Pre-production and project development will now be covered by the Qualified Philippine Production Expenditure (QPPE) for both the FLIP (Film Location Incentive Program) and the ICOF (International Co-production Fund) programs beginning August 2020. Project development (script development, location scouting, pre-production, etc.) can now be included, in addition to the usual coverage for production and post-production (including animation and VFX). Submissions of application for Cycle 2 of the FLIP and the ICOF will be accepted until July 31, 2020.

FLIP is applicable for eligible international productions in the following genre -- film, documentaries, animation, television series, music videos, and web content). Meanwhile, ICOF is for eligible international co-productions with Filipino producers, only for full feature films, full animation and full documentary films.

With regard to the inbound travel restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic, while such government restrictions are still currently in effect, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) launches its SAFE FILMING program that promotes world-compliant safety and health protocols for local and international productions to support them in the conduct of their work in the country, if such protocols are deemed in compliance with government guidelines (the JAO, or the DOH-FDCP-DOLE Health & Safety Guidelines for The Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Shoots During Covid-19 Pandemic). The Covid-19 health crisis has affected every manner of living and work, but many have chosen to positivize the situation and look forward to continuing to do work in the context of the “new normal”.