Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
Applications are open for the Development Scheme supporting Dutch minority co-productions in the documentary category developed in partnership with the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI). The scheme provides additional funding to strengthen international documentary collaborations between Dutch and Norwegian producers and improve the development and market readiness of feature-length documentary projects.
The initiative aims to enhance cross-border cooperation in the audiovisual sector while supporting documentary projects with strong international potential and established co-production partnerships.
Overview
The Development Scheme is designed to support documentary projects being developed as Norwegian-Dutch co-productions.
The funding provides additional development resources to projects that have already received support from the Norwegian Film Institute. By strengthening collaboration between Dutch and Norwegian producers, the scheme seeks to improve project quality, expand international opportunities, and increase the competitiveness of documentary projects within the global marketplace.
The program forms part of broader efforts to encourage international co-production and strengthen cultural exchange between the Netherlands and Norway.
Funding Amount
Eligible projects may receive:
- Up to €15,000 in development funding
The contribution is intended to support further development activities that strengthen the project’s creative, production, and international market potential.
Program Objectives
The scheme aims to:
- Strengthen cooperation between Dutch and Norwegian film sectors
- Support international documentary co-productions
- Improve project development quality
- Enhance international market positioning
- Encourage long-term industry collaboration
- Strengthen co-production structures
- Increase international visibility of documentary projects
- Support market readiness and future financing opportunities
- Foster cultural exchange through audiovisual storytelling
Projects should demonstrate how the funding will contribute to stronger international collaboration and project development.
Focus Areas
The scheme prioritizes:
- Documentary co-production development
- International audiovisual collaboration
- Dutch-Norwegian partnerships
- Creative project development
- Market preparation and positioning
- Co-production capacity building
- International financing readiness
- Documentary industry cooperation
Projects should show clear benefits arising from structured collaboration between partners in both countries.
Eligible Projects
The scheme supports:
- Feature-length documentary projects
- Documentary projects in active development
- Norwegian-Dutch co-productions
- International documentary collaborations
Projects must already have established development support and formal co-production arrangements before applying.
Project Requirements
To qualify, projects must:
- Be documentary productions
- Be developed as Norwegian-Dutch co-productions
- Have received development funding from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI)
- Demonstrate ongoing collaboration between Norwegian and Dutch production partners
- Seek additional support to strengthen development and international positioning
Only projects meeting all eligibility requirements will be considered.
Who Can Apply?
Applications may be submitted by:
- The Dutch minority co-producer
The applicant must represent an eligible production company that satisfies the scheme’s organizational requirements.
Eligibility for Production Companies
The applying production company must:
- Be a legal entity
- Be established in:
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands
- A European Union member state
- A European Economic Area (EEA) country
- Switzerland
- Have been continuously active in film and audiovisual production and exploitation for at least two years
Applicants should demonstrate an established professional track record within the audiovisual industry.
Producer Requirements
The scheme requires professional experience within the production team.
The majority producer must have:
- Been primarily responsible for at least one feature-length documentary
- Produced a documentary that received a theatrical release in the Netherlands
This requirement helps ensure that supported projects are led by experienced documentary production professionals.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Development Scheme offers several advantages for documentary producers.
These include:
- Additional development resources
- Stronger international collaboration
- Improved project quality
- Enhanced market readiness
- Better positioning for future financing
- Expanded international networks
- Increased visibility in international documentary markets
- Greater opportunities for distribution and audience reach
The funding helps projects advance toward production with stronger foundations and international support structures.
Assessment Considerations
Applications may be evaluated based on:
- Compliance with eligibility requirements
- Strength of the Norwegian-Dutch partnership
- Quality and potential of the documentary project
- International market prospects
- Development needs and objectives
- Capacity of the production team
- Contribution to cross-border collaboration
- Potential cultural and industry impact
Projects should demonstrate a clear rationale for additional development support.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility
Ensure that:
- The project is a feature-length documentary.
- The project is being developed as a Norwegian-Dutch co-production.
- Development funding has already been secured from the Norwegian Film Institute.
Step 2: Verify Production Company Eligibility
Confirm that the Dutch minority co-producer:
- Represents an eligible production company.
- Meets the required operational history requirements.
- Can demonstrate relevant production experience.
Step 3: Define Development Needs
Clearly identify:
- Development activities to be supported
- Creative objectives
- Production planning needs
- International market preparation goals
The proposed activities should strengthen the project’s overall development.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Materials
Applicants should compile:
- Project information
- Co-production details
- Evidence of NFI development support
- Development plans
- Production company information
- Required eligibility documentation
Step 5: Demonstrate International Value
Explain how the funding will:
- Strengthen collaboration
- Improve project quality
- Enhance international market positioning
- Support future production and distribution opportunities
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete all required application materials and submit them according to the scheme guidelines and deadlines.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate the strength of the Norwegian-Dutch partnership.
- Highlight the project’s international potential.
- Explain how additional development funding will improve the project.
- Present a realistic and detailed development plan.
- Showcase the experience of the production team.
- Emphasize market readiness and future distribution opportunities.
- Ensure all eligibility requirements are fully documented.
- Provide evidence of existing support from the Norwegian Film Institute.
Why This Scheme Matters
International co-productions play an increasingly important role in documentary filmmaking by enabling producers to combine resources, expertise, financing, and market access across borders. Strong co-production partnerships can help projects reach wider audiences and achieve greater creative and commercial success.
The Development Scheme strengthens collaboration between the Dutch and Norwegian documentary sectors by providing targeted development support for projects with international ambitions. Through enhanced cooperation, improved project development, and stronger market positioning, the program contributes to a more connected and competitive European documentary industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much funding is available?
- Eligible projects may receive up to €15,000 in development funding.
- What types of projects are supported?
- Feature-length documentary projects being developed as Norwegian-Dutch co-productions.
- Is prior funding required?
- Yes. Projects must have already received a development grant from the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI).
- Who can submit the application?
- The Dutch minority co-producer may submit the application.
- What countries must the production company be established in?
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands, an EU member state, an EEA country, or Switzerland.
- Is documentary production experience required?
- Yes. The majority producer must have been primarily responsible for at least one feature-length documentary that received a theatrical release in the Netherlands.
- What is the main goal of the scheme?
- To strengthen Dutch-Norwegian documentary co-productions and improve their international development and market positioning.
Conclusion
The Development Scheme for Dutch-Norwegian Documentary Co-Productions provides targeted development funding to strengthen international documentary partnerships between the Netherlands and Norway. By supporting projects that have already secured Norwegian Film Institute development funding, the scheme helps producers enhance project quality, improve international market readiness, and build stronger co-production structures. Documentary teams with established Norwegian-Dutch collaborations and ambitious international projects are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit Netherlands Film Fund.