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INDUSTRIA / MERCATO Repubblica Ceca

Il Czech Audiovisual Fund estende il suo supporto a serie e videogiochi

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- Il fondo rinnovato segna una ristrutturazione del supporto all’industria creativa del paese, introducendo incentivi più ampi e nuove categorie di finanziamento per rispondere alle mutevoli esigenze

Il Czech Audiovisual Fund estende il suo supporto a serie e videogiochi

Questo articolo è disponibile in inglese.

The Czech Film Fund officially completed its transformation into the Czech Audiovisual Fund (CAF) on 1 January, following a multi-year preparation process (see the news). This significant change was accompanied by the announcement in December 2024 of increased incentives for both domestic and international projects, along with a tripling of the funding cap per project (see the news).

“After 18 months of dedicated work and extensive discussions with key stakeholders in the audiovisual sector, we have achieved a milestone that will fundamentally reshape the industry and secure its future financial stability,” said the Czech Republic’s Minister of Culture, Martin Baxa. “Our aim is to support high-quality Czech audiovisual content and filmmakers while enhancing the international visibility of our industry.” In addition to the previously announced 35% incentive rate for animated and digital productions without live-action components, traditional projects will now benefit from an increased 25% rate. The new framework also introduces a parafiscal levy on streaming platforms. Moreover, the fund has expanded its scope to include support for episodic projects and video games, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the audiovisual landscape.

The new funding scheme under the Czech Audiovisual Fund is divided into four categories. The first category continues to support feature-length fiction and documentary films, as well as short and experimental projects. This includes funding for script development, project development and production, with provisions for minority co-productions. Additionally, the Infrastructure category provides financial backing for distribution, promotion and festivals, alongside investments in the technical modernisation of production facilities and workforce training. The two newly introduced categories focus on small-screen projects (“Series”) and “Animation & Videogames”. According to Helena Bezděk Franková, the head of the Czech Film Fund and now of the Czech Audiovisual Fund, the updated framework reflects the increasing convergence of media sectors and the growing significance of audiovisual storytelling beyond traditional cinema. “The change also addresses the evolving needs of the global audiovisual industry,” she explained. “Furthermore, the higher maximum percentage for production incentives will contribute to sustainable growth in the Czech audiovisual sector.”

The Series category introduces funding opportunities for drama series, miniseries and documentary series, covering both project development and production. Recent Czech episodic projects that have garnered international attention include Daughter of the Nation [+leggi anche:
recensione
trailer
scheda series
]
, #annaismissing [+leggi anche:
recensione
scheda series
]
(the follow-up to the Emmy-winning #martyisdead (see the news), Michal Blaško’s miniseries Suspicion [+leggi anche:
trailer
intervista: Štěpán Hulík
scheda series
]
and Czech Television’s ten-part web series Five Years. These projects highlight the growing presence of Czech episodic content in international markets. Animation remains a cornerstone of the country’s cinema, rooted in a long-standing tradition and legacy. Emerging talents such as Daria Kashcheeva (Electra – see the news) and Diana Cam Van Nguyen (see the interview) are making their mark internationally, alongside animators and directors from the youngest generation, with their works being featured at festivals like Annecy, Locarno and Sundance, among others.

The Czech video-game industry has also been gaining prominence. New academic programmes in game design and interactive media are now available at various institutions, including FAMU, to foster future talent. The sector, recognised for its global competitiveness, achieved a turnover of CZK 5.54 billion (€219.5 million) in 2023. The popular VR game Beat Saber comes from the Czech studio Beat Games. Employment in the gaming sector grew in 2023, with approximately 100 new developers joining the workforce, bringing the total to 2,765 across 166 studios. Notable players in the Czech gaming scene include Bohemia Interactive (the tactical shooter Arma III), SCS Software (a specialist in truck-driving simulators) and Warhorse Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Kingdom Come: Deliverance, which is finalising its sequel.

The Czech Audiovisual Fund will be formally presented to global film professionals and the media industry at the upcoming Berlinale.

(Tradotto dall'inglese)

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