The new fund, functioning as a cash rebate, is based in the Eastern Viru region of Estonia, known for its large-scale industrial and mining infrastructure but also swathes of untouched natural habitats. The Viru Film Fund is initially financed by four local municipalities and is looking to involve the large industrial conglomerates from the area.

Viru Film Fund, scheduled to be signed into force in late February, will finance locally incurred costs for any audiovisual production, including films, TV, music videos, and commercials. The fund aims for maximum flexibility, with no minimum spend requirements and no artistic criteria imposed on applicants. There will be no deadlines and projects will be handled on a first come, first served basis. The fund is open to legal entities with established track record in professional audiovisual production, but no restrictions as per legal residency. Payments from the fund will be made after the completion of the projects and submission of cost reports.

In the pilot year 2013, the Viru Film Fund would like to co-finance up to two projects. The underwriters of the fund will keep rights to use the completed material for non-commercial promotion of the Viru region.

Viru Film Fund will be presented at this year’s Berlin European Film Market in Martin-Gropisu-Bau, Estonia stand no G12.
Website: www.filmestonia.eu