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Ninja gets offset approval
[Thu 21/05/2009 06:06:05]
Press release from Jozef Horvat
Upcoming feature film “The Ninja” has received welcome news from the Australian Government and Screen Australia who have approved an application from the producers for tax concessions under “The Producer Offset” act.
The Offset is a tax based incentive and is principally relative to goods and services provided in Australia and encourages local investment in Australian film production. It allows locally produced films to claim a tax offset of up to 40% of qualifying Australian Production Expenditure.
Company director and star Rob Baard, applied for the tax concession after identifying early in the planning stage that the use of local personnel and locations around Geelong in many areas of production, would be a major asset to the film.
He explained that “The provisional certificate of eligibility was issued for The Ninja after our application met all necessary thresholds and tests of the Producer Offset.”
“This is great for us and more so for Geelong as much of the film’s expenditure will also be incurred locally, putting several millions directly back into the region’s economy which will no doubt be a welcome boost.”
Geelong businesses and residents, already excited by the news that much of the movie will be filmed in and around the city, will be further pleased to hear that much of the key creative requirements for the film will also be fulfilled by a local pool of talent.
In fact, a number of local Geelong personnel recruited by Rob have been hard at work behind the scenes for several months, assisting with pre-production elements for the film.
The local team including; Director of photography Ben Helweg, Producer Jason Haines, Graphic Designer Michael Demetriou, Photographer Jono Dredge, Costume Makers Brad McDowall and Kris McCawley and PR/Communications Officer Jozef Horvat have applied their skills and talent in establishing a strong foundation from which the next stage of production can commence.
“Further to all the exciting cast attachments and production details we have released to the media and public to date, the film is incredibly fortunate to have this great team behind the scenes whose individual talents and collective dedication will enhance the film. It is a tremendous reflection on Geelong and its ability to produce individuals who excel in their respective areas of commerce.” Rob stated.
The film stars Rob Baard, Tania Zaetta and 2 time Emmy winner John Wesley Shipp. They are complemented by an impressive list of professionals working on the film including stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, who coordinated stunt sequences for blockbusters films including Star Wars Episode 1, 2 and 3.
The Ninja’s score will be produced by legendary Trevor Jones, who in the past has lent his talents for films including “Last of the Mohicans” and “The Dark Crystal”.
The film is currently finalising the remaining behind the scenes elements before the date for pre-production is announced to the public.
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