Website for Flemish Audiovisual Fund

Case Study: Screen Flanders - Stimulating the Audiovisual Industry in Flanders

Screen Flanders is a website that provides information and services for audiovisual activities in the region of Flanders (Belgium). This case study has shown how Screen Flanders has contributed to stimulating the local and international audiovisual industry, creating jobs and attracting foreign investment. Screen Flanders is your co-production partner for audiovisual activities in the Flanders (Belgium) region.

Objectives: Screen Flanders has two main objectives:

Provide financial support to audiovisual productions and co-productions that spend all or part of their budget in the Flanders region, through the Economic Fund.

To provide information and assistance to both domestic and international filmmakers regarding location scouting, incentives and production and post-production services in the Flanders region, through the Film Commission.

Screen Flanders also promotes the Belgian Tax Shelter, an attractive tax incentive for audiovisual works in Belgium, and facilitates international co-productions with Flanders.

Methods:

Screen Flanders operates under the responsibility of Minister of Economic Affairs Jo Brouns, in close cooperation with Minister of Culture Jan Jambon. Screen Flanders' annual budget (3.5 million euros) is provided by VLAIO. The Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF) manages the applications and promotes the fund.

Screen Flanders has two main components: the Economic Fund and the Film Commission.

Economic Fund:

The Economic Fund is a financial support measure that grants refundable advances to audiovisual productions and co-productions that spend all or part of their budget in the region of Flanders. The fund supports different types of audiovisual works, such as feature films, documentaries, animation, TV series and VR projects.

Belgian producers can apply to receive up to 400,000 euros in reimbursable advances as economic support to cover their audiovisual costs in the region of Flanders. Foreign producers interested in applying for the fund can co-produce with a Belgian producer who meets all the selection criteria.

The fund has two application deadlines each year: March 10 and September 8. Applications are evaluated by an independent jury consisting of experts from the audiovisual sector. The jury evaluates applications based on the following criteria:

• Economic impact of the project in the Flanders region
• Artistic quality of the project
• Feasibility of the project
• Project sustainability

The jury makes a recommendation to VAF, which then makes a final decision on whether to grant or deny support. Applicants are notified of the decision within 60 days of the application deadline.

Film Committee:

The Film Commission is a service that assists filmmakers with location scouting, incentives and production and post-production services in the Flanders region. The commission provides a location database that showcases the beautiful locations and unique diversity of architectural styles in Flanders, including castles, churches, forests, canals and modern buildings. The committee also provides support with permits, logistics, crew, equipment, facilities and accommodation.

The commission works closely with local film offices, professional associations and service providers to ensure a smooth and efficient film experience in Flanders. The commission also organizes events and workshops to promote Flanders as a film location and promote networking opportunities among filmmakers.

Results:

Screen Flanders has supported high-quality and diverse audiovisual works since 2012, contributing to the success and recognition of many local and international productions. Some examples of supported projects include:

• "The Eight Mountains," a film adaptation of Paolo Cognetti's bestseller, directed by Belgian directors Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch. The film won four awards at the David di Donatello Awards in Italy: Best Film, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Sound.
• "Rough Diamonds," a crime drama series produced by De Mensen and Keshet International for Netflix and VRT. The series follows a group of diamond dealers who become involved in a dangerous heist.
• "Arcadia," a science fiction thriller series produced by jonnydepony for Eén & VRT MAX. The series is set in a dystopian future where a mysterious virus has wiped out most of humanity.
• "The King's Choice," a historical drama directed by Erik Poppe. The film is about the events of April 1940, when the German invasion of Norway forced King Haakon VII to make a crucial decision.

According to its website, Screen Flanders has since its launch in 2012 through 2020:

• 157 projects supported totaling 28 million euros.
• Generated an economic return of 6 euros for every euro invested.
• More than 10,000 jobs created in the audiovisual sector.
• Attracted more than 100 foreign co-producers from 25 countries.

Impact:

Screen Flanders has had a positive impact on the audiovisual sector in Flanders, as well as on the cultural and social aspects of the region. Some of the impacts include:

• Screen Flanders has helped put Flanders on the international audiovisual map by increasing its attractiveness, especially for foreign productions, and strengthening its competitive position vis-à-vis other regions.
• Screen Flanders boosted the local audiovisual industry by creating employment opportunities, promoting talent development and supporting innovation and diversity.
• Screen Flanders has attracted foreign investment and improved Flanders' international visibility and reputation as a film location and co-production partner.
• Screen Flanders has supported audiovisual works that reflect Flanders' cultural identity and diversity, as well as its historical and contemporary issues.
• Screen Flanders has contributed to the social and educational value of audiovisual works by raising awareness, stimulating debate and inspiring audiences.

Screen Flanders is a website that provides information and services for audiovisual activities in the region of Flanders (Belgium). This case study has shown how Screen Flanders has helped to stimulate the local and international audiovisual industry, create employment opportunities and attract foreign investment. Screen Flanders is your co-production partner for audiovisual activities in the Flanders (Belgium) region.