MEDIA 2007: programme of support for the European audiovisual sector

MEDIA 2007 is the new programme of support for the European audiovisual sector, following on from the MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training programmes. MEDIA 2007 is conceived as a single programme combining the two existing parts (development, distribution and promotion / training). It has a budget of almost 755 million and covers the period 2007-13.

ACT

Decision No 1718/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 concerning the implementation of the Programme of support for the European Audiovisual sector (MEDIA 2007).

SUMMARY

The audiovisual sector is an essential vehicle for conveying and developing European cultural values. It plays a crucial role in the creation of a European cultural identity and the expression of European citizenship. The circulation of European audiovisual works (films and television programmes) helps to increase intercultural dialogue and to improve mutual understanding and knowledge of European cultures. Community support is therefore designed to enable the European audiovisual sector to play its part in consolidating European citizenship and culture.

In addition to the cultural aspect, Europe's audiovisual sector also has great social and economic potential. Community support for the audiovisual sector is therefore also in line with the Lisbon strategy, which aims to make the EU the most competitive and dynamic economy in the world.

With its MEDIA 2007 programme, the Commission intends to continue EU action taken in the MEDIA I, MEDIA II, MEDIA Plus and MEDIA Training programmes, which have encouraged the development of Europe's audiovisual industry since 1991.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

MEDIA 2007 is established for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. The global objectives of the programme are to:

• preserve and enhance Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity and its cinema and audiovisual heritage, guarantee public access to it and promote intercultural dialogue;
• increase the circulation and audience of European audiovisual works inside and outside the European Union;
• boost the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector in an open and competitive market that is propitious to employment.

To achieve these objectives, MEDIA 2007 will promote initiatives:

• upstream of audiovisual production to promote the acquisition and refining of skills and to support the development of European audiovisual works (pre-production stages);
• downstream of audiovisual production to support the distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works (post-production stages);
• to support pilot projects to ensure that the programme keeps pace with developments in the market.

In these areas of activity, the programme's priorities are to:

• encourage the creative process within Europe's audiovisual sector and disseminate its cinema and audiovisual heritage;
• strengthen the base of the European audiovisual sector, particularly SMEs;
• reduce the imbalances in the European audiovisual market between high audiovisual production capacity countries and countries or regions with low audiovisual production capacity and/or a small geographic and linguistic market. This priority serves the need to preserve and enhance cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in Europe and, lastly,
• keep pace with market developments with regard to digitisation.

BUDGET

The total amount available for this programme is approximately 755 million.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND INITIATIVES

Pre-production

Upstream of audiovisual production, the programme's objectives are as follows:

• acquisition and improvement of skills in the audiovisual sector: the programme supports projects aiming at improving the creative and management skills of European audiovisual professionals as well as adapting their technical skills to digital technologies. The objective is also to increase the European dimension of audiovisual training activities by supporting the networking and mobility of those involved (European film schools, training institutes, partners in the sector). Special scholarships will be set up for professionals from the new Member States to help them meet the challenges of the enlarged European audiovisual market;
• development: the programme aims to support the development stage of production projects submitted by independent production companies. It will help them to draw up sound financial plans, including the financing of co-productions.

Post-production

Downstream of audiovisual production, the programme's objectives are as follows:

• distribution and dissemination: support for the distribution and dissemination phases continues to be a priority with a view to consolidating the single European market and making the audiovisual industry more competitive. If European audiovisual works are to compete globally, it is essential to establish a European distribution strategy. Community measures are designed to:
• promotion: in this field, the aim of the programme will be to encourage the circulation of European audiovisual works by ensuring they have access to European and international markets. The programme will also aim to give the European and international public greater access to European audiovisual works. It will encourage joint actions between national bodies for the promotion of audiovisual programmes and films and measures to promote Europe's cinema and audiovisual heritage;

Pilot projects

• The programme will encourage innovation through supporting pilot projects, in particular concerning the use of information and communication technologies. Pilot projects will ensure that the programme is adjusted in line with technological developments.

IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

Provisions concerning third countries

Provided the required conditions are met and additional appropriations are received, the programme is open to the following countries:

• EFTA countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA);
• accession countries benefiting from a strategy for pre-accession to the EU;
• the Western Balkan countries (in accordance with the provisions of the framework agreements governing their participation in Community programmes);
• States which are signatories to the Council of Europe Convention on Transfrontier Television;
• other third countries which have concluded association and cooperation agreements with the EU incorporating clauses on the audiovisual sector.

Beneficiaries and financial provisions

Natural persons may be beneficiaries of the programme. Depending on the type of action, financial aid may take the form of grants or scholarships.

Financial assistance awarded under the programme may not exceed 50 % of the costs of the activities supported. In certain specific cases, assistance of up to 75 % of costs may be provided.

Implementation

The Commission, assisted by a committee, will be responsible for implementing the programme.

The implementing body is represented by the European network of MEDIA desks. This ensures the dissemination of information on the programme at national level, in particular for cross-border projects.

See also

• For more information on the MEDIA programme

Last updated: 04.01.2007