The Slovak Audiovisual Fund is set to launch a new project as of 1 January, 2014 in support of large film productions in Slovakia, says the Culture Ministry's press department. After being approved by the European Commission, the new programme will expand the existing framework of state support in the field of audio-visual culture and the film industry in Slovakia.
The new system is aimed at boosting both domestic and foreign film production, including international co-productions. In addition, the support will entail the Audiovisual Fund providing financial assistance to the tune of 20 percent of the expenditures associated with the making of live-action, documentary and animated films to be distributed in cinemas and/or broadcast on TV. All of the works need to be a cultural product, which means that they need to comply with the criteria of the so-call culture test, or have authorised co-production status. The culture test is made up of several criteria. One part of these is culture-related, stating that the theme, characters and setting of the given film need to be associated with European culture, history and/or with its natural heritage.
