Latushko: Cinematography bill takes a different look at Belarus’ cinema
MINSK, 13 January (BelTA) – Belarus’ draft law on amendments and additions to the Law on Cinematography secures a new approach to the national film production, Culture Minister Pavel Latushko said at a session of the House of Representatives’ permanent committee on culture, science and technology on 12 January.
“The bill contains a competitive platform for distributing budgetary resources as well as envisages state-private partnership in the film production industry,” said Pavel Latushko.
In his words, the major goal of the document is to prompt development of the Belarusian film production, including with the help of the private capital. The bill includes the ways to increase the interest of producers in the work upon new films, find additional economic incentives to draw private investments and to develop a film producing institute. “Now producers are not interested in the success of the picture as well as its payback, as the production is fully financed from the budget,” the minister stressed.
In order to enhance the interest of producers in the picture advancement and sales, the draft law provides for a margin of the budget financing at the level of 70%. It does not concern documentaries, animation and debut pictures.
The bill also defines tax concessions for cinema organizations and film producers regardless the kind of activity and the form of property. “That will enable private as well as state-run cinema studios, TV channels and film producers take part in the contests,” Pavel Latushko said.
The Culture Ministry is also busy with drafting a law related to investment and incentives for cinematography development. The law will envisages tax concessions and soft loans.
