mean mama films
Our production service company and fixers
in Thailand and Southeast Asia offer incredible locations, fast-track film permits, and get you the best rates on crew, gear, and rentals. We make impossible shoots possible.
Our production service company and fixers in Thailand and Southeast Asia offer incredible locations, fast-track film permits, and get you the best rates on crew, gear, and rentals. We make impossible shoots possible.
Tax Rebates and Incentives for Film Productions in South East Asia
Mean Mama Films
Rebates and incentives can shape your entire budget. Each country in South East Asia follows its own rules, approval systems, and spending thresholds. Some offer structured cash rebates. Some offer grants, uplifts, or case by case support. Many give strong value through low costs, fast access, and flexible logistics.
This page gives confirmed information only. It helps you plan your shoot and understand what you can expect in each market. Rules change, so always check the latest update with your line producer or the local film office.
Thailand Film Incentives
The strongest structured rebate system in South East Asia
Thailand offers one of the most competitive incentive systems in the region.
Foreign productions that qualify receive a base rebate of 15 percent on qualified Thai spend after meeting the required minimum of 50 million Thai Baht. Bonuses based on crew, tourism value, designated provinces, and post production can raise support to 30 percent for projects that meet all criteria.
The incentive suits feature films, scripted series, reality formats, documentaries, commercial productions, and streaming originals. All applications must go through the Thailand Film Office and a licensed coordinator such as Mean Mama Films.
Rebate Criteria
Thailand offers a cash rebate of up to 30 percent for foreign film productions with local expenditures of 50 million Thai Baht or more.
Main rebate
15 percent for qualified Thai spending from 50 million Thai Baht
Additional rebates
5 percent for spending between 100 and 150 million Thai Baht
10 percent for spending over 150 million Thai Baht
5 percent for employing Thai nationals in key positions
5 percent for promoting tourism, Soft Power, and positive image of Thailand
3 percent for filming in designated provinces
3 percent for completing post production in Thailand
No cap on payouts. Fast processing.
Learn more about filming in Thailand here [link to Thailand production services page].
Malaysia Film Incentives
Malaysia runs a clear programme under the Film in Malaysia Incentive.
It offers a 30 percent cash rebate on qualifying Malaysian expenditure with an additional 5 percent cultural uplift for projects that pass the cultural test.
Minimum spend requirements start around five million Malaysian Ringgit for production and post combined.
The incentive suits features, high end TV, documentaries, and commercial shoots.
Producers must submit a provisional application two months before filming begins, so planning is essential.
Philippines Film Incentives
The Philippines supports international productions through the Film Location Incentive Program.Approved projects receive up to 20 percent of qualified local spend. Some productions may receive additional cultural or partnership support, which may bring the benefit closer to 25 percent. The system is case by case. The Philippines remains attractive because of its English speaking crew base, diverse island locations, and competitive production costs.
Singapore Film Incentives
Singapore does not offer a universal rebate. Support comes through IMDA grants and co production funds. These funds back scripted drama, high end factual work, documentary, and commercial projects linked to cultural or strategic goals.
The Made With Singapore programme supports selected productions based on the scale of local involvement and the strength of the partnership with Singapore teams. Producers should treat Singapore’s system as grant based support.
Indonesia Film Incentives
Some provinces offer grant support or tourism linked incentives on a case by case basis. Details vary and depend on regional priorities and the nature of the project.
Indonesia remains attractive for Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Komodo, and Sumatra. Costs are competitive and the range of locations is wide.
Sri Lanka
Support is usually negotiated through local partners or government agencies.
There is no flat national rebate. Sri Lanka offers strong visual value because of its beaches, mountains, tea plantations, forests, and heritage cities.
Laos
Laos has referenced possible support for international productions and has discussed incentive ranges. There is no fully published and confirmed nationwide rebate scheme. Support is usually handled case by case through local authorities.
Productions may face limits in logistics, crew availability, and location control.
Vietnam
Vietnam continues to develop its incentive framework, but there is no confirmed national film rebate at this time. Permits require detailed schedules, location lists, and approval from several ministries. Additional fees apply for film officers assigned to productions.
Cambodia
Cambodia offers import and export tax exemptions for filming equipment. There is no confirmed national cash rebate. Any additional financial support depends on local negotiation and may vary by project size and local partnerships.
A Note for Producers
Incentive rules change. Minimum spend thresholds, cultural tests, and approval conditions may shift. Always check with your line producer and the local film office before you lock your budget or schedule. This protects your project and keeps your team safe.
Work With Mean Mama Films
Mean Mama Films supports productions with rebates, grants, and local approvals across South East Asia. We prepare documents and budgets, guide spending plans, work with local agencies, and support your project from application to approval.
If you plan to film in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, or any other country in the region, we help you secure the strongest value for your budget.
Mean Mama Films
Rebates and incentives can shape your entire budget. Each country in South East Asia follows its own rules, approval systems, and spending thresholds. Some offer structured cash rebates. Some offer grants, uplifts, or case by case support. Many give strong value through low costs, fast access, and flexible logistics.
This page gives confirmed information only. It helps you plan your shoot and understand what you can expect in each market. Rules change, so always check the latest update with your line producer or the local film office.
Thailand Film Incentives
The strongest structured rebate system in South East Asia
Thailand offers one of the most competitive incentive systems in the region.
Foreign productions that qualify receive a base rebate of 15 percent on qualified Thai spend after meeting the required minimum of 50 million Thai Baht. Bonuses based on crew, tourism value, designated provinces, and post production can raise support to 30 percent for projects that meet all criteria.
The incentive suits feature films, scripted series, reality formats, documentaries, commercial productions, and streaming originals. All applications must go through the Thailand Film Office and a licensed coordinator such as Mean Mama Films.
Rebate Criteria
Thailand offers a cash rebate of up to 30 percent for foreign film productions with local expenditures of 50 million Thai Baht or more.
Main rebate
15 percent for qualified Thai spending from 50 million Thai Baht
Additional rebates
5 percent for spending between 100 and 150 million Thai Baht
10 percent for spending over 150 million Thai Baht
5 percent for employing Thai nationals in key positions
5 percent for promoting tourism, Soft Power, and positive image of Thailand
3 percent for filming in designated provinces
3 percent for completing post production in Thailand
No cap on payouts. Fast processing.
Learn more about filming in Thailand here [link to Thailand production services page].
Malaysia Film Incentives
Malaysia runs a clear programme under the Film in Malaysia Incentive.
It offers a 30 percent cash rebate on qualifying Malaysian expenditure with an additional 5 percent cultural uplift for projects that pass the cultural test.
Minimum spend requirements start around five million Malaysian Ringgit for production and post combined.
The incentive suits features, high end TV, documentaries, and commercial shoots.
Producers must submit a provisional application two months before filming begins, so planning is essential.
Philippines Film Incentives
The Philippines supports international productions through the Film Location Incentive Program.Approved projects receive up to 20 percent of qualified local spend. Some productions may receive additional cultural or partnership support, which may bring the benefit closer to 25 percent. The system is case by case. The Philippines remains attractive because of its English speaking crew base, diverse island locations, and competitive production costs.
Singapore Film Incentives
Singapore does not offer a universal rebate. Support comes through IMDA grants and co production funds. These funds back scripted drama, high end factual work, documentary, and commercial projects linked to cultural or strategic goals.
The Made With Singapore programme supports selected productions based on the scale of local involvement and the strength of the partnership with Singapore teams. Producers should treat Singapore’s system as grant based support.
Indonesia Film Incentives
Some provinces offer grant support or tourism linked incentives on a case by case basis. Details vary and depend on regional priorities and the nature of the project.
Indonesia remains attractive for Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Komodo, and Sumatra. Costs are competitive and the range of locations is wide.
Sri Lanka
Support is usually negotiated through local partners or government agencies.
There is no flat national rebate. Sri Lanka offers strong visual value because of its beaches, mountains, tea plantations, forests, and heritage cities.
Laos
Laos has referenced possible support for international productions and has discussed incentive ranges. There is no fully published and confirmed nationwide rebate scheme. Support is usually handled case by case through local authorities.
Productions may face limits in logistics, crew availability, and location control.
Vietnam
Vietnam continues to develop its incentive framework, but there is no confirmed national film rebate at this time. Permits require detailed schedules, location lists, and approval from several ministries. Additional fees apply for film officers assigned to productions.
Cambodia
Cambodia offers import and export tax exemptions for filming equipment. There is no confirmed national cash rebate. Any additional financial support depends on local negotiation and may vary by project size and local partnerships.
A Note for Producers
Incentive rules change. Minimum spend thresholds, cultural tests, and approval conditions may shift. Always check with your line producer and the local film office before you lock your budget or schedule. This protects your project and keeps your team safe.
Work With Mean Mama Films
Mean Mama Films supports productions with rebates, grants, and local approvals across South East Asia. We prepare documents and budgets, guide spending plans, work with local agencies, and support your project from application to approval.
If you plan to film in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, or any other country in the region, we help you secure the strongest value for your budget.
Our work
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All your film could ever need
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Beaches, jungles, temples, gritty backstreets, floating markets, whatever you need, we’ll find it. We handle all types of location permits, from public spaces to private properties and sensitive sites. We know who to call and how to get you access. Read more →1 -
Fast and fully legal, we work directly with local authorities and the Thailand Film Board. We handle visas and work permits for your cast and crew. Everything sorted before you land.
Read more →2 - Our fixers know Thailand inside out. We solve problems before they happen and keep your shoot moving. We manage logistics, hotels, transport, catering, and schedules. You shoot, we handle the rest. Read more →3
- Thailand has rapidly emerged as one of the prime hotspots in the world for international film productions, by offering attractive tax rebates up to 30% aimed at making filming both cost-effective and efficient. Thailand also has an incentive measures program. Read more →4
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We arrange drone shoots with permits and licensed pilots. Everything approved and ready to fly. We get you the best sound stages, LED virtual studios, and build practical sets. Whatever the shoot needs. Read more →5 -
We book trusted Thai crew and secure the gear. From our own stock or top local vendors. We find the right talent. We cast fast and right. Leads, extras, real locals. Whatever the story needs, we’ll find them. Read more →6
Contact us
We would love to know more about your production. Please fill out the form below, and a producer will be in contact within 24 hours.
+66 9 1215 0607
dasha@meanmamafilms.com
dasha@meanmamafilms.com
📍Bangkok, Thailand / Los Angeles, USA
Mean Mama Films develops original content and provides full production services and fixers for feature films, commercials, TV series, documentaries, music videos, and events.
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