Exclusive: Uzbekistan launches new 20% incentive

Uzbekistan has launched a 20% tax rebate based on local spend to entice international productions to shoot in the Central Asian country.

International productions looking to access the rebate will need to spend at least $100,000 in Uzbekistan to qualify for film projects, and $50,000 per episode for TV series.

There is no culture test to pass. Producers need to apply for the incentive one month before shooting.

Producers will receive the refund within three months after completion of the shoot and once they’ve submitted all their receipts and audited accounts. The refund cap for each project is $300,000, and potentially several projects can access the incentive each year.

“We have already had contact from international producers interested in shooting here, including a new US project from producer Larry Kasanoff (Mortal Kombat), an Indian project, and a French-Ukranian film backed by Star Media,” enthuses Mukhlisa Azizova, chairman of the Uzbekistan Film Commission, which handles the incentive on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, and offers production support.

Uzbekistan has an impressive array of landscapes, including deserts, mountains, forests and lakes. It was also the first in the region to introduce inexpensive high-speed train services, which eases travel to cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand and Shakhrisabz.

Uzbekistan has more than 320 days of sunshine a year, and the day can stretch to 15 hours, allowing as many takes as needed without worrying about losing the light.