ZenHQ has a $500 million film fund, which is available to all comers and does not require security, pre-sales, sales estimates, bond, or lengthy intercreditor agreements.

Wouldn’t that be sweet!

While we can't offer that much that easily, ZenHQ can offer 15% - 35% of the South African spend, which is as soft as a baby's behind.

Here’s how it works.

The South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has two Film Financing Incentives or Rebates, one for international film & TV productions shooting in South Africa, and one for treaty co-productions. The rebate is based on South African spend, and ranges from 15% for international productions, and 25% - 35% for treaty co-productions. Some spend exclusions and other requirements apply.

To qualify, the international production must spend a minimum of R12 million in South Africa, and the treaty co-production must spend at least R2.5 million.
The maximum rebate for both incentives is R20 million.

Click here for the one page overview of the incentive. Detailed versions of the incentives are available upon request.

Government Sources

There are two major sources of government financing in South Africa – the DTI above, and the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), which provides debt and equity financing. Contact IDC's Media & Motion Picture Division directly at www.idc.co.za.

The NFVF (National Film & Video Foundation) has development and production funding available, however, both are relatively small and have lengthy qualification requirements.

Private Sources

There are a handful of private equity financiers with which ZenHQ has relationships. These range from individuals to medium and large corporates. Equity sources change regularly. Terms of the equity vary depending upon source and financing structure in each project. ZenHQ also has relationships with international equity sources.

A few South African banks and private entities have dabbled in relatively small amounts of debt and cash-flow financing. South African broadcasters participate from time to time in financing film projects at the lower end of the market.

While pre-sales are possible, they are not common. A pre-sale would require a strong package with A list cast. Facility deferments are possible, primarily equipment and post-production.