Script Development for Feature Film and Long Animated Film

The contribution is intended for the development of the film idea into a screenplay at an advanced stage, in which the foundations of the screenplay – including the theme, structure of the narrative, internal consistency and the (main) characters – have been laid and the project is ready for a final in-depth phase.

The scheme focuses on the creative team, which consists of a producer, director and screenwriter.

Funding Information

• If the applicant is a production company , the following contributions can be requested:
  • Screenwriter:
    • max. €35,000 (also for debut film)
  • Surcharges for multiple screenwriters / co-writing director:
    • max. €10,500 (30%) extra
  • Script coach / expert advisor:
    • max. € 2,500 (depending on substantiation of work plan)
  • Director:
    • max. €5,000 (for directing work, depending on substantiation of work plan)
  • Only for long animation:
    • max. €10,000 for concept art, character development and beat/storyboard
  • Producer:
    • max. 15% producer fee & overhead on the total development costs deemed eligible for subsidy by the Fund
• If the applicant is a screenwriter , only the following contributions can be requested:
  • Screenwriter(s):
    • max. €35,000
  • Script coach / expert advisor:
    • max. € 2,500 (depending on substantiation of work plan)

Eligible Projects

• An application must meet the following condition:
  • The project received a positive result from Pitch Filmidee.
  • There is a screenwriter/writing director involved with the project.
  • In the case of a book adaptation, the applicant must be in possession of the book rights (valid option on the book rights must be enclosed).
  • The project for which a contribution for scenario development is requested concerns a majority Dutch production.

Eligibility Criteria

• Producer
  • An independent production company (a legal entity, not a sole proprietorship or general partnership) that has been established for at least two years in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a member state of the EU, EEA or Switzerland and that produces and exploits films and other audiovisual productions on a continuous basis.
  • The production company is represented by a producer who, as majority producer, has been primarily responsible for the realisation and release of at least one independent, non-commissioned film production (>70min) in the professional Dutch film and/or television sector. The producer representing the production company is not the same person as the director and/or screenwriter of the film.
• Screenwriter
  • A screenwriter who has previously been primarily responsible for the screenplay of at least 1 feature film or long animated film (>70min) released in Dutch cinemas can also submit an application independently.

Application Requirement

• Please attach the following attachments to your application:
  • General:
    • Completed and signed application form (by checking the box at the bottom of the form)
  • Content-related:
    • Extended (mini)treatment or scenario (minimum 6 and maximum 15 pages)
    • Synopsis
    • Scenario development work plan : joint substantiation, producer, director, screenwriter(s), coach including vision on positioning
    • Manufacturer’s explanation
    • Scriptwriter’s explanation
    • Director’s commentary
    • Viewing material of own work
    • CVs & Filmography
  • Commercial:
    • Development budget
    • Financing plan
    • Explanation of the budget and financing plan
    • Option agreement or deal memo with (co)writer(s) and/or storyboard artists and/or director
    • If applicable : Option agreement for existing work (e.g. with publisher)
    • Chamber of Commerce extract

For more information, visit Dutch Film Fund.