Italy's Deputy Culture Minister confirms tax rebates will remain unchanged

Italy’s 40% tax rebates for international film and TV series have been key in luring productions to the nation. However, many in the industry are concerned that in the wake of Italy's right-wing government (installed in October 2022), the rebates would change. 

In March 2023, Italian Deputy Culture Minister Lucia Bergonzoni met with L.A. Bergonzoni met with top execs from Warner Bros Discovery, Disney, Paramount, Sony, Amazon and Apple and more to assuage them of any anxiety. 

Speaking to Variety, Borgonzoni said: "It will stay at 40%. And I strongly believe that the total sum allocated for the rebate should grow from the current $790m (€750m) amount which is firmly in place, as it has been in recent years. 

"I hope to be able to raise this amount next year. I wanted to raise it this year. But for various reasons, including the war in Ukraine which prompted emergency government relief measures in other sectors, I was unable to do this. 

"But I believe the tax rebate is a great tool. It’s an economic multiplier. International productions that come to Italy are a huge driver for employment. The benefits go beyond the film sector and also impact our tourism industry. So forging a tighter rapport between Italy and the studios is a positive in more ways than one."

Cinecittà Studios is being revamped, with a $316 m (€300) investment to upgrade existing soundsatges and facilities as well as extending the lot and building new facilities. The deadline, which Borgonzoni says they are on track to meet, is 2026.

She added: "In meeting with the studios, everyone praised Italian below-the-line talents and crews. The Centro Sperimentale [film school] and Cinecittà have allocated $9.4 m (€9 m) for a production-skills training program that includes high-tech training for VR alongside traditional training for crews, craftsmen and costume makers. Since they have a great reputation, we have to make sure these skills are passed on to the next generation."