DFTC drops processing fees for film makers

The cast and crew of a popular German show called Cruise Into Happiness filming an episodes in Dubai. Lee Hoagland / The National

There was good news for film makers this week as Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) announced that it has reduced its processing fees to all filmmakers and producers in Dubai. DFTC has reduced the processing fees from 800 dirhams to 500 dirhams per application for each project filmed in Dubai. Permit applications must be submitted a minimum of five business days before the first filming day, and location fees remain the same as advertised on the DFTC website.

Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and Managing Director of Dubai Studio City, said: “One of DFTC’s goals and objectives is to develop initiatives to reduce cost of media production in Dubai and with this we are moving in the correct direction. We know that every dirham spent in productions makes a big difference to the producer, whether it’s a big-budget film, TVC, TV series or a corporate video. We are really keen to provide a filming experience to those producers that is, cost effective, inclusive of all facilities they get in well-known production cities, with a full wide range of locations and advanced infrastructure.”

He added: “The media industry lives off creative and innovative people, hence providing an efficient and flexible film production environment in Dubai is important for the growth of pool of talents. We have an continuing vision and plan in doing so, and it is essential for us to ease the production process for all filmmakers and producers. We are working on more initiatives to further reduce costs for filming in Dubai, which will be announced in the near future.”