Public funding for Film and Audiovisuals

The news for people into film and TV production is that the grandly-named European Audiovisual Observatory has released its annual review of public funding sources for audiovisuals in Europe. The Observatory collects, analyses and publishes information on public funding for the film and television industry in Europe. It has been working since 1993 and has hosted a number of major conferences at the Cannes Film Festival including Film and TV falling in love again.


Public funding has been an important resource for producers for some time. Public bodies in Europe have paid particular attention to the sector since it came into existence. Public intervention was made necessary by the domination of the international film market by the Hollywood giants since the end of the First World War, as well as by the economic weakness of national film industries and the political and cultural issues associated with the production and distribution of images.

Reaching European financing

Currently, Europe has a vast range of sources of public funding for Film and Audiovisuals, from direct cash injections to tax credits & shelters, favourable loans and guarantees as well as support in promotion. Given the complexity of film finances, producers need to be aware of all the various support mechanisms that are available.

This year’s review covers key issues and questions:

• Exhaustive coverage: from influential national film agencies to small-scale local initiatives
• Direct public funding in 37 European countries
• Unique overview of the geographical spread, scale and scope of direct public funding
• With authoritative answers to the key questions:
  • How many funds?
  • How are they financed?
  • What is the total volume of funding?
  • Which activities are supported?
  • National versus regional funding – how do they differ?

The report also provides brief insights into a selection of special topics, including funding for the transition to digital cinema, tax incentives, public financial institutions active in the sector and a review of the public policy context at European level.

Check the European Audiovisual Observatory.