Czech Audiovisual Fund expands remit beyond film to support series, animation
The recently rebrand Czech Audiovisual Fund, formerly known as the Czech Film Fund, has been expanded to include support for series and animation as well as feature films.

Helena Bezděk Fraňková
The changes come as part of the country’s new Audiovisual Act, effective from January 1, marking the most substantial evolution of the fund since it was established in 2013.
Tweaks made to its funding model include increased financial contributions from local and international stakeholders and a revamped production incentive structure, with a goal of attracting global interest while bolstering local talent.
Previously known as the Czech Film Fund, it primarily focused on traditional filmmaking aimed at theatrical distribution. Focusing on selective support for audiovisual works and production incentives, under its new name the fund will focus on four categories: feature-length fiction and documentary films alongside short and experimental films; drama, miniseries and documentary series; animation and video games; and workforce training and distribution.
A key component of the restructuring is the creation of specialised expert councils for each area, ensuring that funding decisions are “based on the necessary knowledge and expertise,” the funding body said.
This year’s Berlinale will mark the first international event where the revamped fund will be presented to the industry.
“The amendment to the Audiovisual Act is one of our key legislative proposals,” said Martin Baxa, the Czech Republic’s Minister of Culture.
“After a year and a half of hard work and in-depth discussions with key players in
the audiovisual sector, we have achieved a wonderful thing which will bring fundamental change and significantly alter the current reality of the audiovisual industry, ensuring financial resources to secure its future.
“Our goal is clear: to support high-quality Czech audiovisual content and Czech filmmakers, and to help our industry make itself noticed abroad.”
CEO Helena Bezděk Fraňková said: “[The] new framework is based on four categories designed to reflect the growing convergence of media sectors and the growing importance of audiovisual storytelling beyond cinema.
“The change also responds to the evolving needs of the global audiovisual industry. At the same time, the increased maximum percentage for production incentives will allow the Czech audiovisual sector to grow positively.”
The Czech Film Commission recently announced that the new audiovisual act will also result in adjustments to the existing incentive structure, aimed at making the Czech Republic more attractive for both local as well as international film productions.
As of January 2025, production incentives are raised from 20% to 25%, while animated and digitally produced projects see their rebate rate rise to 35%, provided no live-action shooting occurs in the Czech Republic. The incentive cap is increased to CZK450m (US$18.4m) per project.
The second phase, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, includes a streamlining of the project administration processes, a recalibration of minimum spend limits and running times in different project categories and the introduction of an incentive for documentary series.
By offering more competitive rates, the Czech government hopes to attract a broader array of productions so the country remains a viable choice for large-scale international projects.
Local execs have previously welcomed the changes to the fund, with Tereza Polachová, director of content at Czech public service broadcaster Česká Televize telling C21 it will help boost production activity.