Deadline Date: Ongoing
The Script Development Scheme for Feature Films and Long Animated Films supports turning a Dutch majority film or long animated film idea into a fully developed screenplay ready for theatrical release.
The scheme focuses on the script development of Dutch majority feature films and long animated films intended for theatrical release, the advancement of a film idea into an advanced screenplay stage, the establishment of strong foundations for the screenplay including themes, narrative structure, internal consistency, and main characters, and the preparation of the project for final in-depth creative exploration within a collaborative creative team of producer, director, and screenwriter.
The scheme is designed to support projects that have already progressed beyond the initial idea stage and require further development into a structured and detailed screenplay. It is intended for films where the core narrative elements, including structure and character foundations, have already been established and now need refinement and deepening.
Applications can be submitted following a positive outcome at Pitch Filmidee, and the funding is aimed at enabling further development of the screenplay for cinema-oriented production. The focus lies on strengthening the artistic and structural quality of the project before it moves into production.
The scheme is aimed at a creative team consisting of a producer, director, and screenwriter. Applications may be submitted either by a production company or, in certain cases, by an independent screenwriter who meets the eligibility criteria.
If a production company applies, funding may include contributions for the screenwriter up to €35,000, with possible additional surcharges for multiple screenwriters or co-writing directors of up to €10,500. A script coach or expert advisor may be supported up to €2,500 depending on the work plan, while a director may receive up to €5,000 for directing-related development work. For feature animation projects, up to €10,000 may be allocated for concept art, character development, and beat or storyboard work. A producer fee and overhead may also be included up to 15% of the total eligible development costs.
If an independent screenwriter applies, support may be granted for screenwriting up to €35,000, along with up to €2,500 for a script coach or expert advisor depending on the substantiated work plan.
Eligible production companies must be established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an EU member state, the EEA, or Switzerland, and must have been continuously active in producing and exploiting audiovisual works for at least two years. The producer representing the company must have experience as a majority producer of at least one independent feature film or feature-length animated film released in Dutch cinemas, and must be distinct from the director and screenwriter of the project.
An independent screenwriter may also apply if they have previously been primarily responsible for the screenplay of at least one feature film or feature-length animated film released in Dutch cinemas.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
