The Commission launched a call for proposals aimed to develop an online tool to track language versions of films.

The Commission intends to amplify the exposure of European films in video on demand (VOD) services available in the EU by launching a €500 000 call for proposals aimed to design an ad hoc technical solution.

In line with the communication of the Commission, “Towards a modern, more European copyright framework”, this action complements the development of a European aggregator of online search tools destined to end users (online indexation of available legal offers), which was the subject of the first year of preparatory action back in 2015.

For other more calls for proposals, have a look at our section EU Funding opportunities.

 Objective of the projects

Increasing the accessibility, the use and the diffusion of European works is the objective of this action, which shall specifically support the development of an online tool. This device would track all language versions available for any given film in as many official EU languages as possible and display a research feature based on diverse parameters, amongst them ISO standard identifiers.

Therefore, through a simple and, if possible, automated transaction mechanism, the device should enable providers, such as VOD services, catch-up TV services or cinema theatres to easily find and use the different language versions they need.  The information displayed should be accessible for film funds and potential sponsors of dubbing or subtitled versions, so that they can edit information regarding versions that they had supported. Last but not least, the tool can be either a self-standing platform or a feature added to an existing platform.

For this reason, the project retained shall develop a prototype, test the tool with the industry and define the conditions of governance and modalities for a sustainable business model, as well as prepare recommendations on the conditions for a fully scalable implementation of such a tool.

The results of the experimentation should be shared with stakeholders and policy makers notably through the organisation of a public workshop. The Commission will closely follow-up of the project. This will entail regular meetings in Brussels, to be included in the draft budget to be submitted.

Eligibility and total budget

Natural persons may not apply for a grant under this call. Those entitled to submit applications are only entities (private companies, public entities, non-profit organisations, associations, charities, foundations, municipalities/Town Councils, etc.) or a group of entities established in one of the EU countries and owned directly or by majority participation, by nationals from such countries.

The total budget allocated for the co-financing of projects amounts up to 500,000 Euros. The action will be implemented with a maximum aid intensity of 80% of the total eligible costs of the project. Although the Commission expects to fund one to two proposals, it reserves the right not to distribute all the funds available.

Applications are open until 26th September for 1-2 projects to run in 2017.

More information on the application can be found on the Commission’s website.