"ADFC Offers 30% Cash Rebate On Production Of Feature Films, TV Series & Commercials"

Abu Dhabi has emerged as a top location for Indian filmmakers and has already served as a location hub for several big films such as Priyadarshan's Malayalam movie Oru Marubhoomikkadha, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Race 3, and even Hollywood spectacles like Michael Bay's 6 Underground, Mission: Impossible 7, and the Oscar-nominated Dune.

Excerpts from an interview with Hans Fraikin, Film & TV Commissioner, Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC).

What makes Abu Dhabi such a big destination for global film productions?
Over the years, ADFC has worked hard to make it easier and cost-effective for global productions to shoot in Abu Dhabi thus making it a favourite destination. Whether it's filming permits, the crew, the equipment transfer, visual effects, and all that red tape which makes it easier for the producers, actors, company owners and the workers.

The reason why Indian productions like Abu Dhabi as a location is because they easily find talented and experienced crew that speak the language and understand the culture.

The government has formalised the Culture and Creative Industries Sector (CCI) last year, how has this helped build a robust entertainment ecosystem in Abu Dhabi?
The ADFC offers 30 per cent cash rebate on production of feature films, TV series, and commercials, and last year the government formalised the Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) sector. They announced a big investment into the CCI sector as part of their economic development programme. One of the four priority sectors is the CCI because they see it as a key sector to diversify from oil and gas. On the film side, the government has announced AED 30 billion investment to develop the ecosystem.

Please tell us about the importance of the Indian film industry for the ADFC?
The community is synonymous with experience. It means a model for filmmakers all around the world. Except for Hollywood, no one makes films like Bollywood. You developed a whole industry, a star system. You have the biggest award show in the world, the IIFA is going to be happening here again in Abu Dhabi.

Which countries are spending most to shoot in Abu Dhabi?
It is truly global I would say, we have crews from Hollywood, Israel, India, Turkey and a lot of other countries shooting here on a regular basis. With the kind of facilities that we offer, I am hopeful that many more countries will be keen to look at Abu Dhabi given its world-class facilities and lower cost of production.