Deadline Date: Ongoing
The Project Development Scheme for Feature Films and Long Animated Films supports the further creative, technical, productional, and commercial development of Dutch majority film projects after the script development phase.
The scheme focuses on the creative, technical, productional, and commercial development of Dutch majority feature films and long animated films after script development, the strengthening of the final script towards realization, collaboration with Heads of Department, exploration of audiovisual form and style, positioning within the film landscape and target audience, investigation of production feasibility, development of financing and co-financing structures, preparation of production budgets and schedules, and progression towards the realization phase application.
The scheme is intended for projects that have already completed script development and are ready for an advanced stage of development. Its purpose is to refine both the creative vision and the practical execution of the film plan, ensuring that the project is prepared for production.
In the creative-technical phase, the script is further developed with Heads of Department to define the audiovisual style and form of the film. This includes examining how the film fits within the current cinematic landscape and how it connects to its intended audience.
In the production-business phase, detailed research is conducted into the feasibility of the film plan. This includes structuring financing strategies, exploring (international) co-financing opportunities, preparing production budgets and schedules with key production personnel, and addressing practical production considerations.
The scheme is designed for a creative team consisting of a producer, director, and screenwriter. It supports both artistic refinement and production readiness, ensuring that the project can transition towards realization with a clear creative and business foundation.
Funding may be allocated for screenwriting and polish work up to €12,500, with possible surcharges for multiple screenwriters or co-writing directors up to €3,750. Script coaching or expert advice may be supported up to €2,500 depending on the work plan. Directors may receive up to €15,000 for directing work, while external expertise for release vision and audience positioning may be funded up to €2,500.
Creative-technical development may be supported up to €15,000 for activities such as involving specialized crew members, conducting location research, early casting, creating storyboard or beatboard materials, or developing test shots and visual effects. Production-business development may receive up to €22,500 for tasks such as production budgeting, feasibility research, planning, translation costs, co-financing preparation, and sustainability strategy development.
For feature-length animation projects, up to €40,000 may be allocated for animatic, teaser, or trailer development. A producer fee and overhead of up to 15% of eligible development costs may also be included.
Eligible applicants are independent production companies established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, which have been continuously active in producing and exploiting audiovisual works for at least two years. The producer representing the company must have acted as majority producer of at least one feature film with a theatrical release in the Netherlands.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
