Guidelines for the processing and granting of production support to film productions.
Objective
The Government of Åland’s overall objective is to support film production and increase the number of films, documentaries and TV-productions shot on Åland in order to help to stimulate the local economy, and also to profile Åland through the means of TV and film.
Subsidy for film productions
The production subsidy is granted on the basis of existing legislation and in accordance with the Government of Åland's budget, as well as local spending during production. (The Act on loans, interest subsidies and grants from the Government of Åland's funds and on the Guarantee 1988:50 as well as Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market (GBER), Articles 53 and 54).
Conditions for production subsidies
Subsidies may be applied for by registered film production companies. Applications for support must be submitted to the Government of Åland and processed by the Åland Film Board before filming begins in Åland. Applications can be submitted continuously throughout the year.The production must have financing of at least 65% of the total costs in place. A subsidy can be granted as front end financing of a maximum of 10 - 12,5 % of eligible costs.The following factors affect decisions on subsidies and subsidy amounts:
Sustainable shooting.
• The whole team is focused on purposefully striving to achieve sustainability..
• Maritime transport is the primary option for travel to and from Åland.
• Transport using petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles is kept to a minimum and bicycles, electric or hybrid cars are prioritised.
• LED or other energy-saving bulbs are used as far as possible. Plastic filters are re-used or replaced by glass and lights are turned off when not in use.
• Scenographers, props managers and wardrobe managers seek to re-use both materials procured and materials that will no longer be used.
• Natural materials are prioritised when goods are purchased for the production.
• Paint, cosmetics and other similar products are non-toxic.
• Locally-produced food is prioritised and is preferably organic.
• The production uses fair trade coffee.
• Disposable cups and non-returnable bottles of water should be avoided. Ordinary tap water is used as much as possible.
• Information for the team is mainly issued digitally.
• The current guidelines of the Finnish Film Foundation on the prevention of sexual harassment in the film and TV industry are taken into account. Link to the guidelines
The number of days shooting on Åland.
Purchase of local services.
Applications for production subsidies
Submit the application digitally to the Government of Åland at the e-mail address; registrator@regeringen.ax or by post to the Government of Åland, Registrator, PB 1060, AX-22111 Mariehamn.
The following details must be provided in the application:
- All the production company's contact details.
- The total budget (detailed) for the production and a list of all parties providing finance.
- The production company's latest accounts and annual report.
- A synopsis and a list of participants.
- A sustainability plan.
- A shooting schedule stating the planned number of days' shooting on Åland.
- A statement of the planned number of shooting locations on Åland.
- A statement of agreements on distribution.
Payment of production subsidies
50% of the subsidy granted can be paid out as an advance payment. The remaining amount is paid out when the final accounts for all costs and income for the production, along with a statement of the scope of the shooting on Åland has been approved. The production company must indicate any changes in the application, such as the number of shooting days in Åland. Major changes may lead to deductions from the remaining amount paid.
Obligation to provide information on changes
The production company should without delay provide information of any changes to the production that affect the overall budget, the total shooting time, the start of shooting, the number of days' shooting or purchase of local services.
Cash Rebate
Production companies shooting on Åland can apply for Business Finland’s production incentive. The incentive is a maximum of 25% cash rebate for production costs in Finland.
Applications are submitted to and handled by Business Finland.
Repayment of subsidies granted
A requirement to repay a production subsidy granted can be imposed if the beneficiary
- provided inaccurate information at the time of the application or failed to submit information that would have had a significant effect on the decision on the subsidy or the amount granted.
- failed to provide information on any changes to the production that would have had a significant effect on the decision on the subsidy or the amount granted.