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VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Sept. 20, 2024
Austrian Film Institute's Talent Lab Scheme
The Talent LAB scheme is being launched in collaboration with the Vienna Film Fund under its director Christine Dollhofer.
Australia
- The Austrian Film
Institute (AFI) has launched an ambitious new initiative called the Talent Lab
scheme, aimed at nurturing young filmmakers. This program, developed in
collaboration with the Vienna Film Fund, is designed to support emerging
directors and producers in creating their first and second feature films.
The Talent
Lab scheme is backed by a €2.8 million fund, with production costs capped at
€1.2 million for feature films and €280,000 for documentaries. This initiative
is part of AFI’s broader strategy to identify and support new talent from
across Austria, regardless of whether they come from film schools or other
backgrounds.
Roland
Teichmann, director of the AFI, emphasized the importance of this program in
providing a structured framework and defined budget for young filmmakers. The
scheme aims to foster creativity without imposing excessive interference in the
artistic process. The first application deadline is at the end of September,
with AFI expecting to receive between 30 and 40 submissions. From these, five
projects will be selected for development support over a year, and three will
eventually receive production funding.
The Talent
Lab scheme also highlights the AFI’s commitment to sustainability in talent
development. By offering financial resources and professional support, the
program ensures that the selected projects have a clear path to completion.
This approach is particularly crucial in Austria’s competitive and small
financing market.
Teichmann
noted that the exclusion of local broadcasters from the selection process
allows for more daring and innovative projects. Austrian broadcasters are
required by law to invest at least €8 million annually into film, but their
involvement comes only after the AFI has made its decisions.
Recent
successes of young Austrian directors, such as Bernhard Wenger’s debut feature Peacock
and Kurdwin Ayub’s Moon, underscore the potential impact of the Talent
Lab scheme. These films have garnered international recognition, demonstrating
the effectiveness of AFI’s support for emerging filmmakers.
The Talent
Lab scheme represents a significant step forward in the Austrian Film
Institute’s efforts to cultivate new talent and support the next generation of
filmmakers. By providing both financial backing and creative freedom, the AFI
is helping to ensure a vibrant future for Austrian cinema.
