Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis is taking steps towards attracting the international filming industry to Greece and in the same manner promote the Greek productions abroad. In his meeting with the new board of the Greek Film Council held recently, Mr. Xydakis said that the ministry was looking into setting up Central Archaeological Council units in key locations across Greece that they would authorize film productions on the spot, and proposed the creation of a Film Commission, a national committee that will facilitate filming in Greece and act as an intermediary. “We need to coordinate our efforts, and we expect to do so very soon”, he said, adding that Greece must keep up with European competition, the benefits for the economy and for tourism would be enormous. Tax incentives for foreign film productions are also included in the minister’s plans. The Finance ministry has agreed to introduce tax breaks, which will foresee tax return in cash or transferable tax credit, said Mr. Xydakis, bringing the examples of Malta, Croatia and Bulgaria, where some 40-50 film productions are carried out annually providing tax returns of around 25-30 percent. On his part, GFC President Alexis Grivas stressed the need to boost Greek productions, proposing a more flexible funding plan.