3 reasons why you should film in Cyprus

yprus is one of the world’s hidden gems when it comes to locations for video production. In this blog post, I discuss exactly why this is. Let’s dive in! ‍

Geography

Despite its small footprint, Cyprus has a rich terrain and an incredible variety of landscapes over very short distances. It is one of the few places in the world where one can go skiing in the mountains and less than an hour later be swimming near a sandy beach.

Perhaps more importantly, it is rich in culture as well. Its rugged mountains are dotted with quintessential villages, many of which date back to the days of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. As a result, it has been blessed with a vast array of cultural heritage, landmarks and architectural features, and the capital, Nicosia, is a modern day illustration of a clash of civilisations, where mosques and churches can be found in close vicinity of one another, particularly within the old Venetian Walls. Similarly, Limassol’s old city is in close proximity to the promenade, which runs along the coast and is dotted with hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering a vibrant and modern backdrop.

It is this combination of variety and proximity of locations that makes Cyprus an appealing prospect to photographers and videographers.‍

Location and Regulations

Cyprus is easily accessible by air, with several international airports serving major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it an affordable destination for filmmakers and photographers. Once on the island, transportation is also affordable, with a well-developed public transport system and plenty of car rental companies available.

Perhaps more importantly, there are some notable tax advantages for videographers and film production companies in Cyprus, including a tax credit of up to 35% on eligible expenses for foreign production companies, although this is subject to a minimum spend of €200,000 and there are quotas for engaging Cypriot crew. Additionally, there is a 20% rebate of the production cost for feature films, documentaries and TV series that showcase Cyprus as a filming location. VAT waivers are also available to foreign production companies during their stay in Cyprus, including eligible expenses such as transport, catering, accommodation and equipment rental. Its also worth noting that the permit application process is relatively painless thanks to more streamlined regulations.

Hospitality

‍Cyprus is well known for its hospitality and is a high-demand location for holidaymakers: over 800 hotels cater to more than 4 million tourist arrivals every year. As a result, Cyprus is well-equipped to handle the demands of a large scale filming team. Additionally, the friendliness of the locals and their fluency in English is also useful for filmmakers and photographers who require local knowledge to find the best spots for their shoots.

Conclusion

‍In short, if you're thinking about setting up a film production company in Cyprus, you will not be disappointed. The island's natural beauty, cultural richness, accessibility, tax incentives, regulations and friendly people make it an ideal location for any creative vision. Whether shooting in Limassol, Nicosia or any of the other major cities, there are plenty of captivating locations that can help bring any creative vision to life.