Japan is set to launch its location incentive scheme next month, offering funding for film and TV production. The scheme will provide reimbursement of up to 50% of qualifying expenditure in Japan, with a maximum limit of JPY1 billion ($6.66 million) per disbursement.
Targeting larger-scale productions, the scheme is open to film, TV, or streaming projects meeting specific criteria. These include a minimum direct production spending in Japan of $3.3 million, budgets exceeding $6.66 million with a fifth spent in Japan, or Japanese production spend higher than $1.33 million for projects distributed in ten or more countries.
Applications for funding must be submitted through a Japanese production company during one of three periods in 2024: March 4 – 15, May 20 – June 7, or Aug. 26 - Sept. 13. Eligible costs cover direct expenses related to film production in Japan, such as payments to local entities.
The scheme, managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade Industry (METI) and operated by the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), aims to benefit the Japanese content industry through employment, studio usage, location promotion, and enhancing the global appeal of Japanese works.
While projects should meet specific criteria, VIPO is open to considering other projects that significantly benefit the Japanese economy and film industry. Notably, the guidelines do not address post-production or visual effects work in Japan, nor the treatment of salaries for foreign talent.
The program will conclude once the grant budget is exhausted, potentially before all three funding rounds are completed. The Japan Film Commission (JFC) serves as the program coordinator for this initiative.
