RFPs: Development Minority Coproduction Programme

The Dutch Film Fund’s Development Minority Coproduction Programme supports Norwegian–Dutch long documentary projects that are already in development and have received funding from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI). The scheme provides up to €15,000 to strengthen co-production structures and international market positioning through Dutch minority co-producers.

Programme Overview

The Development Minority Coproduction Programme is an initiative of the Dutch Film Fund designed to strengthen collaboration between the Dutch and Norwegian film sectors. The programme specifically targets long documentary films developed as Norwegian–Dutch co-productions and aims to enhance both the structural collaboration between producers and the international market positioning of the project. Only projects that have already received development support from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) are eligible under this scheme.

Purpose and Scope of the Funding

The contribution is intended to reinforce the project’s co-production framework and to support strategic positioning in the international documentary market. The scheme builds on existing development efforts and is designed to further strengthen projects that already have an established collaborative foundation between Norwegian and Dutch partners.

Funding Amount and Eligible Costs

Under this programme, applicants may request a maximum contribution of €15,000. The producer fee and overhead are eligible up to a maximum of 17.5 percent of the costs approved by the Dutch Film Fund. The funding is strictly for development activities and does not cover production or post-production expenses.

Who Can Apply?

Applications may be submitted only by the Dutch minority co-producer attached to the project. The applicant must represent a production company that is a legal entity and cannot be a sole proprietorship or a general partnership. The production company must have been established for at least two years in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, another European Union member state, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.

Professional Experience Requirements

The applying producer must demonstrate proven professional experience. Specifically, the producer must have acted as the majority producer responsible for at least one feature-length documentary that has received a cinema release in the Netherlands. This requirement ensures that applicants have the necessary experience in documentary production and distribution.

Application Timeline and Assessment Process

Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The substantive assessment of applications is carried out by the Documentary Film Consultant of the Dutch Film Fund in consultation with a representative of the Norwegian Film Institute. A project manager evaluates the production feasibility and business aspects of each application.

Core Eligibility and Co-production Requirements

Applications must clearly demonstrate that the film project has already received development funding from the NFI. The roles, responsibilities, and collaboration between the Norwegian majority producer and the Dutch minority co-producer must be formally documented in a deal memo. This deal memo must show a clear intention to jointly develop the project and to strengthen the co-production structure and international market positioning.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes all required attachments. These include a synopsis of no more than five pages, the current version of the scenario, and a joint motivation from the director, writer, and producer explaining the need for an additional contribution for joint development. A detailed development budget and financing plan must be provided. Applicants must also submit letters of commitment from the co-producer, writer, and director, CVs of the involved producers, writers, and director, a signed deal memo between the producers, and a Chamber of Commerce extract that is not older than twelve months.

Why This Programme Matters

This programme plays a strategic role in strengthening cross-border collaboration between the Dutch and Norwegian documentary sectors. By supporting minority co-producers at the development stage, the scheme enhances international co-production capacity, professional exchange, and the global visibility of European documentary films.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without confirmed NFI development funding. Submitting applications from ineligible legal entities such as sole proprietorships. Failing to meet the producer’s professional experience requirements. Providing incomplete deal memos or unclear co-production roles. Submitting outdated Chamber of Commerce extracts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of films are eligible under this programme?

Only long documentary films developed as Norwegian–Dutch co-productions are eligible.

Who is allowed to submit the application?

Only the Dutch minority co-producer may submit an application.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The maximum contribution is €15,000 per project.

Is prior funding from the Norwegian Film Institute required?

Yes. The project must have already received development support from the NFI.

Can applications be submitted at any time?

Yes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Are producer fees eligible under this scheme?

Yes. Producer fees and overhead are eligible up to a maximum of 17.5 percent of approved costs.

Conclusion

The Dutch Film Fund Development Minority Coproduction Programme provides targeted development funding to strengthen Norwegian–Dutch documentary co-productions. By supporting experienced Dutch minority co-producers and reinforcing international collaboration at an early stage, the programme contributes to stronger co-production structures and improved international market positioning for high-quality European documentaries.