Netflix contributes €1m to Netherlands relief fund

Netflix and the Netherlands Film Fund have announced a new relief fund for film and TV productions to help the hardest hit workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Netflix will make €1m available in the Netherlands to launch the fund.

The production of films and series in the Netherlands has been severely affected by the effects of the virus with many productions on hold and the industry under pressure.

The fund will be administered by producers of the affected productions and will go to vulnerable freelancers, film makers, cast and crew and other film professionals involved.

The partnership with Netflix will provide the Film Fund with more possibilities to support affected productions without putting pressure on contributions for future film projects. 

The exact criteria will be drafted next week and published on the website of the Film Fund: www.filmfonds.nl. Both parties hope that others will join the effort to support the hardest hit workers.

Bero Beyer, director of the Film Fund says: "This is fantastic news. As a Fund, our goal is to continue the productivity of the Dutch film world and to ensure that the entire chain is maintained in such a way that beautiful Dutch productions can be seen this autumn and later. We’re very excited for Netflix’ support for film and TV professionals alongside the support the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science just announced for the broader cultural industry."

Lina Brouneus, director of co-production & acquisition at Netflix, adds: "We are grateful that we are able to work with The Netherlands Film Fund to support the most affected employees in the TV and film industry. The creative talent in the Netherlands and our local partners with whom we create content together are vital to the success of Netflix. We want to do our part to help those who most need our support in these unprecedented times."

The creation of this fund is part of Netflix' wider $100m fund to support workers in the creative sector worldwide.