2013 – Focussing on the Film Industry

Thursday, 10 January 2013
Foto: Magnus Fröderberg/norden.org Foto: Magnus Fröderberg/norden.org

The main topic of this year's Nordic Look, the creative economy series initiated by the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia, is the film industry, especially post-production of films.

The goal of Nordic Look is to bring together different areas of the creative economy, thereby creating synergy that is sustainable in terms of economics and art, and represented by the economical and environmentally sound Nordic way of thinking. The project, which was launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers' (NCM) Office in Estonia within the scope of the Capital of Culture in 2011, focussed on sustainable fashion in its first year and on meaningful urban design that involves all interest groups.

We are planning to continue Nordic Look in June this year and focus on the film industry, especially post-production of films, which combines several areas of the creative economy.

Also, Medieval Tallinn, our landscapes and sites left over from the Soviet era could be used as unique film sets by Nordic film producers and TV companies (e.g. filming crime series).

Estonian film experts have knowledge and skills to offer, e.g. in digitalisation, as well as services that could inspire film cooperation with the Nordic countries, say the people behind Nordic Look, who this year include the Office of the Swedish Trade Council in Estonia and Nordic embassies in Tallinn in addition to the NCM.

The literary forum that will be held on 5 April – the first day of the Baltic Book Fair in the Estonian National Library – is also connected to the creative economy. The topics discussed by specialists from all of the Baltic States and Nordic countries will include the status and vitality of national literature in modern society, new publishing models in the Nordic-Baltic region and more.

It is possible to apply for a creative economy grant from the Nordic countries. The most suitable facility for this is the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Business and Industry, which is administered by the NCM Office in Latvia. There is only one application call in 2013, which ends on 5 April.

The grant covers up to 70% of travel, accommodation and cooperation network costs and is designed for professional meetings, networking (seminars and workshops), work placement positions and study trips. Initiatives are eligible for the grant if they involve representatives of at least three countries, one of which must be Nordic or Baltic.

Applying for a grant from the Culture and Art Programme, which is coordinated by the Nordic Culture Point in Helsinki, may also be considered. Projects with joint creative activity (theatre and dance performances, music shows, etc.) are preferred. Experts say that the emphasis is on innovation, which means developing and carrying out new ideas, concepts and creative processes.

Questions related to the creative economy, activities and grants can be addressed to Cultural Adviser Eha Vain by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone +372 627 3104.

The article was published in the newletter of Creative Estonia.


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