Austria composes a new future for its screen industry
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Loading... - Alma Baustista
- 10 May 2023
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Austria's screen sector has been making some significant moves to compete in the international co-pro market, particularly in the realm of kids' entertainment. With the launch of a new 35% cash rebate for Austrian films and TV series, along with the expansion of infrastructure such as Vienna's new studio complex HQ7, the country is now able to go head-to-head with other European countries that have long been known for their incentives.
The FISA Plus incentive program is particularly noteworthy, as it provides a base 30% subsidy that is not capped, with an additional 5% bonus for sustainable filming protocols. Moreover, eligible projects can access the Austrian Film Institute's 25% incentive for feature films, including co-productions, laddering up to a total of up to 60% cashback on certain projects. These incentives have definitely caught the attention of kids' producers, who see the potential for a deeper exploration of Austria's musical and cultural heritage.
Shabnam Rezaei, co-founder and president of Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios, is among the first to take advantage of Austria's new incentives. Her studio has already set up a new office in Vienna, with plans to develop and write four new series that range from a new preschool show to a young adult series. Rezaei is also eager to tap into Austria's rich cultural legacy, particularly its famous operas and composers, which she believes are largely untapped in children's entertainment.
For Austrian producer arx anima, the new cash rebate marks a significant milestone in the country's TV history. CEO and co-founder Dunja Bernatzky believes that Austria is now on the international map of incentives, with the potential to compete on a global scale.
While the lack of animation studios in the country and limited kids' content being exported may pose a challenge, there is a real opportunity for studios like Big Bad Boo to build relationships with local producers and vendors, government organizations, and Austria's public broadcaster, ORF. By contributing a modern approach to Austria's forward-thinking ambitions, these studios can help to connect the East and West and bring their experience and history of BIPOC representation to Europe's big market.
Overall, Austria's screen sector is poised to take on the global competition for screen-industry investment. With the right infrastructure, incentives, and talent, the country has the potential to become a true player in the co-pro market, particularly in the realm of children's entertainment.
