Czechs pledge extra coin for biz
Filmmakers emerge victorious from Karlovy Vary summit
Following a July 1 summit between producers, fest prexy Jiri Bartoska and Prime Minister elect Mirek Topolanek, filmmakers won promises that the state will directly fund film at least through 2007.
The strategy lays to rest an earlier proposal to beef up the $2.6 million Czech Cinematography Fund via a tax on exhibs, distribs and TV webs.
Pavel Strnad of the Audiovisual Producers Association said coin would primarily come out of the state purse, but some funding from industry sources has not been ruled out.
The exact amount of funding is still to be negotiated, said Strnad, but bizzers are seeking $9 million-$18 million a year.
The funding is to be part of a comprehensive state plan for the biz, which will include the setting up of a film office and a training program.
None of this can be implemented until a government is approved by parliament following the deadlocked June elections.
Outgoing culture minister, Vitezslav Jandak, who was roundly criticized for not taking action to foster Czech film, is likely to be replaced by Michaela Sojdrova, considered more amenable, if Topolanek gets his cabinet approved.
