In 2016, Enterprise Georgia introduced the Film in Georgia program, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia.

“Film in Georgia” offers a 20-25% cash rebate on qualified expenses incurred in Georgia and aims to support the development of Georgia’s film industry, attract international filmmakers to the country and position Georgia as a main Eastern European filming destination.

As part of this program, a Chinese miniseries will begin shooting in Georgia. “The Mask” is a Georgian-Chinese co-production in the detective genre, which the Georgian company Arsen Productions is supporting.

The series is about the investigation of several murders. Elements of the investigation, in particular a stolen necklace, brings the main character to Georgia. This clue is a small part of the big picture in which the Chinese, Vietnamese and Georgian mafias are involved.

Shooting will start at the beginning of June and will finish in August 2018. During filming, more than 50 individuals will be employed.  According to the Chinese producers, the budget in Georgia is more than 4 million GEL. Most of the shooting takes place in Tbilisi and Batumi.

Chinese interest in Georgian film projects was promoted during the Beijing International Film Festival. During the festival, an exhibition about the Film in Georgia project offered exhaustive information about the cash rebate benefit. In addition, program representatives held individual meetings with Chinese filmmakers to promote Georgian film-making potential.

The Film in Georgia program has already attracted 13 productions, nine of which have been completed, and four of which are currently being filmed. The total investment volume of these productions has amounted to more than 20 million GEL and 1,900 local employment positions.

www.cbw.ge