Pioneering Workshops and Inspiring Screenplays

In Austria, there is a wide range of support available: Funding for TV productions is provided by the RTR (Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH), while the Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI) awards various film grants. Since 2023, the BMAW has been offering FISAplus, a federal subsidy for films, series, and documentaries, which has been well received. The aim of these subsidies is to increase the added value of the film industry, as film productions create jobs and can boost tourism by attracting more visitors to the country. The same goal is pursued by the film funding program of the state of Salzburg, for which we provide consulting.

Gender Gap Financing and the Path to Sustainable Productions

Sustainability and the promotion of women are also important issues in the film and media industry. With Gender Gap Financing, the FISAplus grant can be increased by up to 25,000 euros if the film project includes a certain number of female leaders.

Green Filming refers to environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint. This includes the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, the use of eco-friendly materials, and the reduction of CO2 emissions. The ÖFI offers Green Filming funding and a Green Bonus for this purpose. The production “Rickerl” was showcased as a sustainable best practice. Film productions that conserve resources and implement climate-friendly measures receive the Austrian Eco-label. Green Filming Consultants, a position established a few years ago, assist in implementing sustainable practices. Those interested in various resources for eco-friendly filmmaking should visit the Evergreen Prisma Competence Center.

STEM: Female Protagonists 55+ in Focus

The afternoon began with the honoring of the winners of the “Heroines in Series” screenplay competition. Screenwriter and actress Konstanze Breitebner awarded the authors of this year’s competition. They provided insights into their works on an often neglected topic: female protagonists over the age of 55 in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The submitted stories aim to provide positive role models and encourage girls to pursue careers in these fields while also breaking down stereotypes about women over 55. Affected actresses explain in a video why this is important.

The stories of the award winners revolve around a software developer, a dream researcher, a teacher on a secret mission, and a financial mathematician. This shows that there are exciting stories about women that go far beyond the traditional grandmother role.

We congratulate this year’s award winners:

• Roland Hablesreiter, project “Strohpuppe”
• Ella Stanley and Moritz Licht, project “Luzid”
• Felis Krisai, project “PTA – Permission to Attack”
• Daniel Andrew Wunderer, project “Queen of Flies”

 

Read more now: Post-event report on the main program of the Media Summit 2024