New support measures for the Dutch film sector

Thanks to the COVID-19 support package made available by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Netherlands Film Fund can partly overcome the medium-term effects on the film sector with new support measures designed to re-start productions, as well as offer much needed support to filmmakers.

Re-start Film production
With the introduction of the Film Production & High End Series Support Fund, that offers financial assistance to Covid-affected productions and Dutch film professionals, the time has come to recommence production activity. With additional subsidies made to film productions and high-end series to cover the additional costs, re-commencement of activity within the framework of the COVID-19 Protocol AV Sector is now possible.

Pandemic guarantee scheme
Pending a nationwide assessment of pandemic risk, a guarantee from the Fund and a contribution from the sector will be provided into a collective fund or guarantee scheme to cover costs arising from any Covid-related damage during production. This applies to all majority Dutch productions that were supported by the Fund, that have contributed to the guarantee scheme and for which production commences starting June 10^th 2020.Film Fast Forward for screenwriters, directors and Heads of Department

Film Fast Forward for screenwriters, directors and Heads of Department
This arrangement offers breathing space to individual screenwriters, directors and Heads of Department. The contribution is intended for research and first development phase work on new and original film ideas for film productions or high-end series.

Lockdown Cinema
This one-off scheme focuses on projects that convert the corona crisis - and its inherent limitations - into dynamic cinematic works.

Note: The implementation of support for film theatres and film festivals, measures which the Fund handles on behalf of the ministry, will follow next week.