Fund Name

South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production Incentive

Agency

the dtic

Type

Grants & Incentives

Sector

Film and Media Production

Summary

The SA Film and Television Production and Co-Production Incentive, administered by the dtic, supports official co-productions certified by a competent authority. The programme is designed to encourage South African film and television productions and co-productions that create employment, strengthen local procurement, enhance the international standing of the South African film industry, and grow the country’s creative and technical skills base.

The incentive provides a reimbursable grant of 35% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE). An additional 5% of QSAPE is available where the production hires at least 20% of Black South African citizens as Heads of Departments (HODs) and procures at least 30% of QSAPE from 51% South African black-owned entities that have been operating for at least one year. The maximum grant per project is R25 million.

The programme is designed to address historical imbalances in the sector and ensure diversity and inclusion at all levels of production, including ownership and control. Productions must be certified as official co-productions by the competent authority, and applicants must submit a copy of the advance ruling at application stage and a final ruling at claim stage.

Like all dtic film incentives, applicants must register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) in South Africa, dedicated solely to the production. Applications must be submitted and receive an outcome before commencing principal photography anywhere in the world. At application stage, at least 25% of the total production budget must be secured, with 100% secured prior to commencing principal photography following grant award.

The programme is available to South African production companies managing official co-productions, ensuring South African citizen involvement in key creative roles including director, writer, producer, and performers.

Who this is for?

The SA Film Co-Production Incentive is available to:

  • South African production companies managing productions certified as official co-productions by a competent authority.
  • Productions that have South African citizen involvement in key creative roles: director, writer, producer, and performers.
  • Companies seeking to produce qualifying film and television content with international co-production partners.

Key personnel requirements:

  • The director must be a South African citizen (approval may be given for exceptions at provisional approval stage).
  • The writer and producer credits must include South African citizens (exclusive or shared credits).
  • At least two of the highest-paid performers must be South African citizens.
  • The majority of HODs and key personnel must be South African citizens.
  • The production company must achieve at least level 3 B-BBEE contributor status.
  • The SPCV must achieve at least level 4 B-BBEE contributor status.

What support/funding you can get

  • Base incentive: 35% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE).
  • Additional 5% incentive where the production:
    • Hires at least 20% of Black South African citizens as Heads of Departments (HODs), and
    • Procures at least 30% of QSAPE from 51% South African black-owned entities operating for at least one year.
  • Maximum grant per project: R25 million.

The grant is reimbursable — it is paid after qualifying expenditure has been incurred and verified through the formal claims process.

What you can use it for?

The incentive is applied against Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), which includes:

  • Principal photography costs incurred in South Africa
  • Payments to South African cast and crew
  • Local procurement of qualifying goods and services
  • Post-production costs incurred in South Africa
  • Any other costs qualifying as QSAPE as defined in the programme guidelines and Annexure F Qualifying Formats

Key requirements and conditions

Project eligibility requirements:

  • Productions must have a minimum QSAPE of R2.5 million for all qualifying production formats, and a minimum of R500 000 for documentaries.
  • The production must be certified as an official co-production by the competent authority; applicant must submit a copy of the advance ruling at application stage and a final ruling at claim stage.
  • At least 50% of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa.
  • At least 14 calendar days of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa.
  • For productions with minimum QSAPE of R50 million, the 50% and 14-day requirements may be waived at the dtic’s discretion.
  • Production company must achieve at least level 3 B-BBEE contributor status.
  • SPCV must achieve at least level 4 B-BBEE contributor status.

Mandatory conditions:

  • Applicant must be a South African production company.
  • Use of multiple subsidiaries and connected companies as production companies is not allowed.
  • Must procure at least 20% of qualifying goods/services from 51% black-owned SA entities operating for at least one year.
  • Application must be submitted and approved before the project commences anywhere in the world.
  • If commencing before approval, the project must be fully funded; such projects will not be eligible for milestone payments.
  • At least 25% of the total production budget (TPE) must be secured and fully committed at application stage.
  • 100% of the budget must be secured prior to commencing principal photography following the grant awarding decision.
  • Must provide a financial plan and signed contracts from financier(s).
  • Must register a South African SPCV wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to the production.
  • All qualifying payments must be made directly from the SPCV’s primary bank account.

How the application works

  1. Obtain official co-production certification from the competent authority; secure the advance ruling to submit with the application.
  2. Confirm the production meets minimum QSAPE thresholds, filming-in-South-Africa requirements, and B-BBEE status requirements.
  3. Register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) in South Africa, wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to this production.
  4. Secure at least 25% of the total production budget (TPE) with firm commitments and ring-fenced funds in the SPCV bank account.
  5. Provide a financial plan and signed contracts from financier(s).
  6. Complete and submit Application Form A to the dtic before commencing production anywhere in the world.
  7. Receive an outcome (provisional approval) from the dtic before commencing principal photography.
  8. Secure 100% of the production budget following the grant award and submit proof to the dtic.
  9. Conduct production in accordance with the approved application.
  10. Submit a claim using Form B and Claim Form C with supporting documentation, the final ruling, and a Report of Factual Findings (FFR).

What to prepare before you start

  • Official co-production certification and advance ruling from the competent authority
  • South African production company registration documents
  • SPCV registration documents (South African company, wholly owned by applicant)
  • B-BBEE certificates for the production company (level 3+) and SPCV (level 4+)
  • Detailed production budget with QSAPE breakdown
  • Production schedule showing filming days in South Africa (at least 14 days and at least 50% of principal photography)
  • Evidence that at least 25% of the total production budget is secured (signed financing agreements, ring-fenced bank account statements)
  • Financial plan and signed contracts from financier(s)
  • HOD list confirming majority are South African citizens
  • Procurement plan showing at least 20% from 51% black-owned entities (and at least 30% if targeting the additional 5% incentive)
  • Completed Application Form A (available from the dtic)

Am I a fit for this particular fund?

You likely qualify if:

  • You are a South African production company managing an official certified co-production
  • You have an advance ruling from the competent authority confirming co-production status
  • Your QSAPE is at least R2.5 million (or R500 000 for a documentary)
  • At least 50% of principal photography and at least 14 days will be filmed in South Africa
  • Your director, writer, producer, and key performers are (or include) South African citizens
  • Your production company achieves level 3 B-BBEE and your SPCV achieves level 4 B-BBEE
  • You can secure at least 25% of the total budget at application stage
  • You apply and receive approval before commencing production anywhere in the world

You likely do not qualify if:

  • The production has not been certified as an official co-production by the competent authority
  • You are a purely foreign-owned production (a different incentive applies)
  • Your QSAPE is below R2.5 million (or R500 000 for documentaries)
  • Less than 50% of principal photography will be in South Africa
  • You cannot meet B-BBEE contributor status requirements
  • You have already commenced production before applying

Quick facts

Overview

  • Agency: dtic
  • Category: Incentive / Reimbursable Grant
  • Scheme Name: South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production Incentive (SA Film)
  • What this is: A reimbursable cash grant of 35% of QSAPE (up to R25 million) to support official South African film and television co-productions certified by a competent authority, with an additional 5% for B-BBEE and black procurement compliance.
  • Geographic Scope: National

Who this is for

  • Eligible Applicant Type: South African production companies managing productions certified as official co-productions by a competent authority
  • Sector Focus: Film and television production and co-production
  • Ownership Requirements: Applicant must be a South African production company; production company must achieve B-BBEE level 3; SPCV must achieve B-BBEE level 4; at least 20% procurement from 51% black-owned SA entities; South African citizen involvement required in director, writer, producer, and performer roles
  • Business Stage: Growing Business (2-5 years trading), Established (5+ years trading)

Type of support

  • Is financial support provided: Yes
  • Support form: Reimbursable cash grant

Funding parameters

  • Funding basis: Reimbursable — paid after qualifying expenditure is incurred and verified
  • Funding percentage/amount: 35% of QSAPE (up to 40% with the additional 5% bonus for B-BBEE and black procurement compliance)
  • Funding cap: R25 million per qualifying project
  • Cost-sharing required: Yes (production expenditure incurred by the applicant)

What the support can be used for

Qualifying South African production expenditure including cast, crew, location costs, local procurement, and post-production costs incurred in South Africa

Information you will need to provide

Applicants must provide a detailed production budget with QSAPE breakdown, a production schedule, official co-production certification (advance ruling), proof that 25% of total production budget is secured, B-BBEE certificates, SPCV registration documents, financial plan, and signed contracts from financier(s).

Key requirements and conditions

The production must be certified as an official co-production by the competent authority. At least 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from 51% black-owned SA entities operating for at least one year. An additional 5% incentive is available for hiring at least 20% Black SA HODs AND procuring at least 30% of QSAPE from qualifying black-owned entities.

How it works

  • Application route: Submit Application Form A (with advance co-production ruling) to the dtic before commencing production; contact application officials directly
  • Assessment focus: Official co-production certification, minimum QSAPE thresholds, filming days and percentage in South Africa, South African citizen involvement in key roles, B-BBEE status, budget funding level, procurement from black-owned entities
  • Turnaround time: Application must be submitted and receive an outcome before commencing production; processing time not specified

Application support

Not specified

Contact and routing

Eliya Ndou: ENdou@thedtic.gov.za | +27 12 394 1748; Mr Khabo Mhlanga: Kmhlanga@thedtic.gov.za | +27 12 394 1349

Additional information

An Interpretation Note (September 2021) is available. For productions with QSAPE of R50 million or more, the 50% filming requirement and 14-day minimum may be waived at the dtic’s discretion. The production must be an official co-production — purely domestic SA productions should refer to a different incentive category.

Contact and routing

Applications:

Claims:

Programme Guidelines and Application Forms: Available on the dtic website

Interpretation Note — September 2021 (PDF)

Application Considerations:

What You Need to Prepare Before Applying

Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions. Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.

Core documents (required for almost all funds)

  • Company registration documents
  • Ownership and shareholder information
  • Business plan or project description
  • Recent financial statements or management accounts
  • Project budget and cost breakdown

Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)

  • Quotes for equipment, infrastructure, or services
  • Feasibility study or technical proposal (where required)
  • Energy solution proposal (for energy‑related funds)
  • Export contracts or buyer information (for export and insurance products)
  • Job creation plan (where applicable)
  • Turnaround or recovery plan (for distress funding)

Additional requirements

  • Proof of sector compliance or permits (where relevant)
  • Evidence of co‑funding or financing approvals (for grants and blended funding)
  • Any templates or declarations specified by the administering agency

What Happens After You Apply

  1. Completeness check – your submission is reviewed to ensure all required documents are included.
  2. Eligibility assessment – the agency confirms that you meet the fund’s basic criteria.
  3. Technical and financial review – your project and financials are evaluated.
  4. Decision and contracting – approved applications proceed to contracting and implementation.

Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • Approval is not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met.
  • Funding terms may be subject to final agency approval and conditions.
  • Submitting accurate and complete information is critical.
  • Misrepresentation or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection.

Interested in this fund or have some questions?

Northern Cape, Free State & Mpumalanga Provinces (NFM)

Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845
Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385

Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262
Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140

Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466 
Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424
Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611

Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751
Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663
Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806

Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za

Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697 
Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480
Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369
Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837

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