INDUSTRY THE VIEW FROM...
THE VIEW FROM…
We shine a light on Poland in the latest entry to our international industry series, diving into the amenities, incentives and other offerings that make this history-rich country stand out on a global stage POLAND
WORDS KATIE KASPERSON
A bout 30 years ago, Poland faced a new frontier; the end film industry was not immune. In 1994, the Polish government enforced the Copyright and Related Rights Act, which categorised cinematographers as technical executors of instruction rather than co-creators of cinema. A mere two months later, a group of 16 filmmakers established the Polish Society of Cinematographers (PSC), a professional association that’s grown to more than 100 members today. of communism brought financial turmoil – something to which the
WORLD-CLASS AND WELL-ROUNDED Thanks to the PSC’s early work, “the cinematographer – or director of photography – has a particular power,” begins Karina Kleszczewska, vice chair of the PSC. “We are involved from the very beginning, almost from the moment the screenwriter and director are working on the script. We have a big impact on the creation of the whole film.” The PSC has fought for better pay, with today’s cinematographers receiving large sums in royalties. Poland is also in the midst of an overhaul on tax breaks for visiting and co-productions.
Currently, it offers a 30% reimbursement of all eligible costs, such as crew wages, rental equipment and other goods and services purchased from Polish companies. “Our government is open to the possibility that film is a crucial industry for the entire economy of Poland,” states Kleszczewska. “This country is not big, but it has so many beautiful spots,” she continues, arguing Poland is a prime destination for location-based shoots. “If you’re looking for something specific, you can find it in this country,” from large cities such as Warsaw and Krakow to small towns,
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