Frequently Asked Questions

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Are directors’ and scriptwriters’ fees eligible?

“Expenses pertaining to script and directing copyright fees” pursuant to Law 4487/2017, as amended and in force, in conjunction with the new JMD 1086/2021, are expenses defined in Law 2121/1993, as amended and in force. More specifically, they concern compensation for projects leading to a specific permit with a specific range of powers from the principal creator (director), and the key creator of individual contributions (scriptwriter). The remuneration shall be determined by a contract between the producer and the director or writer. These expenses shall not include any form of remuneration based on revenues or expenses incurred from the commercial exploitation of the project, which are not related to its production. As regards the eligibility of costs of directors and scriptwriters incurred abroad, the contract between the producer and the director or scriptwriter shall explicitly mention the Greek territory as the place where the project is executed in its entirety. If there are multiple filming sites, separate contracts shall have to be concluded for Greece, so that all compensations related to Greece are eligible, pursuant to the provisions of the Law and the JMD. Moreover, for all the above cases, apart from the fact that the project in question must be executed entirely on Greek territory, invoicing and payment for this cost shall be implemented after the submission date of the relevant application for inclusion of the audiovisual project pursuant to the provisions of Law 4487/2017.

What do I have to do to collect the State aid from EKOME if a completion decision has been issued?

Once the completion decision has been issued, you will be asked to provide specific documents to the Financing Programs and Development Department of EKOME, so that, following the audit, the aid will be remitted by bank transfer to the beneficiary’s IBAN.

Can the aid beneficiary obtain a loan by granting the bank the right to directly collect the State aid from EKOME?

If the beneficiary is a production company with a Greek Tax ID number, it may obtain a short-term loan from a domestic bank equal to the assigned aid, which will be used to implement the investment plan. In this case, the aid shall be paid directly to the bank with which the contract of assignment of the claim is signed.

What should the USB 3.0 hard disk contain?

The final USB 3.0 deliverable shall include material which substantiates that the cultural criteria have been met, and which allows for the investment plan to benefit from an aid scheme. A review of the credit points for the fulfilment of the cultural criteria is advisable, highlighting any deviations from the application for inclusion. The hard disk shall contain photographs from the filming, local press reports about the production, making-offs, opening and/or end credits with EKOME’s logo, etc.

Is there any specific classification that we should use in the hard copy file with the cost documents?

To speed up audits, the documents in the hard copy file should be classified following the logic of Annex 2 of JMD 7651/2021 (Government Gazette B1086/22.03.2021), which divides eligible expenditure into seven distinct categories (copyright expenses, crew fees, etc.) and the Budget and Financial Statements Table.

What should be included in the hard copy file to be submitted to EKOME?

Examples of the hard copy documentation are:

a) Report by the Certified Auditor in accordance with the standard specified in the corresponding JMD 1086/22.03.2021;

(b) copies of the supporting documents for all eligible expenses, stamped with the application form’s unique number, clearly photocopied from the originals, with an equally clear proof of payment attached;

(c) a list of supporting documents requested by the Operator and their settlement (see standard file “BUDGET AND REPORTING TABLE TEMPLATE” in the Aid Request Guide). To facilitate the audit, this table should also be included in the electronic files the entity uploads to the State Aid Information System (SAIS) during the audit request stage;

(d) supplier account statements (records);

(e) the Operator’s current account statement;

(f) the USB 3.0 hard disk with the audiovisual material supporting the fulfilment of the cultural criteria;

g) If the operator has regular staff working for the investment plan in question, the hard copy shall include detailed timesheets of the hours spent on the investment plan (in relation to the total hours worked).

If the Audit Request is incomplete, will the Audit Committee reject the application?

No, your request will not be rejected due to omissions, as these are identified and recorded in the course of the audit process, as described in the relevant case law. The Audit Committee shall examine the supporting documents filed, and send an e-mail detailing the missing supporting documents to the investment plan Operator. The Operator shall have twelve (12) calendar days from the date this message is received to collect and send the missing supporting documents to EKOME.

What exactly is the technical description of the investment plan in the Audit Request Guide – audit supporting documents, 3(g)?

At the audit stage, you shall identify any deviations/amendments with respect to the technical description of the investment plan already approved by the relevant application for the date aid. In other words, you may use your original text, adding the final variations with justification and concluding with the final implemented investment plan. If at some point, e.g., in (b) (scenario) no changes have been made, indicate that there has been no change to the original plan.

What is the required documentation the Operator has to file with an Audit Request?

To assist investment operators, EKOME developed and uploaded at www.ependyseis.gr (Information) a State Aid Request Submission Guide, which clarifies the number and type of supporting documents necessary to file a Audit Request. Please note that filing of the request consists of two stages: (A) firstly, the electronic application is submitted at www.ependyseis.gr with the supporting documents in electronic format; (B) a hard copy with copies of the supporting documents and the necessary accompanying documents is submitted to EKOME (as described in the State Aid Request Submission Guide), along with the Certified Auditor’s Report, in accordance with the standard specified in the corresponding JMD 7651/2021 (Government Gazette B/1086).

Is there anything we should pay attention to upon submitting the Audit Request?

You are advised to avoid finalizing the digital Audit Request before you have resolved all your financial questions! The Audit Guide takes you step by step through the process.

For any technical questions or difficulties when filing the Review Request digitally via the State Aid Information System (SAIS), please contact: info@ekome.media.

For more general financial questions regarding the Audit Request, please forward your queries to: cashrebate@ekome.media. The investment plan management team will provide direct guidance.

How can one extend the period of the Audit Request submission?

There is no extension to the Audit Request submission. However, if the investment plan has not expired, the Operator may request an amendment for the extension of the investment plan’s expiration date, postponing it to a later date.

When and how do we submit the completed Budget and Financial Statements table for the project?

This table shall be submitted in Excel format, both in hard copy and digital copy, together with the remaining supporting documents. A template can be found at www.ependyseis.gr.

Is the request for audit process carried out through www.ependyseis.gr?

You should submit the electronic application for audit to the State Aid Information System (SAIS) (www.ependyseis.gr) with supporting documents in digital format. You shall send a hard copy to EKOME, within 3 days of filing the application with the State Aid Information System (SAIS), accompanied with copies of expenses receipts and their supporting documents (as described in the Aid Request Guide).

As regards the attachments sent to the State Aid Information System (SAIS), the following limitations apply:

Maximum size of each attached file: 10MB
Total maximum size of attachments per operation: 50MB
Acceptable file types: .gif, .zip, .rar

When should we file a request for audit?

You may submit a request for audit within a period of no more than six (6) months from the date your investment plan has been completed. You will have to file your request at www.ependyseis.gr, accompanied by the necessary supporting documents, and the report of the Certified Accountant you hire and pay. The Certified Accountant’s Report should follow the standard set out in JMD 7651/2021 (Government Gazette B/1086).

If filming locations and/or dates change during the execution of the audiovisual project, is there a need for amendment?

If the filming locations and dates change, but the physical scope of the investment plan does not change, the Operator shall inform EKOME of the change in the implementation of the investment plan without filing a request for amendment.

If the variations in the investment plan implementation among the seven main categories are above 20%, but the overall budget does not change, is it possible to amend the budget?

The budget categories may be amended, provided that the amount of the investment plan’s total budget does not change and the request for amendment is made before the expiration of the investment plan.

Can I increase the total eligible budget with a request for amendment?

Such requests shall be admissible provided that the general and legal conditions for inclusion continue to be valid. The request shall be accompanied by a technical description justifying its feasibility. Upon receipt of the request, a review of the cultural criteria score of the approved investment plan is required before the request can be approved or not.

If fewer or more expenses than those approved are implemented, is it possible to request an amendment of the eligible budget?

The Operator may request an amendment of the approved eligible budget by filling a request for amendment at www.ependyseis.gr before the expiration date of its investment plan.

When shall I apply for the Greek cash rebate?

You can apply to EKOME throughout the year. Applications for State aid for audiovisual works production may be submitted up to 10 days before the start of the production and/or post-production in Greece.

Is the State aid from EKOME paid after production has been completed?

The State aid (cash rebate) is disbursed by EKOME once the production of audiovisual projects has been completed and the costs of the investment plan have been audited. The rebate amounts to 40% of the eligible expenses implemented in Greece. The amount of State aid from EKOME shall not be paid in instalments during production, nor in advance at the start of the production, but once production has been completed, as a rebate.

Are the expenses of setting up a pilot eligible?

The expenses incurred for the production of a pilot by an investment plan included in the cash rebate program do not constitute eligible expenses.

What is the investment incentive (cash rebate) implemented by EKOME?

The investment incentive (cash rebate) is a state subsidy given after the completion of the production of audiovisual works, when the costs of the investment plan have been audited. The rebate amounts to 40% of the eligible costs incurred in Greece.

It is underlined that the amount of the state aid implemented by EKOME is not allotted in part during the production, nor in advance before the start of the production, but after the production has been completed.

Who is eligible for the Greek cash rebate?

(i) Companies founded in Greece operating to produce or offer production services for audiovisual projects (with business activity codes 59.11 or 59.12 or 62.01.21)

(ii) Foreign audiovisual production companies with a branch in the Greek territory operating to produce audiovisual projects (with business activity codes 59.11 or 59.12 or 62.01.21).

In the case of cross-border productions, applications for cash rebates may be submitted only by producers established or having a branch in the Greek territory.

How can I apply for the Greek cash rebate?

The application is submitted online to the State Aid Information System at www.ependyseis.gr. To file the application, interested parties may consult the application submission handbook for inclusion (request guide).

Who is the implementing body of the investment incentive plan?

Implementing body of the investment incentive plan is the producer or executive producer that submits an application to EKOME through the www.ependyseis.gr platform.

In case of the executive producer, a written authorization is required from the producer(s) or co-producers granting them the right to submit the application.

Who is the beneficiary of the state aid managed by EKOME?

The beneficiary may be one of the following:

a) The domestic producer.

b) The foreign producer.

c) The Investment Plan Operator, subject to written authorization from the producer(s) or co-producer(s) that designates them beneficiaries of the State aid from EKOME.

What do the terms “onset” and “completion” of an “investment plan” stand for?

The onset of the investment plan is defined as the first point in time that either:

a) filming of an audiovisual work in the Greek territory begins, or:

b) the first legally binding undertaking for the lease of equipment for the purpose of implementing a planned shooting in the Greek territory.

Completion of an investment plan is considered the completion of filming and/or post-production of the project.

Necessary condition for the approval of the inclusion proposal is that the shooting starts 10 calendar days after the application has been submitted.

When do expenses begin to count as eligible?

The expenses of the investment plan shall be considered eligible from the date the application is submitted.

Is there a time limit for completing the investment plan?

Investment plans shall have the right and obligation to be completed within three (3) years from the date the application for inclusion is submitted.

Is there a cap on the amount of state aid managed by EKOME and the maximum total eligible budget that an investment plan can apply for?

The maximum amount of cash rebate an investment plan can receive is €12 million.

How long does it take to approve an investment plan application?

EKOME process of approval of the application for inclusion lasts up to six weeks from the date the application for inclusion was filed.

Is the amount of state subsidy by EKOME paid to the beneficiary subject to taxation?

The amount of state subsidy does NOT increase the income from business activity, but it is a reducing element of the cost of the expenditure that has been subsidized and is NOT subject to taxation.

How are the cultural criteria determined?

Law 4487/2017 specifies the cultural criteria, and their fulfillment is an essential prerequisite for the approval of an application for inclusion or grounds for exclusion if not fulfilled.

The investment plan Operator fills in all cultural criteria categories and proceeds to a reasoned self-scoring for each separate cultural criterion. Following the audit of the application for inclusion, the competent Audit Committee for the Control of Legality and Evaluation of EKOME accepts or changes the cultural criteria score.

Which investment plans are eligible for a Greek cash rebate and which are excluded?

The audiovisual projects eligible for inclusion are short and feature films, documentaries, television series, animated films and digital games.

Audiovisual projects not eligible for inclusion are concerts, recorded performances, sports events and performances, reality shows, recorded events, commercials, infotainment television programs, etc.

What are the “eligible expenses” and how are they determined?

Eligible expenses are costs incurred on Greek territory which shall not exceed 80% of the audiovisual project’s total budget.

For audiovisual works with eligible expenses over eight million euros (8,000,000 EUR), as far as expenses of par. 1 pertaining to script and directing copyright fees are concerned, or for cultural and educational digital games, as far as expenses for rights to use images – voices, expenses for character design, source code and salaries of crew and cast (except for the fee of the executive producer/production service company) are concerned, it shall be permitted to use invoices issued by natural persons, companies or other legal entities having their registered office or being permanently established in a foreign country. The value of foreign invoices mentioned in the previous point may not exceed 50% of the total eligible expenses involved in the investment plan (VAT excluded).

Are production and post-production phases eligible for the cash rebate scheme?

Eligible for inclusion are the following:

(a) production phase,
(b) production and post-production phase,
(c) or post-production phase

of the investment plan implementation.

Are the expenses incurred during pre-production phase considered as eligible?

Pre-production costs incurred, invoiced and paid after the date of application submission shall be eligible.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount of eligible expenses?

The minimum for eligible expenses of an investment plan application is €100,000 for cinema or TV fiction films, €60,000 for TV or cinema documentaries, or short fiction films, or animated films, and €30,000 for digital games. For TV series and episode parts, the minimum threshold is set from €15,000 (at least 70 episodes) to €25,000 per episode (€20,000 for TV docuseries), and the total budget of all episodes not less than €100,000 (€60,00 for TV docuseries).

The maximum amount of eligible expenses of an investment plan application is €30,000,000.

If the final eligible costs incurred are less than the approved budget, how is the aid calculated?

If the final actual eligible costs are lower than those approved, the investment plan shall receive less State subsidy from EKOME.

A prerequisite is that at least 60% of the budgeted eligible expenses approved for inclusion, as published in the Government Gazette, must be implemented. If the investment plan has implemented less than 60% of its approved costs, it shall lose any right to receive State aid from EKOME.

What kind of documents do I need to submit with my application?

Examples include the following:

Declaration of acceptance of the procedure terms
Contract between partners (co-production, contract with Production Service Company, etc.)
Documents related to the operations of the Operator and/or Beneficiary, such as articles of association, balance sheet, certificate of non-bankruptcy, etc.
Production plan and detailed budget for expenses implemented in Greece
A definitive financial plan listing all sources of financing with the relevant contracts
Cultural criteria including a reasoned self-rating
The complete scenario or scenario summary of the audiovisual project or concept design document

A full list of all necessary documents to submit is included in Annex 1 of Joint Ministerial Decision 149-2020.

Are there any restrictions on the amount of above the line expenses that are considered eligible?

Above the line expenses (copyright, screenwriting fees, production, music, direction, two leading roles) are eligible up to 35% of the total amount of eligible costs of the audiovisual project.

Please note that the expenses are eligible only when the payment of insurance fees and the relevant taxes in the Greek territory is proven by legal documents.

Are the expenses for foreign cast and crew eligible?

Remuneration costs of foreign personnel are eligible only when the services are provided in the Greek territory and their tax and insurance expenses have been paid or legally exempted.

For audiovisual works involving eligible costs over 8,000,000 for the costs concerning director’s fees and the fees of the two leading roles (cast), it shall be permitted to receive invoices issued by natural persons or companies or other legal entities having their registered office or being permanently established in a foreign country.

The value of the foreign invoices may not exceed 20% of the total eligible costs of the investment plan whereas the total subsidy may not exceed 12,000,000 euros.

Are travel expenses eligible for the transportation of cast and crew to and from Greece?

Travel expenses are eligible for travel to or from Greece, if the relevant fares have been issued by a travel agency liable to the Greek State for the purposes of social welfare and tax contributions which also issues the relevant legal documents. The contributors shall be identified on the production’s list of contributors and on the call sheets.

Are the costs spent on imported vehicles and equipment eligible?

Eligible expenses are those incurred in the Greek territory and have relevant purchase or rental documents issued by companies based and taxed in Greece.

Are marketing, promotion and communication expenses included in the total eligible production costs?

Marketing, promotion, and communication expenses, which are costs of promoting rather than producing an audiovisual project, are not included in the total eligible production expenses.

Is there a limit to the state aid amount relating to the overall budget of the audiovisual work?

According to EU regulations, the sum of state aid for an audiovisual work in any EU member-state shall not exceed:

Α) 50% of the total budget

If, for example, the total budget of an investment plan is € 1,000,000 and it has already been subsidized by the Greek Film Centre with € 200,000, by CNC with € 200,000 and by ZDF with € 100,000, it has received a total of € 500,000 state aid, which equals 50% of the total budget. This production is not eligible for inclusion in the Greek cash rebate because if it receives state aid from EKOME the total amount of state aid will exceed 50% of the total production budget.

Β) in case of a cross-border production, 60% of the total budget (including the state aid by ΕΚΟΜΕ).

Γ) in case of a “difficult” work, 80% of the total budget (including the state aid by ΕΚΟΜΕ).

What is a cross-border production?

Cross-border productions are co-productions involving production companies from more than one EU Member States.

What is a “difficult” audiovisual work?

“Difficult” is a stand-alone audiovisual project that encounters difficulties in production and promotion and fulfils some or all of the following conditions:
(a) it is entirely in Greek;
(b) it is the first and/or second project of a director or the first and/or second project of a producer;
c) it has a budget of up to €500,000.

There is a specific category in the cultural criteria (JMD 149/2020, Appendix 3, Table E) which determines when an audiovisual project may be defined as “difficult” by reasoned self-rating by the Operator, which is then assessed by EKOME’s Committee for the Control of Legality and Evaluation.

Can a newly established production company apply for the Greek cash rebate?

A newly established production company may apply for aid with an obligation to submit financial data for the period it has been set up. Companies under incorporation and consortia are also entitled to apply for aid under the conditions laid down in Article 3 of Law 4704/2020.

Is there a cap on the fee of the executive production company?

The maximum remuneration for the production service company has been set at 10% of the total budget that the company has undertaken to implement, which may be demonstrated through a contract with the main production company/companies.

Is there a limit on filming days?

There is no limit on filming days.

Should the VAT be included in the budget for an audiovisual project?

Expenses included in the budget of a project do NOT include Value Added Tax, apart from those that pertain to fuel, accommodation, and meals, which are calculated with the applicable VAT.

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