Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
Applications are now open for the European Mini-Slate Development Programme, which supports independent production companies in Low Audiovisual Capacity Countries to develop high-quality audiovisual projects with international potential.
The programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness of European production companies by supporting project development, encouraging international co-productions, promoting cultural diversity, and creating opportunities for emerging talent. It also supports sustainable practices and advances inclusion, diversity, and gender balance across the audiovisual sector.
About the Programme
The European Mini-Slate Development Programme helps independent production companies develop a slate of audiovisual projects intended for commercial exploitation through cinema, television, digital platforms, or multi-platform distribution.
The initiative focuses on increasing the international reach of European audiovisual content while strengthening the market position of production companies operating in eligible Low Audiovisual Capacity Countries participating in the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe Programme.
Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- Development of high-quality audiovisual projects
- Internationally marketable content
- European co-productions
- Cultural diversity in audiovisual storytelling
- Audience development and international reach
- Sustainable practices in the audiovisual sector
- Inclusion, diversity, and gender balance
- Opportunities for emerging talent through short film development
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen the competitiveness of European production companies
- Support the development of internationally viable projects
- Encourage cross-border collaboration and co-productions
- Expand audience access to European audiovisual works
- Promote cultural and creative diversity
- Foster emerging talent in the audiovisual industry
- Support sustainable and inclusive industry practices
Supported Projects
Applicants must submit a slate consisting of:
- A minimum of two audiovisual works
- A maximum of three audiovisual works
Eligible project categories include:
- Animation
- Creative documentary
- Fiction
Applicants may also include:
- One optional short film project by emerging talent
Projects should be intended for commercial exploitation through:
- Cinema release
- Television broadcasting
- Digital platforms
- Multi-platform environments
Funding Information
Funding is provided as a lump-sum grant.
Total project grants range from:
- €60,000 to €310,000
Funding levels include:
Animation Projects
- €55,000 for animation one-off projects
- €60,000 for animation series
Creative Documentary Projects
- €30,000 for creative documentary one-off projects
- €35,000 for documentary series
Fiction Projects
- €45,000 for fiction one-off projects with budgets up to €5 million
- €60,000 for fiction one-off projects with budgets above €5 million
- €55,000 to €100,000 for fiction series depending on production budget
Short Film Support
- Additional €10,000 for an eligible short film project by emerging talent
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Independent European production companies
- Legal entities established in eligible Low Audiovisual Capacity Countries
- Participants in the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe Programme
Ownership requirements include:
- Direct or indirect ownership by nationals of eligible countries
- Majority ownership by nationals of eligible countries
Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate recent experience in producing internationally distributed audiovisual works.
Eligible companies must have:
- Produced at least one animation, fiction, or creative documentary project since 2019
- Produced a project with a minimum total duration of 24 minutes unless it is an immersive project
The previous work must have been:
- Commercially released in cinemas, or
- Broadcast on television, or
- Made available on digital platforms
In addition, the work must have been distributed in:
- At least three countries other than the applicant’s country before the application deadline
Project Requirements
Projects should:
- Have international market potential
- Contribute to European audiovisual diversity
- Be intended for commercial exploitation
- Support audience development and international circulation
- Align with programme objectives related to inclusion and sustainability
Importance of the Programme
The European Mini-Slate Development Programme plays an important role in strengthening Europe’s audiovisual sector.
Key benefits include:
- Support for project development at an early stage
- Increased opportunities for international co-productions
- Improved access to international markets
- Greater visibility for European audiovisual content
- Support for emerging creative talent
- Promotion of cultural diversity and inclusion
- Strengthening of independent production companies
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- A slate with strong commercial and international potential
- Clear development strategies for each project
- Experience in producing and distributing audiovisual works
- Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong creative and production teams
- Alignment with programme objectives
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Submitting fewer than two eligible projects
- Insufficient evidence of international distribution experience
- Weak commercial or audience potential
- Incomplete project information
- Limited co-production or market strategy
- Failure to meet ownership or eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Mini-Slate Development Programme?
- A funding programme that supports independent production companies in developing a slate of audiovisual projects with international market potential.
Who can apply?
- Independent European production companies.
- Legal entities established in eligible Low Audiovisual Capacity Countries participating in the MEDIA strand of Creative Europe.
- Companies that meet the ownership and experience requirements.
What types of projects are eligible?
- Animation projects.
- Creative documentary projects.
- Fiction projects.
- An optional short film project by emerging talent.
How much funding is available?
- Total project grants range from €60,000 to €310,000.
- An additional €10,000 may be available for an eligible short film project.
How many projects must be included in a slate?
- A minimum of two projects.
- A maximum of three projects.
What experience must applicants demonstrate?
- Production of at least one animation, fiction, or creative documentary work since 2019.
- International distribution of that work in at least three countries outside the applicant’s country.
Can applicants include a short film project?
- Yes.
- One optional short film project by emerging talent may be included in the slate.
Conclusion
The European Mini-Slate Development Programme provides significant support for independent production companies seeking to develop high-quality audiovisual content with international appeal. Through funding of up to €310,000, the programme promotes co-production, cultural diversity, audience development, and emerging talent while strengthening the competitiveness of Europe’s audiovisual industry.
For more information, visit Creative Europe Desk Ireland.