The Cyprus Film Commission organised a three-day roadshow in London last week, welcoming professionals from the United Kingdom’s audiovisual industry. The first two events were aimed at British professionals, while the third was addressed exclusively to Cypriots living and working in the UK.
‘Our aim was to inform industry professionals about the incentives programme we offer in Cyprus, with the ultimate goal of encouraging them to choose our country for future productions. It is one of the most generous and fastest cash rebate payment schemes in the sector in Europe,’ said the Head of the Cyprus Film Commission, Lefteris Eleftheriou, speaking to CNA. He was also the main speaker at the events.
Eleftheriou, who coordinates and promotes Cyprus as an international destination for film and television productions, delivered an extensive and in-depth presentation. Among other things, he referred to the financial incentives provided by his service to foreign and domestic productions, the solutions offered to practical issues, as well as the criteria a company must meet in order to qualify for funding.
‘The response from professionals in the British audiovisual industry at all three events was very strong, which pleased us greatly. Initially, we estimated that 10 to 15 people would attend the event held at the High Commission, but in the end participation was many times higher and we managed to fill the events hall,’ Eleftheriou told CNA.
The programme promoting Cyprus as an international destination for film and television productions was established in 2017. However, it only became widely known much later, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its annual budget amounts to pound 25 million and it currently supports more than seven international productions. Most of the participating companies are British, though there is also a significant presence of French and Scandinavian productions.
It is worth noting that the programme is structured in such a way that foreign professionals are required to collaborate with Cypriot entrepreneurs, a fact that also strengthens the domestic audiovisual industry.
The final event, held at the Cypriot High Commission in London, was co-organised by the business association ‘Cypriots in the City’. ‘Today’s event highlighted the power of cooperation between the diaspora and institutions in shaping the future of Cyprus. Cypriots in the City are proud to co-organise initiatives that connect people, ideas and opportunities,’ said the Association’s President, Fanos Theofanous, speaking to CNA.
A key contributor to the event was the Commercial Section of the Cypriot High Commission.