HBO seeks increased reimbursement rate for television production in Iceland

The CEO of HBO has requested and received a draft bill for an increase in the reimbursement rate for television production in Iceland, just six weeks after asking for a commitment from the culture minister. The series in question is to receive a 35% rebate.

HBO, known for producing critically acclaimed shows such as “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” and “Band of Brothers,” has previously benefitted Iceland’s tourism, particularly due to the popularity of “Game of Thrones.” The filming of notable series like “True Detective” is expected to further boost Iceland’s reputation as a filming location.

The production of “True Detective” created significant employment, with over 1,600 jobs at peak and a total production cost exceeding 11 billion Icelandic krónur. The expected reimbursement from the government is over 4 billion krónur. Discussions among filmmakers have suggested that a new rebate plan should be prioritized, especially after the series’ substantial impact on the film industry.

A letter from Jay Roewe, a senior HBO executive, expressed gratitude for the government’s support but emphasized the necessity of assuring the 35% reimbursement rate for the success of “True Detective.” Roewe conveyed that HBO’s commitment to Iceland is heavily reliant on this assurance, linking it to potential future investments in the local film industry.

Culture Minister Lilja Alfreðsdóttir indicated that while she could not promise the rebate without legislative approval, there was strong support to expedite the bill’s passage, aiming for approval before the summer recess. Filming logistics were meticulously planned to adapt to Iceland’s unpredictable weather and health guidelines. The proposed bill is expected to be finalized and presented soon, highlighting Iceland’s growing significance in international television and film production.