Deadline Date: 31 December 2026
The Research and Experiment scheme encourages filmmakers to develop original film projects through creative exploration, technical innovation, and artistic research.
The key focus areas of the scheme include exploratory and groundbreaking film development, experimental and artistic films, creative and technical innovation in cinematography, development of screenplays and storyboards, involvement of creative and technical experts, script coaching, and initial test shots for film productions.
The Research & Experiment scheme supports the development of short and feature films that explore new approaches and contribute to the landscape of experimental films for diverse audiences.
Funding can be requested for the development of a screenplay or storyboard, the involvement of a script coach, collaboration with creative and technical experts, and the creation of initial test shots.
A maximum contribution of €15,000 is available for the development of a film plan in the Research & Experiment category and necessary initial test shots, including support for involved creative or technical experts or heads of department. An additional maximum contribution of €5,000 is available for an external script coach or expert advisor.
Applications can be submitted by independent production companies that are legal entities and not sole proprietorships or general partnerships. The company must have been established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a member state of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland for at least two years and must continuously produce and exploit films and other audiovisual productions.
The production company must be represented by a producer who, as a majority producer, has been primarily responsible for the creation and release of at least one independent, non-commissioned long or short film production in the professional Dutch film and/or television sector.
The producer representing the production company cannot be the same person as the director and/or screenwriter of the film.
When the intended fund contribution for realization is lower than €50,000, a director who produces the film themselves may independently submit a development and realization application if they have sufficient production experience in creating and releasing artistic and experimental films in the professional Dutch film and/or television sector or visual arts circuit.
A producer who meets the entry requirements for development in this category may also independently submit a realization application.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
