Pilot Project on Location Incentives
for International Audiovisual Productions2020

Pilot Project on Location Incentives
for International Audiovisual Productions

Application Guidelines

1. Purpose of the Project

The purpose of this project is to provide financial assistance to cover a portion of the production cost for international film projects shot in Japan and verify the effects.

<Background>
This project aims to demonstrate the actual effect of incentives for attracting large-scale international TV and film productions in Japan. It is a pilot project by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. The purpose is to measure quantitatively and qualitatively the resulting effects of production incentives on regional economic promotion. In addition, it is aimed to attract film production not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. The involvement of local governments and local film commissions will enhance the function of film commissions and improve shooting environments by promoting cooperation within and between regions. It is also aimed at further improvement and expansion of local PR ability.

2. Work Eligible for Support

• Large-scale international TV and film projects shot in Japan (feature films, TV dramas, online dramas)
• Refer to 5. “Criteria for Eligibility”
• Whether a TV or film project qualifies as an international project to be supported will be determined based on a comprehensive assessment. Different factors, such as investment ratio, and whether the project is appropriate in light of the purpose of this pilot project, will be taken into account.

3. Application Period

• First Application period・・September 28th (Monday) to October 30th (Friday), 2020
• Application deadline・・・October 30, 2020 (Friday)
• Please contact the secretariat for prior consultation regarding plans under consideration, shooting schedules, etc.

4. Applicants

Applications should be submitted by Japanese production groups and production companies.
Applications from overseas will not be accepted. In the case of consortiums, etc., consisting of multiple companies, designate a representative company which will apply on behalf of the group.
Applicants are limited to public companies (including special limited liability companies), limited liability companies, incorporated associations, foundations, etc. Please apply in the name of the representative director, employee, etc.

5. Criteria for Eligibility

Eligible large-scale international film and television projects must fall under (1) or (2) below. In addition, the project must also meet conditions (3) and (4).

(1) Projects which fall under (a) or (b).
　(a) Direct production costs in Japan exceed one billion JPY.
　(b) Total production costs exceed three billion JPY and direct production costs in Japan exceed 500 million JPY.

(2) Projects that are scheduled to be released, screened, broadcasted, or distributed in more than ten countries, and their direct production costs in Japan exceed 500 million JPY.

(3) Projects that will cooperate to promote the location where the filming took place.

(4) The local government and the Film Commission at the filming location shall support the project in ways such as extra recruitment, subsidies from the local government, and publicity campaigns. The Production shall be responsible for confirming those commitments by the local government and the Film Commission.

6. Applicable Funding Objectives for Eligible International Film Productions in Japan

Direct expenses related to film production in Japan such as payments to Japanese corporations, individuals, local governments, public organizations, etc., are eligible for funding. However, only expenses incurred after the eligibility date will be funded. (The secretariat will determine the guidelines at a later date.)

7. Project Funding for Foreign Film Productions in Japan

The upper limit of funding is 200 million JPY, subject to available funds (and will not exceed 20% of the total production cost in Japan). However, the final amount of funding will be determined by the secretariat after consideration of the application content and number of applicants by an expert committee.

8. Required Documents at the Time of Application

* All documents submitted will only be accepted in Japanese.

Required documents for submission:
　a. Application form (fill out attachment sheet)
　b. Project Treatment for the film
　c. Overall budget table and production budget table for filming in Japan
　d. Screenplay and script
　e. General production schedule process plans
　f. Production schedule in Japan, project organization diagram and filming schedule
　g. Estimated profits forecast (Please contact us if submitting this forecast is difficult)
　h. Main staff members and cast list
　i. Distribution and release schedule for both Japan and overseas
　　(Theatrical, Streaming, TV)
　j. Production cost workflow diagram for production in Japan and cost management report
　k. Production accounting company and/or person(s) in charge

9. Submission Method

• Please submit both a hard copy and an electronic copy using the format shown below for the application form and related documents. (→ Refer to “8. Required Documents at the Time of Application” for details)
• Please specify contact information (for references).
• Please submit the documents in Japanese. (Some English-language documents accepted)
• For the electronic copy, please submit the application in CD-R or DVD-R format.
• We accept submissions by mail or in-person to the secretariat.

10. Submission Address and Contact Information

Pilot Project on Location Incentive for International Audiovisual Productions Secretariat
Togeki Building 2nd floor, 4-1-1 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Nonprofit Organization, Visual Industry Promotion Organization
Phone: 03-3543-7531
E-mail: locationuchi@vipo.or.jp

11. Project Review and Notification of Eligibility for Funding Regarding International Film Production in Japan

The secretariat will notify the applicant in writing within a month of the application deadline after the secretariat and the expert committee review the application.

12. Project Funding Period for International Film Productions in Japan

The project period will begin after receipt of notification and will continue until February 1, 2021. However, if the shooting schedule exceeds February 1, 2021 due to special circumstances such as COVID-19, please contact the secretariat for consultation on the project.

13. Post-Project Report

Please submit a project report with the following documents by February 1, 2021, the final day of the International Film Production in Japan project period.

a. Outline and detailed report on production conducted in Japan.
　(photographs, videos, etc.)
b. Summary of expenses spent in Japan and their details.
c. Opinion regarding the shooting environment in Japan.
d. Expense accounting report and documented evidence based on “cost management reports” shown in above 8. (j).

14. Payment of Project Funding for International Film Production in Japan

After receiving the post-project report, the secretariat office will carry out a final inspection and confirm the amount payable within two weeks. During this time, the applicant may be required to come to the secretariat to answer additional questions.

Once the payment amount is determined, the secretariat will issue a notice informing the amount in writing. Upon receipt of the notice, please issue an invoice to the nonprofit organization Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) “Pilot Project on Location Incentives for International Audiovisual Productions” for an amount equivalent to the sum described in the aforementioned notice. Payment will be made within one month of receipt of the invoice. Please keep in mind when issuing the invoice that the final payment date is March 12, 2021.

15. Contact Information

Pilot Project on Location Incentive for International Audiovisual Productions Secretariat
Togeki Building 2nd floor, 4-1-1 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Nonprofit Organization, Visual Industry Promotion Organization
Phone: 03-3543-7531
E-mail: locationuchi@vipo.or.jp