INFORMATION SHEET NORDIC NEST

CO-DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR FICTION FEATURE FILMS AND SERIES

This information sheet provides essential information on the eligibility criteria, funding conditions, and project administration procedures for the Nordic NEST co-development programme. It supplements Section B|1.1 of the Funding Guidelines. Further information can be found in the FAQs.

1| DEFINITIONS

Nordic NEST is an extension of the NEST programme. It is an international co-development funding initiative designed to lay the foundation for future co-productions between Germany and the Five Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland). The programme brings together 20 producers and 10 writers from Germany and the Nordic countries (50/50) to collaboratively develop new ide-as for feature films and high-end drama series. The programme runs over the course of one year and includes key events at Filmfest Hamburg, the SPACE (see below), and the Göteborg Film Festival.

NORDIC NEST SPACES are five-day collaborative development labs that bring together selected projects and their writers. As with the regular NEST programme, the aim is to explore the full potential of projects at an early stage and to engage methodically with the underlying idea before the writing process begins. Nordic NEST places a particular emphasis on co-development and the potential for future international co-productions.

Nordic NEST Spaces take place in person at the Baltic Sea. The working language is English. Travel expenses for participants from the Five Nordics are covered by their national funding institutions. The MOIN Film Fund covers travel expenses for German participants (generally second-class rail travel within Germany), accommodation, and meals. Participation in the Nordic NEST Spaces is mandatory for all selected writers and is a prerequisite for participation in the Nordic NEST programme.

NORDIC NEST TOOLS are standardised financial funding instruments. They range from writers' fees and producer-related services to external consultancy services. The Tools may be selected and applied for in two stages: up to EUR 20,000 for treatment funding and up to EUR 60,000 for script funding. The timing of possible applications is defined within the Nordic NEST programme framework. The relevant Tools are identified in collaboration with the applicants and applied for as a funding package.

2| WHAT CAN THE FUNDING BE USED FOR?

Nordic NEST provides funding and resources for the development of international projects in accordance with the MOIN Film Fund Funding Guidelines (Section B|1.1). Funding is available for fictional feature films and high-end drama series. Documentary films and series, animated films and series, and innovative formats are not eligible.

3| TYP OF FUNDING AND MAXIMUM FUNDING AMOUNT (NORDIC NEST TOOLS)

Funding is granted as a conditionally recoupable, interest-free loan. The amount of funding awarded is determined by the project-specific package of funding tools agreed upon with the MOIN Film Fund. The maximum total amount available for Nordic NEST development funding is EUR 80,000. This amount is awarded once per year, in two stages, to up to three projects. The agreement generated via the NEST portal constitutes the formal application.
Further information regarding the content, possible combinations, and administration of the Nordic NEST Tools can be found in the FAQs and the handbook.

4| ELIGIBLE COSTS

Writers' fees are always considered eligible costs. Additional eligible costs are determined by the project-specific combination of approved Nordic NEST Tools, each of which is subject to predefined maximum amounts. All costs must be stated net of VAT.

Nordic NEST Tools to be provided as in-kind contributions require prior approval by the Film Fund.

5| APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Established writers and producers may apply independently of one another. Participation is open only to individuals and/or companies based in Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland.
Additional eligibility requirements for writers: Applicants must have at least two commercially released feature film projects or television series episodes in their portfolio.
Additional eligibility requirements for producers: Applicants must have produced at least two commercially released feature films or television series, including at least one international co-production.

Applications are assessed by independent selection committees in the respective countries (the Nordic NEST selection committee is listed on the MOIN Film Fund website) and recommended to the respective managing directors for funding approval. Recommendations may only be deviated from for compelling reasons, including, but not limited to, the financial situation of an applicant's company or outstand-ing obligations towards the Film Fund.

Application Procedure for Producers

Applications must be submitted directly via the Nordic NEST plattform and must be completed in full by 11:59 p.m. (CET) on the application deadline.

First Call for Applications (June):
Kick off event in Hamburg: Nordic NEST workshops and events, including partial participation in the Filmfest Hamburg industry programme.
Second Call for Applications (October):
Nordic NEST workshops, matchmaking sessions and events, as well as partial participation in the Göteborg Film Festival industry programme.

Application Procedure for Writers

Applications must be submitted directly via the Nordic NEST plattform and must be completed in full by 11:59 p.m. (CET) on the application deadline.

Call for application (october):
Nordic NEST Space (January), Nordic NEST workshops, matchmaking sessions and events, as well as partial participation in the Göteborg Film Festival industry programme.

Applicants will be notified of the decision by email. Decisions are generally not accompanied by an explanation.

For writers, submission of the declaration confirming participation in the Nordic NEST SPACE is mandatory when applying.

6| REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIAL:

For Producers (submitted via the Nordic NEST portal):

Filmography and CV
Motivation letter or "Tell Me" video

For Writers (submitted via the Nordic NEST portal, in English):

"Tell Me" video: Who – What – How – Why? (max. 3 minutes)
Project description (max. 500 characters)
CV / track record (maximum one-page PDF)
Description of the intended target audience (max. 500 characters)
Information regarding the project's regional connection (max. 500 characters)
Information regarding its co-production potential (max. 500 characters)

7 | ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Each writer may submit one project per application round. Additional projects will not be considered. Producers apply without submitting a specific project.

There is no entitlement to receive Nordic NEST funding or to participate in the Nordic NEST Spaces. The approval of one funding measure does not create any entitle-ment to subsequent funding.

Submitted projects and applicants are eligible for two-stage funding. Following a successful application (selection by the expert jury), the first stage of funding (treatment funding of up to EUR 20,000 per project) is granted automatically once a team consisting of two producers (Germany/Five Nordics) and one project/writer has been confirmed. The second stage of funding may be awarded upon the submission of the treatments, selection by an expert jury, and formal application. At this stage, up to three projects may receive script funding up to EUR 80,000 per project.

Applications may not be submitted for measures that have already been started. If a script or development agreement has already been concluded with writers or crea-tors, the measure is deemed to have commenced. Projects that have already received funding from another institution are not eligible to apply for NEST funding from the MOIN Film Fund. Applicants are not entitled to request deletion of the up-loaded application materials.

8| FUNDING AGREEMENT AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

Funding, the total amount of all approved Tools, is granted as an interest-free, conditionally recoupable loan. The contractual partner is always the German producer.

The loan is disbursed in instalments, as required, in accordance with the contractual provisions and subject to verification of the agreed declarations and supporting documentation.

Approved Tools that are not utilised or not fully exhausted will be reduced accordingly, resulting in a corresponding reduction of the funding amount. Appropriate documentation must be provided.

9| EARLY TERMINATION OF THE FUNDING MEASURE

Funding recipients may terminate the funding measure unilaterally at any time. In such cases, Tools that have already commenced may be completed, provided that the required supporting documentation is submitted. Approved but unused Tools will lapse.

The Film Fund reserves the right to revoke the funding measure for good cause and to terminate any funding agreement that may already have been concluded. Good cause includes, but is not limited to, the use of Tools in a manner inconsistent with the agreement or significant deviations from the agreed project objectives. Tools that have already commenced and/or have been commissioned may be completed and paid out upon successful verification of the required documentation, notwith-standing the termination of the agreement.

10| REPAYMENT OF THE FUNDING

The loan becomes repayable upon commencement of principal photography or production, or upon the sale of rights relating to the funded project. It must be ensured that the Film Fund's repayment claim remains enforceable even if the rights revert to the original creators.

11| AFTER FUNDING HAS BEEN APPROVED

Funding approvals are granted for a limited period, which is specified in the approval notice and is legally binding. Applications for extensions due to compelling reasons must be submitted in writing or by email in good time before the expiry of the funding period.
If a project receives development funding under Nordic NEST pursuant to Section B|1 of the Funding Guidelines, an application for production funding for the funded project must subsequently be submitted to the MOIN Film Fund.
All publications relating to the project must acknowledge the support of the MOIN Film Fund in accordance with the applicable crediting requirements.

12| FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information is available in the FAQs. Paulina Toenne (Head of Nordic NEST) will be happy to assist with questions regarding the programme itself and applica-tion procedure. Questions concerning funding agreements and project administration can be directed to the MOIN Film Fund's Contract Management Team. Contact details can be found on the MOIN website.

Version dated: 21 July 2026