Deadline: Ongoing
The Netherlands Film Fund is offering opportunities for screenplay development of majority Dutch feature films and long animated films intended for cinema release.
After a positive outcome from Pitch Filmidee, you can apply to the Netherlands Film Fund for the script development of a majority Dutch feature film or feature-length animated film, intended for cinema release. With this program, the Fund contributes to a varied and distinctive film offering for a diverse audience, with room for diverse narrative perspectives and genres, created by a balanced mix of experienced and emerging filmmakers. The contribution is intended for the development of the film idea into a screenplay at an advanced stage, in which the foundations of the screenplay – including the theme, structure of the narrative, internal consistency and the (main) characters – have been laid and the project is ready for a final in-depth phase. If, after this phase, the script is at an advanced stage and ready for final creative, technical, production, and business development, the producer can submit an application for the project development phase. The scheme focuses on the creative team, which consists of a producer, director and screenwriter. Applications for scenario development will be assessed according to the general assessment framework of Article 5 of the General Regulations. The following points will be taken into account: Has the vision regarding the film’s target audience and positioning been sufficiently developed? Is it an original and distinctive film with courage and idiosyncrasy, that stimulates the imagination and tells relevant stories for the Dutch audience? Is the submitted film plan of substantive and cinematographic quality and does it contribute to a diverse, daring and relevant offering?
This scheme is open to both producers and screenwriters under certain eligibility conditions. Independent production companies with at least two years of establishment in the Netherlands, the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, and with prior experience in producing a feature-length film, can apply as producers. Screenwriters with a previously released Dutch feature film or long animated film are also eligible to apply independently.
The grant offers several financial contributions, with a maximum of €35,000 for screenwriters, surcharges for multiple screenwriters or a co-writing director up to €10,500, and up to €2,500 for a script coach or expert advisor. For directors, up to €5,000 can be funded for directing work, while long animation projects can request up to €10,000 for concept art, character development, and storyboards. Producers may also receive a maximum of 15% producer fee and overhead on eligible development costs.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and require projects to have received a positive outcome from Pitch Filmidee. In the case of adaptations, applicants must possess valid rights to the original material. Additionally, projects must concern a majority Dutch production to qualify.
The scheme encourages diverse and innovative storytelling, balancing the contributions of new and established filmmakers to ensure that Dutch cinema continues to resonate with audiences through original, high-quality narratives.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.
