Fund Name

South African Film and Television Production Incentive

Agency

the dtic

Type

Grants & Incentives

Sector

Film and Media Production

Summary

The South African Film and Television Production Incentive (SA Film) is designed to support the local film and television industry by providing financial assistance in the form of a reimbursable grant. The programme aims to create employment, stimulate local procurement, enhance the international profile of South African productions, and grow the country’s creative and technical skills base.

The incentive is calculated at 35% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), with an additional 5% bonus available for productions that hire at least 30% Black South African citizens as Heads of Departments (HODs) and procure at least 30% of QSAPE from 51% black-owned South African entities operating for at least one year. The total maximum grant is R25 million per qualifying project.

The incentive also addresses historical imbalances in the sector, ensuring diversity and inclusion at all levels of production — including ownership, control, and creative roles. The programme is structured to ensure meaningful Black South African participation throughout the production process.

Key project eligibility requirements include a minimum QSAPE of R1.5 million (R500,000 for documentaries), at least 60% of principal photography filmed in South Africa, and at least 14 calendar days of principal photography in South Africa. QSAPE must constitute at least 75% of the total production budget. A Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) must be registered in South Africa for each qualifying project.

Applications must be submitted prior to commencement of the project. The production company must achieve at least B-BBEE Level 3 contributor status, and the SPCV must achieve at least B-BBEE Level 4 status.

Who this is for?

The SA Film Incentive is available to:

  • South African production companies producing qualifying local film and television productions
  • Productions registered through a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) incorporated in South Africa
  • Productions meeting the QSAPE threshold (minimum R1.5 million, or R500,000 for documentaries)

The production company must hold at least B-BBEE Level 3 contributor status and the SPCV must hold at least B-BBEE Level 4 contributor status.

What support/funding you can get

The SA Film Incentive provides:

  • Base grant: 35% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE)
  • Transformation bonus: An additional 5% of QSAPE where at least 30% of HODs are Black South African citizens AND at least 30% of QSAPE is procured from 51%+ black-owned South African entities (operating for at least 1 year)
  • Maximum grant: R25 million per qualifying project
  • Grant is reimbursable — paid after expenditure is incurred and verified
  • Milestone payments available if project has not commenced prior to receiving a funding outcome

What you can use it for?

The grant covers Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), which must account for at least 75% of the total production budget. Eligible costs are those directly related to the South African portion of the production, including:

  • Salaries and fees for South African cast and crew
  • Goods and services procured from South African entities
  • All production-related expenditure incurred in South Africa

The mandatory minimum procurement of 20% of qualifying goods and services from 51%+ black-owned South African entities (operating at least one year) must be met.

Key requirements and conditions

Project eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum QSAPE of R1.5 million (R500,000 for documentaries)
  • At least 60% of principal photography filmed in South Africa
  • At least 14 calendar days of principal photography in South Africa
  • For productions with QSAPE of R50 million+, the 60% / 14-day requirements may be waived at the dtic’s discretion
  • QSAPE must be at least 75% of the total production budget (TPE)
  • Majority of intellectual property owned by South African citizen(s), registered with CIPC
  • Director must be a South African citizen
  • Top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens
  • Majority of the five highest-paid performers must be South African citizens
  • Majority of HODs and key personnel must be South African citizens, with at least 20% of core HODs being Black South African citizens
  • Production company must be B-BBEE Level 3 or better; SPCV must be B-BBEE Level 4 or better

Mandatory conditions:

  • Applicant must be a South African production company
  • Multiple subsidiaries/connected companies cannot be used as production companies
  • Minimum 20% of qualifying goods and services from 51%+ black-owned entities operating for at least 1 year
  • Application must be submitted prior to commencement of the project anywhere in the world
  • If commenced before receiving an outcome, the project must be fully funded and will not be eligible for milestone payments
  • At application stage, applicant must have secured at least 25% of the total production budget (TPE)
  • Prior to commencing principal photography, 100% of the budget must be secured
  • Applicant must register a SPCV incorporated in South Africa solely dedicated to the production
  • Qualifying expenditure and payments must be settled from the SPCV’s primary bank account

How the application works

The SA Film application process:

  1. Register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) in South Africa dedicated solely to the production
  2. Download and complete the South African Film and Television Production Application Form A from the dtic website
  3. Ensure at least 25% of the total production budget (TPE) has been secured and is evidenced by firm commitments or ring-fenced funds
  4. Submit the completed application (Form A) to the dtic prior to commencement of principal photography
  5. Receive a funding outcome from the dtic before commencing principal photography (where the project is not fully funded)
  6. Once approved, secure 100% of the budget and submit proof to the dtic
  7. Complete principal photography and other qualifying expenditure through the SPCV bank account
  8. Submit Form B (production completion) and Form C (claim) with supporting documentation
  9. Receive reimbursable grant payment based on verified QSAPE

What to prepare before you start

Before applying, prepare the following:

  • Proof of registered South African production company and SPCV incorporation documents
  • B-BBEE compliance certificate for both the production company (Level 3+) and SPCV (Level 4+)
  • Production budget with QSAPE breakdown showing QSAPE is at least 75% of TPE
  • Evidence of at least 25% of TPE secured (concluded agreements and/or ring-fenced funds in SPCV bank account)
  • Financial plan and signed contract(s) from financier(s)
  • List of Heads of Departments (HODs) and their nationalities/B-BBEE status
  • Evidence of compliance with minimum 20% procurement from 51%+ black-owned entities
  • CIPC registration of intellectual property in the name of a South African citizen
  • Completed Application Form A

Am I a fit for this particular fund?

You are likely a fit if:

  • You are a South African registered production company
  • Your production has minimum QSAPE of R1.5 million (or R500,000 for documentaries)
  • At least 60% of principal photography will be filmed in South Africa
  • Your production company has B-BBEE Level 3 status or better
  • You can register a dedicated SPCV in South Africa for the production
  • You have secured at least 25% of the total production budget at application stage
  • The director, majority of top performers, and majority of HODs are South African citizens

You are likely not a fit if:

  • You are a foreign production company without a qualifying South African entity
  • Your production does not meet the minimum QSAPE threshold
  • Less than 60% of principal photography will be filmed in South Africa (unless QSAPE exceeds R50 million)
  • You have already commenced the project before applying
  • Your production company does not meet B-BBEE Level 3 requirements

Quick facts

Overview

  • Agency: dtic
  • Category: Incentive (Reimbursable Grant)
  • Scheme Name: South African Film and Television Production Incentive (SA Film)
  • What this is: A reimbursable grant of up to 40% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) to support local South African film and television productions.
  • Geographic Scope: National — productions must conduct at least 60% of principal photography in South Africa

Who this is for

  • Eligible Applicant Type: South African registered production companies with a dedicated Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV)
  • Sector Focus: Services (Tourism / ICT / Logistics, Global Business & Film & TV) — Film and Television production
  • Ownership Requirements: Open to all qualifying South African production companies; B-BBEE Level 3+ for production company, Level 4+ for SPCV; transformation bonuses for Black ownership/procurement
  • Business Stage: Established

Type of support

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

Funding parameters

  • Funding basis: Reimbursable — paid after verified qualifying expenditure
  • Funding percentage/amount: 35% of QSAPE (base) + additional 5% if transformation criteria are met (total up to 40%)
  • 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 (QSAPE) — South African cast and crew, local goods and services, South African production costs

Information you will need to provide

Applicants must provide a full production budget, breakdown of QSAPE (which must be at least 75% of total production budget), a financial plan, signed financier contracts, evidence of at least 25% of total budget secured, and details of the SPCV registered for the production. The list of HODs and their nationalities/B-BBEE status must also be provided.

Key requirements and conditions

The production company and its SPCV are the primary applicants. There is no formal collaboration or partnership requirement between companies; however, at least 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from 51%+ black-owned South African entities that have been operating for at least one year.

How it works

  • Application route: Online application via the dtic website; forms submitted to the dtic before commencement of principal photography
  • Assessment focus: QSAPE thresholds, local filming percentage, B-BBEE compliance, South African citizenship of key creative personnel, budget security and financial plan
  • Turnaround time: Not specified; applications must receive an outcome before commencing principal photography (where project is not fully funded)

Application support

No specific guidance on using consultants mentioned

Contact and routing

ENdou@thedtic.gov.za; +27 12 394 1748

Additional information

Productions with QSAPE of R50 million+ may apply for waiver of 60% local filming and 14-day requirements. Milestone payments are only available for projects that did not commence before receiving a funding outcome.

Contact and routing

Applications:

Claims:

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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