FISA+ Incentive Programme: A Boost for Austrian Film Industry

Cliffhanger 2 Receives Maximum Funding

Cliffhanger 2, the sequel to the Sylvester Stallone 1993 action thriller, in which Stallone is set to star, has become the first feature film to be awarded the maximum funding of €5m possible under Austria’s FISA+ production incentive.

The German-UK production between Austria and Germany-based Supernix and UK sales and production outfit Rocket Science is set to begin shooting this autumn at locations in Austria, Bavaria and at the Penzing Studios west of Munich. Jean-Francois Richet is directing.

FISA+ Achievements

A total of €109.9m has been paid out to 113 projects so far via FISA+ which launched in January 2023.

Guy Ritchie’s The Fountain Of Youth, starring Natalie Portman and John Krasinski, has received the second largest amount of €2.1m.

Meanwhile, the Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers led the field of series supported by FISA+ by being awarded the maximum amount for a series of €7.5m.

A total of 2,900 shooting days by the 113 projects had created an “Austria effect” of around €347m and generated overall revenues in the territory’s economy of around €1bn, according to Austria’s Ministry of Labour and Economy.

Benefits of FISA+

“Every Euro of funding from FISA+ triggers around three Euros in direct production expenditure in Austria,” said Martin Kocher, the minister of labour and economy. “€1.20 to €1.50 in additional revenues flows back to the public sector.

“The creation of relevant infrastructure has also received a boost from FISA+, for example, the two new film studios [HP7 in Vienna],” Kocher added. “This is how we are securing Austria’s competitive position as a film hub for the future and arousing the interest of international productions. In addition, high-quality jobs are being created and secured and digital expertise established on a sustainable basis in a key growth area of the cultural and creative industries.”

About FISA+

Launched in January 2023 and administered by the Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Economy, the FISA+ incentive programme can award grants of up to 30% on the Austria spend of a production.

In addition, productions may qualify for a 5% green filming bonus and a one-off payment of €25,000 if a certain number of women are employed as heads of department.

Conclusion

The FISA+ incentive programme has had a significant impact on the Austrian film industry, attracting international productions and generating revenue for the local economy. With its flexible funding structure and additional incentives, FISA+ is poised to continue supporting the growth and development of the Austrian film industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is FISA+?
+ FISA+ is a production incentive programme launched in January 2023 by the Austrian government to support the growth and development of the Austrian film industry.
* What are the benefits of FISA+?
+ FISA+ can award grants of up to 30% on the Austria spend of a production, and productions may also qualify for a 5% green filming bonus and a one-off payment of €25,000 if a certain number of women are employed as heads of department.
* What kind of productions are eligible for FISA+?
+ FISA+ is open to feature films, TV series, and other types of productions that meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.
* How do I apply for FISA+?
+ Producers can apply for FISA+ through the Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft, the agency responsible for administering the programme.