New funding to help cinema emerge faster

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, a total of 2.8 million euros is available for this purpose. The federal government provides the majority of the funding with 2.3 million euros (financing the Film Institute and ÖFI+ site), while 500,000 euros comes from the City of Vienna via the Film Fund.

Cinema projects (first and second feature films) that will be implemented more quickly with clear budget requirements “in a supervised framework” are eligible. Total production costs may therefore reach a maximum of €1.2 million for feature films and a maximum of €280,000 for documentaries.

One-Year Project Development Curriculum

The target group is not only directors, but also producers. A key component of the Talent LAB is a nearly year-long curriculum in which projects are developed.

“The new Talent LAB not only provides aspiring talents with financial resources, but also the professional support and structure they need to realise their artistic ideas and visions,” Andrea Meier, State Secretary for Culture for the Green Party, was quoted as saying. Vienna City Councillor for Culture Veronika Kaup-Hassler (SPÖ) pointed to the need for “immediate professional support in the form of knowledge and guidance” for film talents, which was made possible in this way.

Application deadline is September.

In the first round, five projects in development and at least three in production will be funded. The timeframe for completion is set at two years. The deadline for submitting the first “LAB” talent is September 24, although mandatory consultations must be arranged by September 2.