Introduction to MEDIA - in English         What is the MEDIA Programme? MEDIA is a programme of the European Union to strengthen the competitiveness of the European film, TV and new media industries and to increase international circulation of European audiovisual product. The aim is to enhance the level of competence, strengthen the pre-production phases, stimulate the marketing and distribution of European films, television programmes and multimedia productions - and last but not least, to build up new networks and industrial infrastructures. MEDIA 2007 commenced on 1 January 2007 with a seven-year function time until 31 December 2013. With a budget of Euros 755 million, MEDIA 2007 supports professional training (screenwriting, management and new technologies), project development (single projects and slate funding), and the distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works. What does MEDIA offer? Independent production and distribution companies can apply for development or distribution funding. Financial assistance is available for training providers and organisers of markets and festivals. Individuals may also benefit from subsidised places on training courses and international markets. Who can apply? Practitioners in the audiovisual industry such as producers of film, television, animation, new media companies, distribution and sales companies and also 'enabling' organisations such as training bodies or film schools, promotional events or festival organisers. How do I apply? Deadlines for the various schemes run throughout the year. The schemes are called “Calls for proposals”. You can download guidelines and application forms from this site or contact MEDIA Desk Norway. Applications must be sent to the Education, Audiovisual & Cultural Agency in Brussels. MEDIA DESK NORWAY Through the EEA Agreement, Norway and Iceland participate in the MEDIA Programme on equal terms with the Member States of the EU. All countries that participate in the MEDIA Programme has a MEDIA Desk, which is an information and guidance office whose main task is to keep professionals in the field of film, television and multimedia constantly informed about the MEDIA Programme. The MEDIA Desks act as central distributors of information and as knowledge banks in their home countries and are in themselves a unique network for the European audiovisual industry. MEDIA Desk Norway publishes an electronic newsletter which provides updated information. Subscription to the newsletter is free of charge. MEDIA Desk Norway is a part of the Norwegian Film Institute, with offices in the Film House (“Filmens Hus”) in Dronningens gate 16, Oslo . Contact MEDIA Desk Norway: Ms. Sidsel Hellebø-Hansson Tlf: +47 22 47 88 66 Email: sidsel@mediadesk.no Mr. Kåre Jensen Tlf: + 47 22 47 88 67 Email: kaare@mediadesk.no MEDIA Desk Norway Norwegian Film Institute P.O.Box 752 Sentrum NO-0106 OSLO Norway Tel: +47 22 47 88 67/66 Fax: +47 22 47 80 41 Email: mail@mediadesk.no