Let's talk about money.



Norway has several financing options for international film productions shooting in Norway. The mix of the national incentive program together with regional funding is aimed for cooperation with a regional minority producer.

  • Norway’s film incentive offers a 25% cash rebate on local spend to a limited number of projects. The rebate is awarded to the highest ranking projects in each application round.

    The incentive program is administered by the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI).

    The 25% film incentive can be combined with regional funding.

    Deadlines and Funds:

    • The next application deadline is in November 2025

    • Its now possible to send in application for the Norwegian incentive.

    • Application guide  here.

    The incentive scheme is aimed at productions produced entirely or partly in Norway that are intended for international distribution.

    In order to be eligible, the minimum total production budget sums are:

    • NOK 25 million for feature films

    • NOK 10 million for documentary films

    • NOK 10 million per episode for drama series

    • NOK 5 million per episode for documentary series

    The minimum requirement for eligible costs spent in Norway is NOK 4 million, and applies to all productions.

    A minimum of 30 % of the financing must come from international sources (outside of Norway), and the production must document an international distribution agreement.

    Qualify

    To qualify for a grant under the film incentives, the production must achieve at least the minimum required score in the Qualification test and meet the following criteria specified in the Legislation

    Apply

    Application must be sent before the start of production. The main production company, or any person authorised by it, may apply.

    Costs which arise before the Norwegian Film Institute confirms receipt of the application will not qualify.

    The grant recipient must be a Norwegian SPV registered as a limited liability company, or a company from within the EEA with a branch registered in Norway.

    Attain

    If the total reimbursements applied for are larger than the funds available, projects will be ranked based on the following key criteria:

    -Total World Budget
    -Spend in Norway
    -International Distribution
    -Percentage of private financing (excl incentives and public funds)
    -Percentage of non-Norwegian financing

    Monetize

    The Norwegian Film Institute will issue a 25% reimbursement guarantee on qualifying spend to all qualifying projects until all funds are awarded. The guarantee will be issued to a Norwegian SPV, and will be valid for 12 months. An extension can be given for another 12 months.

    The disbursement request must be submitted within six months of the end of production in Norway. The project must be audited by a Norwegian CPA, and you can not have any unpaid direct or indirect tax liabilities to the Norwegian authorities when submitting the disbursement request.

    Get in touch for more information and updates on the incentive program.

  • FILMINVEST

    Midgard Film Commission Norway works closely with the regional film fund Filminvest that covers the same region.

    Filminvest AS was established in 2016 as a merger between Filminvest Midt-Norge and

    Film3, with the aim of providing opportunities for production of feature films, drama-series and games in the Trøndelag

    and Innlandet counties. Right from the start the film fund has participated in developing and producing a number of projects with strong ties to the region. Filminvest is a member of Filmreg and Cine-Reggio.

    MISSION

    Filminvest is a regional film fund that supports and invests in development and production of feature films, television drama and games. The projects must be associated with the region.
    Filminvest AS receives approximately € 1 113 000 annually from the Ministry of Culture. This funding is allocated as non-recoupable grants to audiovisual productions with significant regional spending. International co-productions with a Norwegian minority producer are eligible to apply for funding.
    Filminvest AS also have an investment fund of approximately € 2,5 million. The fund provides top financing, with a maximum investment per project of approximately € 200 000. Foreign producers must have a regional co-producer in order to be eligible for investments from Filminvest. The fund usually requests to recoup at 1st position, and the project must have a regional spend of minimum 160%.is a regional film fund that supports and invests in development and production of feature films, television drama and games. The projects must be associated with the region.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Before applying for production funding, its recommended to contact Filminvest administration mari@filminvest.no

    • Foreign producers must have a co-production agreement with a regional producer, with some rights in the project, to be eligible for support and investments.

    • Applications must be submitted by the regional co-producer.

    • The Norwegian production company must have audiovisual production as its main purpose.

    The fund offers various support and funding for audiovisual production an applicants are processed continuously. In the case of investments, the fund gives priority to commercially oriented projects with potential of a high audience turnout and economic returns.

    Applications must include:

    • a project description,

    • budget and finance plan.

    • final manuscript,

    • an overview of regional spending,

    • number of days on location in the region and

    • use of regional film workers and staff.

    MIDTNORSK FILM SENTER

    Mid Norway Film Center is one of 7 regional Film Center's that manages state funds for development and production of films and games. The purpose is to develop Trøndelag as a film region.

    They can support co-production of short films and documentaries with a foreign main producer. The applicant must be a production company located in Trøndelag county. The purpose of the scheme is to contribute to the further development of the film industry in the region through increased international cooperation, and to increase the share of international financing in projects with central Norwegian main producers.

  • In addition to the regional funding and the film incentive, there is a possibility to get co-production financing from the Norwegian Film Institute.This funding can not be combined with the film incentives.

    Application deadlines

    Drama series: 08. Feb 2023 at 12.00, 27. Sep 2023 at 12.00

    Fiction feature films: 21. Feb 2023 at 12.00, 23. May 2023 at 12.00, 17. Oct 2023 at 12.00

    Considering with whom and where to coproduce with in Norway:
    Download Co-production catalogue in pdf-format here

  • SØRFOND

    Sørfond/ Film from South overall objective is to strengthen film production in countries where film production is limited for political or economic reasons.
    Sørfond is to help to reinforce film as a cultural expression, promote diversity and artistic integrity, and strengthen freedom of speech in such countries. Sørfond is also to contribute to closer cooperation between the Norwegian and international film industries

    Sørfond is administered by The Norwegian Film Institute, in co-operation with Oslo Festival Agency. Sørfond is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  • The Nordic countries offer a well-developed co-production landscape with national funding schemes, regional incentives and rebates of up to 25–35%. Find the full overview at coproducingwiththenordics.com — then contact us to explore what Trøndelag specifically can offer your project