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TRENDING
June 6, 2024
Estonia Appeal to Global TV and Film Producers
“You can combine everything from the Estonia Film Institute’s minority co-production and the Film Estonia cash rebate through to the regional funds,” says Estonia’s film commissioner Nele Paves.
Estonia - Estonia, despite being a small country, has become an
attractive destination for international film and TV productions. The nation is
opening its doors to international film and TV producers to shoot in its
locations and enjoy various incentives.
The Viru Film Fund is
located 160 km east of the capital, Tallinn, near the border with Russia. It
has a 2024 budget of 216,000 (€200,000) and offers a cash rebate of up to 40%
of eligible costs incurred in the Ida-Viru County region.
In 2015, the Tartu
Film Fund was established to support projects in the Tartu region. Its specific
cash rebate percentage isn’t mentioned, but it contributes to the overall
funding landscape.
The Film Fund of
Estonian Islands is supported by the Saaremaa and Muhu municipalities, has an
annual budget of 32,000 (€30,000). It determines the rebate on a case-by-case
basis.
Then there’s the
Parnu County Film Fund with an annual budget of 108,000 (€100,000) and provides
a maximum rebate of 25%. While it hasn’t supported any projects yet, the
picturesque coastline near Tostamaa hosted the historical drama “The Poll
Diaries” in 20091.
In addition to these
regional funds, Estonia offers the Film Estonia production incentive, which
supports feature films, documentaries, animation, high-end TV dramas, and
post-production. Filmmakers can apply for a cash rebate of up to 30% on
eligible production costs. The scheme is open to both international production
services and co-productions. There are no fixed application deadlines, allowing
producers to apply throughout the year.
Estonia’s appeal
extends beyond financial incentives. Its diverse landscapes, compact size, and
multicultural environments make it an attractive filming location. Within a
short distance, filmmakers can access settings reminiscent of the Scandinavian
coast, the UK, and more. So, whether it’s funding or picturesque locations,
Estonia has much to offer to international filmmakers.
