Overview
MEDIA, the EU's support programme for the European audiovisual industry, makes it easier for independent European filmmakers to develop new films, and to find partners and audiences beyond national borders. Many of these films are made by small and medium-sized businesses which find it hard to find finance. There are MEDIA schemes which can facilitate this. MEDIA also supports the development and distribution of thousands of films each year, including feature films, television drama, documentaries and new media.
In addition, the programme helps fund training activities for both young and established filmmakers, new technologies and new platforms for delivery of audiovisual content of all kinds. MEDIA support is often critical as young film and audiovisual businesses struggle to become established. The programme also makes a vital contribution to supporting cultural diversity and cross-border understanding of other cultures, including through support to hundreds of European film festivals. Thirty-three countries participate in the programme.
The Programme also co-finances a Europe-wide network of MEDIA Desks. These provide advice and assistance to filmmakers wanting to access MEDIA support, and should be the first port of call of any filmmaker wanting additional information.
Objectives, budget and implementation
The MEDIA 2007 programme (2007-2013) has a budget of EUR 755 million. Its objectives are:
- to strive for a stronger European audiovisual sector, reflecting and respecting Europe’s cultural identity and heritage
- to increase the circulation of European audiovisual works inside and outside the European Union
- to strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector by facilitating access to financing and promoting use of digital technologies.
The MEDIA programme is implemented via annual work programmes and a range of funding schemes.
This is the fourth multi-annual programme since 1991. Find out more about previous programmes.
From 2014, the MEDIA Programme will be a strand of the Creative Europe programme.
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