- Official Promotion Portal for Argentina
1. What mechanisms does the Argentine state offer for audiovisual productions?
The INCAA (National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts) implemented a Fostering Plan for national productions in December 2008. The new resolutions increase both amounts to subsidize movie-making. Under these resolutions, subsidies go from 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 Argentine pesos, which constitutes the highest amount ever recorded when it comes to subsidy grants for local motion pictures of special interest made by renowned directors and producers. An average of 2,300,000 has been set for local films. Formerly, the budget was 1,375,000 pesos.
2. What productions are eligible for the first subsidy type?
In order to be eligible for this subsidy, producers must certify productions or co-productions and openings in local theaters of at least 5 previous motion pictures. Furthermore, they should be able to account for the project funding.
3. What is the maximum amount to be granted by this subsidy type?
The INCAA will electronically grant a subsidy for 80% of the production costs, and a maximum of 65% of the costs for a medium budget local movie.
4. How to be eligible for the second subsidy type?
Producers must certify the productions or co-productions and openings in local theaters of at least 1 previous motion picture, documentary or short film. Furthermore, they should be able to account for 50% of the project funding. Being intended for small producers, INCAA’s subsidy covers 80% of the production costs for motion pictures and animations, with a maximum of 65% of the costs for a medium budget local movie.
5. And what about documentary feature films?
Under the first type, an 80% subsidy is granted for production costs, but with a maximum of 30% of the costs for a medium budget local movie. Under the second type, the INCAA has established an 80% subsidy for production costs, with a maximum of 25% of the costs for a medium budget local movie.
6. Which movie formats are eligible for either subsidy type?
The new plan covers any format such as HD, for example. However, movies must be finished in 35mm as set forth by the film national law.
7. How are projects assessed?
Whether they are fiction, animation or documentary films, all projects are selected by assessment committees constituted by representatives of producers, directors, the Argentine film industry union, actors and screenwriters. These committees will consider the movie script, the director and producer’s background, the aesthetics, design and economic-financial viability of the project, among other aspects.
8. Besides these two types, are there any other ways to be eligible for subsidies?
Two annual contests will be held for opera primas and low budget films. Four movies shot in 35mm and other ten digital movies will be funded. Another contest for finished movies will also be held. In addition, the INCAA will be holding “Brief Stories” contests annually for short film productions.
9. What organisms make filming locations in Argentina available?
Several national, provincial and city organisms facilitate filming permits to shoot in different regions of the country. The website for the Argentine Film Commission is www.caf.gov.ar. The Buenos Aires Film Commission (www.bafilm.com.ar) has recently released a catalog of locations to contribute to film production at different places. San Luis province is offering a thorough promotion plan for film activities (www.sanluiscine.com). The city of Buenos Aires has an assistance office for audiovisual productions (www.buenosaires.gov.ar/baset).
10. When do local producers, directors, exhibitors and agents meet with their international counterparts?
Buenos Aires being the venue, the INCAA organizes “South Window. Cinema Market”. This event is jointly co-produced with Marché du Film de Cannes –the most important audiovisual market in the world- and gathers European, Asian and American buyers, besides the commercial reps from the most prestigious public TV networks. Argentine agents and producers have the chance to present their fiction movies, animations, documentaries and short films. Also, there is a project section intended for international co-production, and production services in Argentina are offered in special booths for provincial reps who are promoting their production services and filming locations.
