In addition to the natural wonders that continue to make Jordan a unique filming location, increased government funding support and new partnership between the country’s Olivewood Film Studios and U.S. studio operator Shadowbox have provided a major boost to the country’s film sector.
Last year the country increased its cash rebate program to 45% of local spend and introduced additional tax exemptions, making location shoots for foreign productions particularly attractive.
Overseen by the Royal Film Commission (RFC), the tiered cash-rebate program returns up to 45% of local spend to filmmakers, alongside an automatic exemption from the country’s 16% value added tax and 10% withholding tax — amounting to total savings of up to 56% of eligible spend.
The scheme, which also halves the minimum-spend threshold to just $250,000, is capped at $5.25 million per project but higher caps may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The country has also reduced bureaucracy for foreign productions, with the RFC facilitating rapid paperwork processing and necessary permits.
