Fueling Cinematic Growth: A New Era for Jordan's Film Sector

Enhanced Financial Support for Global Productions

Jordan's government has significantly increased its financial support for film projects, making the nation an exceptionally appealing choice for international filmmakers. A revised cash rebate program now offers up to a 45% return on local expenditures. This, coupled with complete exemptions from the 16% Value Added Tax and 10% withholding tax, can lead to overall savings of up to 56% on eligible production costs. The minimum spending requirement has also been reduced to $250,000, with a cap of $5.25 million per project, although higher amounts can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Streamlined Operations and Royal Endorsement

To further facilitate foreign productions, the Royal Film Commission (RFC) has streamlined bureaucratic procedures, ensuring swift processing of paperwork and necessary permits. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the RFC, has emphasized the critical role of the film industry within Jordan's broader cultural strategy. He highlighted the proactive involvement of the royal family, including King Abdullah II, in promoting and championing the growth of the film sector.

The Rise of Olivewood Film Studios and the Shadowbox Alliance

A pivotal development in Jordan's film infrastructure is the establishment of Olivewood Film Studios in Amman. This state-of-the-art complex, the first of its kind in the country, features two soundstages and a backlot. Last year, Olivewood entered a strategic partnership with the U.S.-based Shadowbox, a move seen as instrumental in expanding Jordan's capacity for large-scale international productions. Jumana Sharbin, General Manager of Olivewood Film Studios, notes that Shadowbox's global expertise, drawing from its operations in Atlanta and the U.K.'s Shinfield Studios, is crucial for elevating Olivewood's operational standards and international appeal.

Global Outreach and Diverse Market Engagement

Olivewood's ambitions extend beyond traditional Western markets. Sharbin revealed a strong focus on engaging with Asia and India, identifying them as key growth territories. The studio actively participates in international industry events, including the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan and the Shanghai International Film Festival. This proactive approach underscores Jordan's commitment to becoming a truly global production partner, recognizing the unique stories and creative energies across diverse continents. The studio has already hosted significant regional television productions like MBC's “The Voice” and “The Voice Kids,” demonstrating its capability to handle complex technical and operational demands. Negotiations for upcoming international game shows also appear promising, alongside recent local film projects such as “Grant Me a Son.”