Public funding for film and TV grows

Public funding for film and TV content in Europe increased by 13.4% between 2010 and 2014, according to the European Audiovisual Observatory.

In an update to its Film Funding Report, the European Audiovisual Observatory said that film funding was boosted by growth in the number of fiscal incentives between 2008-14, including tax credits, rebates and tax shelter schemes, all of which together more than doubled in that period, from 12 to 26 schemes.

Average yearly spend for film and audiovisual funds over the period was €2.29 billion. Theatrical production accounted for 41% of all resources spent in Europe over the 2010-14 period.

Some 74.9% of European film funding came from national or Federal funds, meaning an annual average of €1.895 billion.

According to the report, the number of active funds in Europe remained highly stable at around 250 over the 2010-14 period. The annual average income of film and audiovisual content funds in Europe – a term that spans national and federal funds as well as sub-national, regional, local and supra-national funds – was €2.53 billion.

France was the leading country for funds, accounting for 42% of incoming resources, thanks in large part to the obligatory contributions levied on broadcasters and ISPs to the CNC.

National or federal funds accounted for 29.7% of the total number of funds, and for 74.9% of total incoming resources.