The South African Film and Television Production Incentive ·

South African Film and Television Production Incentive (SAFTP)

The South African Film and Television Production Incentive (SAFTP) supports local film and television productions while creating employment opportunities in South Africa. The incentive encourages investment in content that stimulates the industry and benefits South African talent.

Eligibility for the South African Film and Television

To qualify for the SAFTP:

Feature films and television dramas must have a Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) of at least R1,5 million.
Documentaries must have a QSAPE of at least R500,000.
The incentive provides 35% of QSAPE, with an additional 5% for productions hiring at least 30% black South African Heads of Department and sourcing 30% of QSAPE from 51% black-owned South African entities.
Grants are reimbursable up to R50 million per project.

Mandatory Conditions for Applicants-South African Film and Television

Applicants must:

Operate as a South African production company with majority South African shareholders, including at least one active participant credited in the production.
Submit applications no earlier than 45 days before principal photography begins.
Secure at least 25% of the total production budget at the application stage.
Provide a financial plan and letters of intent from financiers, demonstrating closure within three months of the grant decision.

Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV)

Applicants must:

Register an SPCV in South Africa, dedicated solely to the production of the project.
Ensure the SPCV manages all production activities and financial information in South Africa.
Use the SPCV for one production only, including film, television, documentaries, digital content, or animation.
Begin principal photographyonly after receiving DTI approval.

Compliance and Procurement

Applicants must:

Procure a minimum of 20% of goods and services from 51% black-owned South African entities operating for at least one year.
Ensure SPCV and holding company comply with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, with level 3 and 4 contributor statuses, respectively.
Adhere to an industry-specific Code of Professional Standards, covering health, safety, and sexual harassment protocols.

Contact us to learn how your production can access the South African Film and Television Production Incentive and maximise funding opportunities.