Jiu Jitsu producer says film 'make-or-break' for Cyprus
Posted June 29, 2019 7:00 am
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - A veteran Hollywood movie producer says Cyprus' aspirations to become an international filming destination hinge on whether authorities can deliver on a pledge to provide cash rebates and tax exemptions to filmmakers.
Martin Barab told The Associated Press on Saturday that his new film "Jiu Jitsu" currently being filmed in Cyprus is "make-or-break" for the east Mediterranean island nation's nascent film industry.
"Jiu Jitsu" starring Nicolas Cage is the first film being made in Cyprus under the country's new financial incentives scheme that includes case rebates and tax credits of up to 35% as well as a sales tax exemption.
Barab said he expects Cypriot authorities to live up to their promise but warned that if they don't, "it would crush the business here forever."
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage, right, and actor Jony Jaa pose for the media at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage, right, and director Dimitri Logothetis speak at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage poses for the media at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage speaks at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage, right, and actor Jony Jaa pose to the media at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Academy award winning actor Nicolas Cage speaks at a news conference for his new film Jiu Jitsu being filmed on the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Cage said the film which is a fusion of the action and science fiction genres which he has admired and grew up with drew him to the project. He said Cyprus had a "good spirit" for him which he said informs his performance. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
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