Developing the filmcluster in South-Estonia

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CHALLENGE: Interest in the creative industries has grown considerably in recent years, including increased emphasis on regional development, creativity, innovation and the economics of culture. The concept of the creative industries has had a major impact on European cultural policy, including a focus on how culture can foster economic development in smaller regions. Regional  hubs and clusters are important here because of the assumption that geographical proximity on a local scale is crucial, highlighting the necessity of having interconnected companies, skills, knowledge and institutions in a particular region. Audio-visual media production is forming a significant part of the creative industries sector. Producers' feedback shows that regional filmfunds and cash rebate system are very important factor in attracting national and international projects to the region. Stable incoming production allows local film producers and community to invest in permanent staff and grow sustainable businesses. According to the study " Economic impact of the Film Estonia cash-rebate", made by Olsberg SPI in August 2022, per every euro invested, a total of 5.00 euros of value is created in the economy, of which 2.50 euros in the film industry, 1.20 euros in the supply chain and 1.30 euros through the wage effect. The number of regional film funds in Europe is increasing, and a lot of film productions already take place outside the capitals, yet regional film funds,  hubs and clusters, face many challenges. These are mainly the issues of capacity building, attracting talents, investments, boosting production volume. Competition with the capital city and with other regional film funds within the same national territory are also complications. On the other hand, operating on a smaller, regioal scale may allow for innovation and contribute to advantages such as social capital and local support, access to diverse stories, spectacular natural landscapes that practitioners in the capital do not have. OVERALL OBJECTIVE: Project main overall objective is to promote the film region South-Estonia, to develop the network and community and to increase audiovisual sector SME's  competitiveness and entrepreneurship in South-Estonia. For that we aim to: 1) foster networking and co-operation within audiovisual sector community and between the audiovisual sector professionals and public sector; 2) develop supporting services and environment; 3)  promote the region. MAIN OUTPUTS: 1) number of organizations networking in Film Cluster South - at least 6 organizations by the end of project; 2) number of audiovisual sector supply chain enterprises included to Film Cluster South network & community - at least 50 different enterprises; 3) number of entrepreneurs /organizations using the creative hub services or actively participating in hub events - at least 20 enterprises. MAIN ACTIVITIES: 1) developing the community and services: study trip to Nordic filmfunds, development of service providers' database and mapping locations; 2) development of creative hub in Tartu: repair works and equipment for co-working space, showroom and event area; 3) promotion the region: making the showreel of supported films, development of filmfunds' webpage in two languages, organizing FAM trips for producers and journalists to South-Estonia.

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