Exploring the “Ecosystem” and Principles of Austria’s Film Subsidy Schemes: Is Austria a “Best-Practice” Model for a Successful Film Policy?

Abstract

In this chapter, we debate state subsidies to film from two main angles: in the first part, we deliver a synoptic overview to the supply of financial subsidies to film in Austria. We first take an “institutionalist” view and mainly describe the funding principles of the Austrian Film Institute . Doing so, we critically appraise the scheme’s stability in safeguarding the development of original films in the country. In the second part, we argue more theoretically, and to some extent contradictorily, and posit that the subsidy discourse is too narrowly focused on the different technicalities and governance structures and processes, and, notably, the intended effects subsidies should have on the players involved. We find that while subsidies have remained the main pillar of the country’s quest for diversity, more attention should be given to funding concepts that support less “market-driven” productions, that is, independent, original, high-quality productions and the effects these have on film culture and society at large. Because Austrian films attest to a remarkable creative potential and know-how of the country’s film producers albeit limited resources and low funding levels overall, the debate needs to be redirected to the specificities of understanding the wider cultural effects of government subsidies to film.