The KOFIC Location Incentive program, launched in 2011 by Korean Film Council (KOFIC), covers a part of the expenses of "foreign feature films, television series and documentaries" shot in South Korea. KOFIC grants up to 30% cash rebate on “foreign audio-visual works production expenditure incurred for goods and services in Korea”. The grant amount is subject to change depending on the numbers of days taken to shoot the film and the remaining grant program budget as of the date of application.[1]

The program has been supporting many films since its launch, including, “One Cut” (Japanese feature film), “Amour” (Japanese feature film), and “Taste” (Chinese feature film) in 2013; “Urban Games” (Chinese feature film), “Olympic Ransom” (Japanese TV drama), and “Full House” (Thailand TV drama) in 2012; and “Hakuji no Hito” (Japanese feature film ), “Rainbow Rose” (Japanese TV series), and “On the Road” (Chinese feature film) in 2011.[1]

The number of times Western films portrayed Korea in their movies has been remarkably less than the number of times Western films portrayed either China or Japan. Also, Korea has usually been portrayed as a “faux North Korea.” Through this program, the South Korean government shows willingness to change the status quo. It seeks direct economic gain through tourism and local employments. But in the long run, it also seeks to promote Korea’s brand image and to increase its Soft power. This will give Korea a higher position in the global society.[2]

'Avengers: Age of Ultron'

Marvel Studios was selected for the incentive program has shot the sequel of 'Avengers','Avengers: Age of Ultron' in Korea in March, 2014. 30% of the production cost is to be paid by the Korean government.[3]

Up to 23 million dollars’ worth of economic benefit is expected, especially in the local job market and tourism. Also, in the movie, Korea will be a portrayed as a “high-tech, modern country” with “no negative light shed on the country” — a clause included in the contract between Marvel and the Korean government.[2] Korea anticipates that this event be the new Gangnam Style in positively adding to the Korea's brand value.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "KOBIZ - Korean Film Biz Zone : Location Incentive". Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
  2. 1 2 Nicole, "Marvel Studios And “The Avengers” In South Korea And Asia", seoulbeats, April 8, 2014
  3. ↑ Jung-in Sohn, "'Avengers 2' expected to bring big benefits to Korean movie industry", Arirang News, March 19, 2014
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