Country Demographics for Poland('PL')

Film Commissions

Polish Film Institute
Tel: 22 42 10 518 Fax: 22 42 10 241
E-mail: pisf@pisf.pl
Website: www.pisf.pl
Director: Ms. Agnieszka Odorowicz

Introduction
Thanks to dynamic political and economic changes in recent years, Poland has taken a major leap forward in virtually every sphere of life - including the media. Poland has become a popular destination for foreign documentary film crews and feature film producers. Thanks to modern regulations, European standards and guaranteed equal rights for foreign businesses, non-Polish film-makers do not require any special permits. Film production in Poland is much easier and more convenient when cooperating with a Polish business partner. Such cooperation can take two forms - either a service order or co-production - for applicable projects and on condition that the foreign producer does not lay claim to exclusive distribution rights. A Polish partner can be helpful in obtaining funding from various public and private sources. Aside from essential business confidence strengthened by a written contract and ease of communication, the Polish partner should be able to provide fast budgeting, prepare the shooting schedule and index of production resources, present organisational options for the pre-production, principal photography and post-production stages, and should also be familiar with the film service and technology market and respective financial alternatives (e.g. stock v. magnetic film), not to mention a fully-functioning head office, qualified staff and the all-important personal contacts. A well-constructed co-production agreement should regulate at least the following matters: the budget, financing of the production, management of the co-production, ownership rights (chain of title is a crucial issue) and matters related with negatives, credits and so forth.

Permits/visas
Generally it is possible to film in any location. The most common solution is to sign fixed-term lease agreements with clearly stated conditions of use. Unless specified in a fixed tariff, rent is negotiable. Permission often has to be obtained from property owners or local authorities before filming can commence (and they have the right to refuse). It is highly recommended to apply for any permits well in advance, as certain procedures need to be finalised 30 days prior to shooting. Official procedures may be time-consuming for instance for permission to film in the street. When applying, the producer must attach a plan for traffic reorganisation and cordoning off the area. When planning to shoot in decrepit buildings or in ruins, a positive safety report must be commissioned for persons accessing the area in order to obtain a permit to film. No work permit is required from EU or EEA citizens. Unless otherwise stated in international agreements, production crew members from other countries must obtain a work permit from the regional "voivod" (Polish = "Wojewoda") authorities. Certain professionals - including musicians and actors (up to 30 days) - are allowed to work in Poland without any additional permits.

Tax breaks/incentives
Funding available from the Polish Film Institute to a maximum of 50% of total budget. The Polish Film Institute processes additional project funding applications within the framework of the relevant operational programme four times a year. On average, the assessment procedure lasts about three months; however, the entire period between application approval and signing of the contract may exceed six months. In relation to applications, foreign producers are required to appear at meetings in Poland. Additional project funding from the Polish Film Institute can be granted in the form of subsidies, loans or warranties.

Recent productions
Quo Vadis, Ogniem i Mieczem/With Fire and Sword, Przedwiosnie/The Spring to Come, Pan Tadeusz, Strike, Nightwatching, Pope John Paul II, The Collector (2006), Saviour's Square (2006), Day of the Wacko (2006), Katyn (2007), Peter & the Wolf (2007), The Magic Tree (2007), It's a Free World... .

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