATURE

Beyond the city is a land characterized by majestic forests, rugged mountains, fertile plains and limestone ranges to water basins, with Sava and Danube rivers and its marshes and tributaries.

BANJA KOVILJAČA LOZNICA

Banja Koviljača is a popular tourist town and oldest spa in Serbia. It is located in the western part of Serbia on the right bank of the Drina River, 137 km from Belgrade. The surrounding area is famous for 19th century villas built to resemble the German “Baden” estates with 40 hectares of land dedicated to one of Serbia’s most beautiful parks. The original 40 villas, most notable of which are Koviljača, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, and hotel Belgrade, are in various states of condition and are accompanied by new developments of real estates. Banja Koviljača is situated between Gučevo Mountain, the river Drina, and fertile lowland of Lozničko polje with travel connections to both Sarajevo and Belgrade.

IVAN NEPOMUK CHURCH RUMA

One of the most sacred sites in the Ruma municipality is the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Ivan Nepomuk. The church is located in the center of Putinci village, and is visible from the railway Belgrade-Sid. The church was built in 1813 in a gothic architectural style.

SUBOTICA CITY HALL SUBOTICA Decorative features of art nouveau are enriched with romantic nuance of the Hungarian folklore, – floral elements made of ceramics and wrought iron. The Ceremonial Council Hall and its splendid stained windows are the heart of the building. Its 45 m high observatory provides an unforgettable view of Subotica and was used as interior of Penelope, Rachel Weisz caracther in the Brothers Bloom directed by Rian Johnson.

PERIOD EXTERIORS

[1] Architecture represents several centuries and periods spanning from Baroque, Belle Epoque, Sessesion, Art Nuvou with eclectic examples . In no other place in Serbia will you find as many monuments from the Baroque period as in Sremski Karlovci (1) or a modernized Neo-baroque style façade as Zrenjanin City Hall (2) (3) Novi Sad main sqare and Cathedral (4) Vila Ruza, Kladovo

[2]

[3]

[4]

ST. GERHARD CATHEDRAL VRŠAC The Roman Catholic Church of St. Gerhard, known simply as “Katedrala” or “Cathedral”, is a beautiful neo-gothic church located in Vršac. Completed in 1863, Katedrala is one of the few buildings in the region that has been preserved from the 18th and 19th century.

MAJESTIC INTERIORS [1]

[2]

[4]

Interiors evoking baroque, rococo and some elements of gothic period dominant in Central Europe are present in the spirit of locations in Provance of Vojvodina, notably the municipality of Sremski Karlovci (4,5). Ballrooms, halls, with decorated walls and ceilings offer perfect base for dressing into any period piece Zupanija, Sombor (2). Well preserved period locations belong to Museum in Vrsac (3) and Town Halls like Pozarevac (1).

[3]

[5]

INDUSTRIAL, DYSTOPIAN AND POSTAPOCALIPTIC LOOKS [1]

[2]

[3] Availability of abandoned idustrial sites such as Prahovo in Negotin (2), delapidated former socialist conglomerates and wasteland offer inspiring backdop for range of films with postapocaliptic, dystopian or horror setting. Pancevo Silk Factory (4) and surrounding are the finest example of industrial ruin turned into filmmakers paradise alongside new locations yet to be preimered on screen Rgotsko lake in Zajecar (1) or Kostolac (3)

[4]

SPITZER CASTLE, BEOCIN

Spitzer Castle displays a mix of late 19th to early 20th century architectural styles ranging from romantic, gothic, renaissance, and baroque to more modern styles such as art nouveau. The castle is abandoned and its dilapidated state has rendered it a “ghost house” by the local public. Still, the location is beloved by film directors and crews. Some famous films shot here include “Breakfast with the Devil” and Kustrica’s “Black Cat, White Cat”.

RAM VILLAGE AND FORTRESS VELIKO GRADISTE Ram village and fortress on the Danube date from the Ottoman rule in Serbia as an important cornerstone of the Turkish defensive line from the Hungary. The base of the fortress is rectangular, with five towers. The main tower is located in the southwest corner and through it led into the fortress. Ram was a big port from which the cattle were exported to the other parts of European district.

DONJI MILANOVAC MAJDANPEK Danube flow through Iron Gate gorge is one of the natural highlights on its entire route to Black Sea. Area surrounding the National park provides endless scenic views with small towns and archeological sites anchored on the banks of the majestic blue river.

LOCATION Airport City, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT SERBIA FILM COMMISSION NETWORK INCLUDES LEGAL, TAX, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SECTOR TO ENSURE BROAD BUSINESS SUPPORT TO INCOMING FILM BUISNESSES

LAW OFFICES

SAMARDZIĆ OREŠKI & GRBOVIC / SOG Kralja Petra 12, Belgrade Contact person: Milan Samardzic, Partner T: +381 11 3282 667 [email protected] www.sog.rs

KARANOVIC / NIKOLIC Resavska 23, Belgrade Contact person: Leonid Ristev, Senior Associate T: +381 11 3955 424 [email protected] www.karanovic-nikolic.com

KINSTELLAR Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10L Belgrade Contact Person: Jelena Pajic T: +381 11 3210 200 [email protected] www.zakmmlaw.com

INSURANCE

ACB / EXCLUSIVE CORRESPONDENT OF AON IN SERBIA Skender-begova 3-3/a, Beograd Contact Person: Dragan Odzaklijevic T: +381.11.7854600 D: +381.11.7854601 F: +381.11.7854611 [email protected] www.acb.rs

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BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

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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 a pool of experts and trusted advisors that know how to best service film productions and secure compliance with both international expectations and local legal affairs in all domains of media and entertainment business. CURRENCY SERBIAN DINAR (RSD)

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATES: CURRENCY

2015

2016

2017

USD

108.72

111.26

116.28

EUR

120.67

123.08

123.85

SERBIAN DINAR (RSD)

VALUE TO EUR & USD

5000 RSD - 40.3€ | 42.9 $

2000 RSD - 16.1€ | 17.2 $

1000 RSD - 8€ | 8.6 $

500 RSD - 4€ | 4.3 $

200 RSD - 1.6€ | 1.7 $

100 RSD - 0.8€ | 0.86 $

50 RSD - 0.40€ | 0.43 $

20 RSD - 0.16€ | 0.17 $

10 RSD - 0.080€ | 0.086 $

VISAS & WORK PERMITS No visa required for up to 30 days stay for citizens of: Belarus, China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine. Furthermore, holders of diplomatic and official passports of the following countries do not require visas for Serbia for visits up to 90 days: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Egypt (diplomatic only), Georgia, Guinea, India, Iran (30 days), North Korea, Laos (30 days), Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan (30 days), Venezuela, Vietnam

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

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:

VISAS & WORK PERMITS As of November 8th 2014, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa free entry to the Republic of Serbia for holders of foreign passports having a valid Schengen, UK and other Member States’ visa, or visa of the United States of America, and for holders of foreign passports having residence permit in the countries of the Schengen area, EU or the United States of America. By this decision, the above-mentioned categories of foreign nationals may, without prior visa application, enter, transit or stay in the Republic of Serbia up to 90 days during a six-month period.

COUNTRIES WITH NO VISA REQUIRED FOR UP TO 90 DAY STAY 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:

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

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

As of 15 January 2017, holders of national passports of the People’s Republic of China may enter Republic of Serbia without a visa for a stay not extending 30 days, while Hong Kong citizens may enjoy free visa stay for up to 14 days. Foreign nationals visiting Serbia who are required to obtain visas at the diplomatic or consular mission of the Serbia need: • Valid Passport • Letter of invitation for one of the following: • A private visit (verified by the competent Serbian authority) • A business visit (authorized by a company in Serbia) • A tourist trip – proof of payment from a tourist company certifying that the travel arrangement has been paid for (letter of credit or other form of a payment receipt); • Completed visa application form;

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

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

• Photo (size 3,5x4.5 cm) • Return ticket or itinerary (copy of Driving License and Insurance if you travel by car); • Proof of sufficient funds for staying in Serbia; • Certificate that a health fund shall cover the medical costs in Serbia, if any. • Visa fee

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON VISA REQUIREMENTS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF SERBIA Kneza Milosa 24-26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia T: +381 11 3616 333, 3068 561 Fax: +381 11 3618 366 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] www.mfa.gov.rs

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

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TAX ATTORNEY VUK TAX ATTORNEY Toplicin Venac 19-21, Belgrade T: + 381 11 202 8044 [email protected] www.vuk-ta.com

CASH BACK IMO – VAT REFUND Stevana Markovica 8, Zemun T: +381 11 307 6641 [email protected] www.refundacijapdv.com

VAT & TAXES FOR FILM AND MEDIA SERBIA HAS AMONG THE LOWEST TAX RATES IN THE REGION INCLUDING CORPORATE PROFIT TAX OF 15%

S

erbian 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. Standard VAT rate is 20%. Hotels (accommodation), catering and transportation services are subject to reduced rate of 10%. Input VAT for accommodation can be deducted from VAT owed, provided that production firm has contractual obligation to ensure accommodation for the film crew and/or technical staff. On the other hand, input VAT for catering and transportation services cannot be deducted from VAT owed, so the cost for VAT regarding these two services should be included in the project budget.

Refund of VAT is commonly executed within 45 days. It should be noted that most of local technical staff are registered as entrepreneurs and they are exempted from paying VAT, which basically makes theirs services free of VAT. In case that some of local technical staff are VAT payers, foreign production firm which is not registered for VAT payment obligation in Serbia is entitled to ask for VAT refund for purchased movable goods and services in Serbia, provided that: 1) VAT is indicated in the invoice, and the invoice was paid, 2) the requested

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amount of VAT exceeds EUR 200, 3) the conditions, under which a taxable person established in Serbia has the right to deduct the VAT on supply on such movable goods and services, are fulfilled; 4) foreign production firm did not carry out trade of goods and services in Serbia, and 5) there is reciprocity between Serbia and the state of residence of foreign production firm. The reciprocity currently exists between Serbia and the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and United Kingdom. Overall, Serbia has among the lowest tax rates in the region including Corporate Profit Tax of 15%, below European average of 20.6% and North American 33%. Personal Income Tax rate is 10%. Creative inputs related to Set and Costume design that are contracted through Intellectual Property agreements are also eligible for reductions to the taxable base. This includes 50% deductions for labor related to creative input on textile (costume designers), and 43% deductions for labor related to production design, painting, production of models and dummies, visual communication, interior design, landscape architecture, set design, music composing, acting, singing, playing music and film making.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Q&A WITH VUK TAX ATTORNEYS GORAN ĆIRAKOVIĆ, VUK TAX ATTORNEYS What is the most competitive advantage from the tax point of view for international companies shooting in Serbia? One of key attractions of Serbian market is favorable and business-friendly tax regime. Existing financial and tax incentives for new investments are significant, especially for large companies and projects. Most competitive advantage regarding taxation are favorable tax rates, considering they are still among lowest in Europe (Standard VAT – 20%; Reduced VAT – 10%; Corporate Profit Tax – 15%; Personal Income Tax – 10%). Besides, Serbian entities are taxed on their worldwide income, and foreign entities are taxed only on income generated in Serbia. In that respect, Serbian entities are entitled to corporate profit tax credit in Serbia for tax already paid on profit generated abroad. On the other hand, foreign entities which didn’t carry out trade of goods and services in Serbia, have opportunity under certain conditions to request VAT refund for locally purchased goods and services. Are there any other incentives or tax shelter options in Serbia that film crews could potentially benefit from? The Serbian Ministry of Economy adopted a Decree on Film Incentives in 2015. Such a move supports the Serbian economy by encouraging domestic and foreign investments in the field of audiovisual works and makes Serbia one of the most tempting filming destinations in South Eastern Europe. The incentive program provides 20% cash rebate on qualified expenditure in the Republic of Serbia for feature films, TV films, TV series, animation films and visual effects, television commercials and documentaries. The costs that are considered as qualified expenditure include goods and services purchased in Serbia, use of locations, crew payments and royalties to individuals who are Serbian residents, as well as to foreigners with at least one year residence in Serbia. Tax Treatment of Operating Losses provides that the tax loss stated in the tax return can be carried forward and offset against future profits over a period up to 5 years. Are there any special treaties or bilateral agreements related to taxation that encourage different countries to work more with Serbia? Are there any favorable agreements toward any specific territory? Serbia has already concluded a considerable number of such agreements. For purpose of avoidance of double taxation, Serbia so far has signed Double Taxation Treaties with 59 countries. In addition to this, Serbia has in place agreements with 12 countries on reciprocity for purpose of VAT refund for locally purchased goods and services. From your experience what is that international client (across any industry) appreciate the most when doing business in Serbia? Firstly, international clients appreciate highly educated, contemporary, up-to-date with technologies, and rather skilled labor force in the Republic of Serbia, with reasonable expectations in regard to earnings. Furthermore, confidence in proper treatment of foreign investors in Serbia is well constituted over the past years. Favorable geographic position is also important, owing to which Serbia is easily accessible by air, water or land and any shipment can reach any location in Europe within 24 hours.

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

LEPENSKI VIR Photo: Serbia Film Commission

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GETTING AROUND BELGRADE IS A MAXIMUM THREE HOUR DIRECT FLIGHT FROM AROUND 60 MAJOR EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN PORTS AND CITIES WITH VIBRANT OUTGOING CULTURE

LOCATION Villa Luzja, Subotica Photo: Serbia Film Commission

GETTING HERE

Moscow

Berlin Brussels

Stockholm Copenhagen

NEW YORK AIRSERBIA OPERATES DIRECT FLIGHT FROM BELGRADE TO NEW YORK FIVE TIMES PER WEEK.

Budapest

Amsterdam London

BELGRADE

Bucharest

Sofia

Frankfurt Stuttgart Paris

Milan

Dusseldorf Zurich

Moscow

Warsaw

Berlin

Brussels

Prague

Vienna

Kiev Budapest

Sarajevo BELGRADE Ljubljana Bucharest Banja Luka Split Varna Podgorica Dubrovnik Sofia Tivat Skoplje Rome Istanbul Thessaloniki Larnaca Athens

Monastir

Beirut Tel Aviv

Kuwait

Abu Dhabi

Monastir

Beirut Tel Aviv

Kuwait Seychelles

Abu Dhabi

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GETTING AROUND

AIRLINERS

NATIONAL AIRLINE COMPANY: AIR SERBIA - www.airserbia.com Air Serbia is the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, launched on 26th October 2013. The airline serves 29 Euro-Mediterranean destinations directly from its hub at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International Airport with passenger and cargo services offering longhaul and international destinations in Asia and Australia through its codeshare with equity partner Etihad Airways. Direct flight to New York operates five times per week, while flights to Beijing is launched in September 2017.

Beijing

AIRLINES OPERATING IN SERBIA: Aegean Airlines Aeroflot Russian Airlines Air Cairo Air Serbia Alitalia 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 Swiss International Air Lines TAROM Romanian Air Transport Tunisair Turkish Airlines

LIST OF AIRLINES OPERATING DIRECT SCHEDULED FLIGHTS FROM BELGRADE NIKOLA TESLA AIRPORT http://www.beg.aero/en/ NIS AIRPORT offers limited number of flights operated by Swiss Air, Ryan, Berliner and Wizz Air.

Brisbane

Perth Melbourne

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

Sydney

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ACCOMMODATION With an increasing array of 4 and 5 star accommodations available from leading chains to new boutique hotels, Serbia Film Commission has developed a pool of hotels that favor film productions. As a result, our members and their international clients enjoy special rates for foreign film productions and are always recommended a place to stay. A variety of properties are available to negotiate special rates for film crews:

HOTELS, FOOD, SHOPPING

S

erbia is nestled in the heart of Europe and its cosmopolitan capital is more than accessible. Belgrade is a maximum two-hour 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 3.5 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.

METROPOL PALACE Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69 Belgrade T: +381 11 3333100, +381 11 3333117 [email protected] www.metropolpalace.com

BELGRADE ART HOTEL Knez Mihajlova 27 Belgrade T: +381 11 3312 000 [email protected] www.belgradearthotel.com

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 15 Belgrade T: +381 11 6 357 357 [email protected] www.radissonblu.com

CROWNE PLAZA BELGRADE Vladimira Popovica 10 Belgrade T: +381 11 2204004 [email protected] www.ihg.com

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BELGRADE ART HOTEL Located in the pedestrian zone of Belgrade’s Knez Mihailova is privileged with peaceful atmoshpere inspired by art and design in the middle of burstling city center.

BANKS 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. 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.

CROWNE PLAZA With 416 rooms Crowne Plaza Belgrade is the biggest hotel in the city with located in the business area of New Belgrade.

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL Berlin–based Graft Architects design bureau preserved the old mill’s authentic heritage and mixed it with an industrial-chic aesthetic decorated with wall paintings by Strauss & Hillegaart artistic society.

FOOD SHOPS AND SHOPPING CENTERS 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. 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 HOLIDAYS NON WORKING DAYS

METROPOL PALACE Metropol has been heart of Belgrade’s social and film life since 60s, home to events, conferencess and film productions.

• 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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AVARAGE TEMPERATURES DURING SUMMER AND WINTER TIME

32

O

14 / 28 O

-5

O

WEATHER

S

erbia 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. The following chart shows average monthly temperatures.

O

0 / -3 O

O

BARRY ACKROYD BSC, during the shooting of Coriolanus in Belgrade, March 2010 Incredible changes in weather for few months we have been here. From deep snow to beautiful sunny days. Everything is here.

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GETTING AROUND

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average Sunlight (hours per day) 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 9 8 3 3 2 Min Average T

C -3 -2 2 7 12 15 17 17 13 8 4 0

o

T 28 32 37 46 54 59 61 61 55 46 39 32

o

Max Average T

C 3 5 11 18 23 26 28 28 24 18 11 5

o

T 39 43 54 64 72 77 81 81 75 64 52 41

o

Discomfort from heat and humidity

-

-

-

-

-

MD

ME

ME

-

-

-

-

Relative humidity AM 75 67 56 49 51 51 47 46 47 58 71 76 Relative humidity PM 85 83 77 72 73 74 71 73 76 82 85 85 Average Precipitation (mm) 47 46 46 54 74 96 61 55 50 55 61 55 Wet Days (+0.25 mm) 14 13 12 13 14 13 9 9 8 11 14 14

LOCATION Mokrin House, Mokrin Photo: Serbia Film Commission

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LOCATION Dom Garde, Belgrade Photo: Serbia Film Commission

FILMED IN SERBIA INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS SPREAD GLOBALY WITH PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTS COMING FROM ALMOST EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD

RECENT FEATURE FILMS Serbia’s robust film industry has existed for over a century, reaching its peak in the 1980s, when Yugoslavia was the second leading destination for international productions after the UK. This international success has fostered a thriving industry that includes a developed infrastructure of studio stages and a highly accomplished, professional, and inspired pool of film artists and crew. The film production industry in Serbia has experienced a revival. As foreign productions have increasingly looked to Eastern Europe as a film location, Serbia’s competitive advantages have been unmistakably apparent. As a result, several international films were produced in Serbia in recent years, such as the ones listed below.

MY DAUGTHER IS MISSING (2017) Directed by Tamar Halpern Starring: Miranda Raison, Emmett J Scanlan, Sophie Robertson. Production Company: Headlong Entertainment. Production Company in Serbia: Red Production

SWORD OF VENGEANCE (2013) Directed by Jim Weedon Starring: Stanley Weber, Edward Akrout, Misa Beric. Production Company: Vertigo Films. Production Service in Serbia: Red Production

THE BROTHERS BLOOM (2008) Directed by Rian Johnson Starring: Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz, Mark Ruffalo. Production Companies: Endgame Entertainment, Ram Bergman Productions, The Weinstein Company. Production Services in Serbia: Work in Progress

MY MOTHER’S WOUND (2016) Directed by Ozan Aciktan Starring: Bora Akkas, Belçim Bilgin, Petar Cirica. Production Company: BKM Film. Production Service in Serbia: Cyber Few Good

CARAVAGGIO (2006) Directed by Angelo Longoni Starring: Alessio Boni, Elena Sofia Ricci, Claire Keim, Bojana Odrinacev. Production Company: EOS Entertainment. Production Company in Serbia: Film 87

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THE RIFT (2016)

FADE TO BLACK (2005) Directed by Oliver Parker Starring Danny Huston, Christopher Walken, Paz Vega. Production Company: Dakota Films. Production Company in Serbia: Film 87 THE RIFT (2016) Directed by Dejan Zecevic Starring: Ken Foree, Katarina Cas, Dragan Micanovic. Production company - More In Group, Viktorija Film, DigitalKraft

NEWCOMER (2014) Directed by Kai Barry Starring: James Floyd, Noémie Merlant, Anthony LaPaglia. Production Company: Dominion Pictures. Production Company in Serbia: Emote Productions

FILMED IN SERBIA

CORIOLANUS (2011) Directed by Ralph Fiennes Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Brian Cox. Production Companies: Magna Films, Hermetof Pictures, Icon Entertainment International. Production Services in Serbia: Work in Progress

QUESTI GIORNI (2016) Directed by Giuseppe Piccioni Starring: Laura Adriani, Margherita Buy, Giulio Corso. Production Companies: 11 Marzo Film, Publispei, Rai Cinema. Production Service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production

THE TENOR LIRICO SPINTO (2014) Directed by Sang Man Kim Starring: Ji-tae Yu, Yusuke Iseya, Ye-ryeon Cha. Production Company: Morein Group. Serbian co-production: Viktorija Film

IL RESTAURATORE (2010) RAI Fiction TV series; Production company - Albatross Entertainment Spa; Production service company - Film87

INCOMING (2018) Directed by Eric Zaragoza Starring: Scott Adkins, Aaron McCusker, Alaa Safi. Production Company: Benattar/Thomas Productions. Production Company in Serbia: Red Production

IRONCLAD: BATTLE FOR BLOOD (2014) Directed by Jonathan English Starring: Michelle Fairley, Roxanne McKee, Rosie Day. Production Company: Mythic International Entertainment. Production Company in Serbia: Red Production

LOCKOUT (2010) Directed by James Mather and Stephan St. Leger Starring: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare. Production Company: EuropaCorp. Production Services in Serbia: Work in Progress (PFI Studios)

PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA - 2017

CHERNOBYL DIARIES (2012) Directed by Bradley Parker Starring: Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski, Olivia Taylor Dudley. Production Company: Alcon Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment. Production services in Serbia: Work in Progress

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BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION Photo courtesy of Crater Studio

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FILMED IN SERBIA

BOLLYWOOD IN SERBIA

CREWS ARE READY TO LEND THEMSELVES COMPLETELY AND TO SEE ANY PRODUCTION THROUGH TO THE END WITH ABSOLUTE DEDICATION AND MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY. Serbia has caught the attention of Indian filmmakers and is yet to be discovered by Indian film audiences. Returning film crews from Chennai and Mumbai completed several productions using urban city sights and mountainous landscapes in rural areas of Serbia. The diverse landscape of Serbia can stand in for many different locations around the world, yet it is a location that remains a fresh face to cinema. Indian productions benefit greatly from Serbia’s film friendly program because it ensures easy accessibility to this diverse terrain. Additionally, Serbian crews are very adaptable and easy to work with regardless of shooting style. Crews are ready to lend themselves completely and to see any production through to the end with absolute dedication and maximum efficiency. Serbian production companies have experience both in providing physical service production, post production, and visual effects on a variety of Indian productions including both films and television commercials.

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

VIVEGAM (2017) Directed by Siva Starring: Ajith Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal, Akshara Haasan, and Vivek Oberoi. Production Company: Sathya Jyothi Films . Production Service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production

INTOUCHABLES / OOPIRI (2016) Directed by Vamsi Paidipally Starring: Nagarjuma Akkineni, Karthi, Tamannaah Bhatia. Production Company: PVP Cinema. Production service in Serbia: Clockwork Film Production

MANI RATNAM Director of Into the Wind We’ve worked this time in Serbia with Clockwork Films and it was a really wonderful experience because they were very friendly, very efficient, and they were in perfect sync with our unit…so it was a pleasure and a great help and it helped us to complete our entire schedule on time…it was wonderful

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IMPRESSUM PRODUCTION GUIDE | SERBIA Editor: Serbia Film Commission Design: Blur Advertising - Ferenc Laslofi Printed by: Zlatna knjiga d.o.o. Photo credits: All pictures by Slobodan Pikula and Serbia Film Commission except: Dragan Trifunovic (26, 27) Jozef Ispanović (35) Mokrin House (75) Tourist organisation of Pirot (8, 43, 45) Tourist organisationof Smederevo (36) Hotel Metropol (73), Belgrade Art Hotel (73) Crowne Plaza Hotel (73), Air Serbia (70, 71) Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel (72, 73) Film stills and set photos: Red Production (16, 19, 21, 79), Avala Studios Beograd (17), Verdict Film (10, 11, 15,79), Contrast Studios (24), Clockwork Film Production (28, 79, 81), DigitalKraft (22,23, 78), Crater Studio (23, 80). The production companies listed in the industry directory are members of Serbia Film Commission.

Serbia Film Commission nor its partners can be held responsible for any omissions or mistakes in this or any publication. All measures are taken to prevent inaccuracies. For up to date infprmation, visit www.filminserbia.com

Publisher: Serbia Film Commission • Address: Kralja Milana 4, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia T: +381 11 405 9961 • [email protected] • www.filminserbia.com

LOCATION RESEARCH SFC online location database offers over 500 camera ready locations in over 30 jurisdictions across Serbia. www.filminserbia.com/locations

Serbia Film Commission • Address: Kralja Milana 4, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia T: +381 11 405 9961 • [email protected] • www.filminserbia.com