Dutch audiovisual production activity has increased considerably since the Netherlands Film Production Incentive scheme was launched in 2014. What had already been suspected has now officially been confirmed by the first detailed analysis of the scheme, which focuses on the period July 2014-December 2015.

The scheme, which is based on a system of cash rebates, aims to promote a healthy film production environment in the country. It was also conceived as a way to enhance the international competitiveness of the Dutch film industry as a whole.

According to independent research, the Incentive Scheme has supported 125 film projects with grants totalling €28.9 million, which has led to a total Dutch spend of €139.3 million. Every euro granted by the scheme has generated a Dutch production spend of €4.83. The figure is higher than that for all Dutch subsidies combined, where every euro generates an average of €1.80 in Dutch production spend.

Two-thirds of the 125 approved projects were international co-productions, and more than half (56%) of the total production costs of all projects were spent in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, confidence levels among Dutch film-production entrepreneurs are high, as are expectations of increasing developments within employment/economic activity.

The second round of Netherlands Film Production Incentive grants for 2016 will be announced on 29 June. The total budget available for funding in 2016 is capped at €29.2 million, of which at least 70% is earmarked for international co-productions.