Estonia Boosts Local Film Industry Funding with Streaming Platforms

Estonia is making moves to boost its local film industry funding by tapping into streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV. Proposed changes to the Media Services Act would mandate that paid streaming services invest 5 percent of their Estonian revenue back into the country’s film and TV production.

For Netflix, which boasts around 140,000 users in Estonia with monthly plans starting at €7.99, this could mean a significant boost in funding for local content. According to Culture Ministry audiovisual field and digital culture adviser Karlo Funk, this measure could bring in an additional €1.5 million to €2 million every year.

While this requirement would also impact domestic streaming platforms, many of which already support local productions, the goal is to create a more equitable environment between streaming services and traditional broadcasters while injecting new money into Estonian film and series.

Toomas Luhats, head of TV3 Group Estonia, sees this as a positive change that will benefit the wider media and film industry. By encouraging international co-productions, companies like Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, and Disney+ may show more interest in acquiring Estonian content or partnering on productions, ultimately raising the overall production quality across Europe.

This initiative is aligned with the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and could be implemented in Estonia as early as 2027 or 2028. If successful, it has the potential to reshape the landscape of the local film industry and bring a new wave of opportunities for Estonian filmmakers and content creators.