Translated using ChatGPT service.
Today, June 10, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments proposed by the Ministry of Economics to the regulations governing the procedure for granting state budget co-financing to large, significant public events (“major events”) and foreign film productions in Latvia.
These amendments aim to improve the support system by making it more flexible and efficient to better meet the needs of both the film industry and event organizers.
One of the key innovations is the possibility for foreign film projects to receive support under the de minimis regulation, which allows coverage of film production costs from January 1 of the relevant selection year. This means projects can start earlier than the submission of the application without losing the opportunity to apply for state co-financing.
The range of eligible costs for major event organizers has also been expanded to include expenses such as hotel and catering services, telecommunications, as well as administrative and professional staff labor costs. For foreign film production projects, post-production sound costs will also be eligible.
To ensure higher-quality project evaluations, the evaluation criteria have been clarified. For example, if VAT revenues from foreign guests or ticket sales exceed 60% of the requested funding, the maximum score of 30 points is awarded. Additionally, for foreign film projects, the list of criteria has been expanded to award extra points for the involvement of specialists such as set designers, sound designers, camera dolly operators, and editing directors.
The regulations also include several technical clarifications to improve the interpretation and practical application of the rules.
These amendments were adopted urgently so that the Latvian Investment and Development Agency can immediately start the program’s second selection round on June 16 this year. These changes strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness in attracting international cultural, sports, and audiovisual projects.