Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
Applications are open for the Realization of Short Animated Films Scheme, a funding program supporting the production of original, high-quality short animated films for diverse audiences in the Netherlands. The scheme is designed to strengthen animation as an independent art form while encouraging creativity, experimentation, and professional development across the Dutch animation sector.
The program supports both emerging and experienced filmmakers working in animation, with a strong emphasis on originality, artistic independence, and the use of diverse animation techniques. It aims to expand the range of cinematic animation available to audiences and promote innovative storytelling within short-form audiovisual production.
Overview
The Realization of Short Animated Films Scheme focuses on the production of short animated films intended for cinema release and public exhibition.
It supports creative teams working collaboratively to develop and produce animated works that demonstrate strong artistic vision and technical quality. The scheme encourages both figurative and abstract animation styles and is open to a wide variety of animation techniques.
Projects may explore traditional, digital, hybrid, experimental, or mixed-media approaches, provided they maintain artistic coherence and originality.
Funding Amount
The scheme provides production funding in two categories:
- Films up to 15 minutes: up to €110,000
- Films between 15 and 60 minutes: up to €165,000
Additional funding support:
- Up to 85% of the total production budget may be covered through the scheme
- Up to €5,000 may be requested for distribution support
Funding is intended to support full production and completion of eligible short animated films.
Program Objectives
The scheme aims to:
- Support the production of high-quality short animated films
- Encourage originality and independent artistic expression
- Strengthen animation as an autonomous art form
- Promote diverse storytelling approaches in animation
- Support both emerging and established animators
- Develop strong creative production teams
- Encourage innovation in animation techniques
- Expand cinema-quality animated film offerings
- Strengthen the Dutch animation industry
- Promote artistic and cultural diversity in animation
The program prioritizes creative excellence and innovation in short animated filmmaking.
Focus Areas
The scheme supports projects that involve:
- Short animated film production
- Figurative animation
- Abstract animation
- Experimental animation techniques
- Digital and traditional animation methods
- Hybrid animation formats
- Independent storytelling approaches
- Artistic and auteur-driven animation
- Cinema-oriented animated films
- Collaborative animation production teams
Projects should clearly demonstrate artistic intent and creative distinction.
Types of Projects Supported
Eligible projects may include:
- Narrative short animated films
- Experimental animated works
- Abstract visual animation projects
- Artistic or auteur-driven animation
- Mixed-media animation films
- Hybrid live-action and animation works
- Cultural or socially themed animation projects
- Non-verbal or visually driven storytelling films
- Festival-oriented animated shorts
- Independent creative animation productions
The scheme supports a wide range of animation styles and approaches, provided they are original and artistically driven.
Creative Team Structure
The scheme is intended for professional creative teams consisting of:
- Producer
- Director
- Screenwriter
These roles must collaborate on the development and production of the animated film. The program emphasizes strong teamwork and shared creative responsibility in delivering the final work.
Why This Scheme Matters
Short animated films play an important role in advancing artistic expression, storytelling innovation, and technical experimentation in cinema.
This scheme supports the growth of animation as a standalone art form by:
- Encouraging new voices in animation
- Supporting creative risk-taking
- Expanding stylistic diversity in animated film
- Strengthening professional animation production in the Netherlands
- Providing opportunities for both emerging and established creators
- Enhancing the international visibility of Dutch animation
By funding short animated works, the program contributes to a vibrant and evolving animation ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted by independent production companies working with professional animation teams.
The scheme is intended for established production entities with experience in audiovisual creation and film production.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, production companies must:
- Be independent legal entities
- Be established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an EU member state, the EEA, or Switzerland
- Have been continuously active in audiovisual production for at least two years
- Demonstrate capacity to produce professional animated films
- Submit projects intended for cinema or public screening
Only eligible production companies may apply for funding.
Production Requirements
Projects must:
- Be short animated films up to 60 minutes in length
- Be developed by a creative team (producer, director, screenwriter)
- Use recognized animation techniques (traditional, digital, or hybrid)
- Demonstrate artistic originality and quality
- Be intended for independent production and exhibition
Both figurative and abstract animation projects are eligible.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are typically assessed based on:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Creativity of storytelling approach
- Innovation in animation technique
- Strength of concept and execution
- Experience of the creative team
- Feasibility of production plan
- Contribution to animation as an art form
- Diversity and independence of creative vision
- Technical and artistic coherence
- Potential audience and festival relevance
Strong applications clearly demonstrate both creative ambition and production feasibility.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that:
- The production company meets all legal and experience requirements
- The project is a short animated film (up to 60 minutes)
- The creative team includes producer, director, and screenwriter
- The project aligns with artistic and independent animation goals
Step 2: Develop the Creative Concept
Prepare a detailed proposal including:
- Film concept and story outline
- Animation style and technique
- Artistic vision
- Target audience
- Narrative or conceptual structure
The concept should clearly demonstrate originality and artistic intent.
Step 3: Prepare Production Materials
Applicants should include:
- Script or treatment
- Visual development materials (if available)
- Production plan
- Budget breakdown
- Financing structure
- Team biographies
- Technical approach to animation
All materials should demonstrate feasibility and artistic quality.
Step 4: Highlight Artistic Innovation
Explain:
- What makes the animation unique
- How techniques contribute to storytelling
- The creative approach to visuals and narrative
- The artistic or experimental elements of the project
Innovation is a key evaluation factor.
Step 5: Submit Application
Complete the application process with all required documentation before the deadline. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly define animation style and technique
- Emphasize originality and artistic vision
- Demonstrate strong collaboration between team members
- Show how the film contributes to animation as an art form
- Provide realistic production budgets
- Include visual references where possible
- Highlight festival or audience potential
- Ensure coherence between concept and execution plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the funding range for short animated films?
- Up to €110,000 for films up to 15 minutes, and up to €165,000 for films between 15 and 60 minutes.
- What percentage of costs is covered?
- Up to 85% of the total production budget.
- Is distribution support available?
- Yes, up to €5,000 may be requested for distribution support.
- Who can apply?
- Independent production companies based in eligible European countries with at least two years of activity.
- What types of animation are eligible?
- Figurative, abstract, traditional, digital, hybrid, and experimental animation techniques.
- Is a creative team required?
- Yes, projects must involve a producer, director, and screenwriter.
- Are both emerging and experienced filmmakers eligible?
- Yes, the scheme supports both emerging and established animators.
Conclusion
The Realization of Short Animated Films Scheme provides essential production support for innovative, artistic, and high-quality animated films in the Netherlands. With funding of up to €165,000 and strong emphasis on creativity, originality, and technical experimentation, the program enables filmmakers to develop distinctive short animated works that expand the artistic boundaries of animation and strengthen its role as an independent cinematic art form.
For more information, visit Nederlands Film fund.
