Flemish Support Helps Our Fiction Shine Internationally

Key Findings

1. Record Number of Flemish Fiction Series in 2023The launch of Streamz, competition with international players, and the popularity of fiction have led to an increase in Flemish fiction series, with 2023 marking a peak year. VRT offers the most series with VRT 1, VRT Canvas, Ketnet, and its VRT MAX ‘originals.’ However, fiction production remains challenging for private broadcasters, with Streamz emerging as the primary platform for their fiction productions.
2. Impact of International Streamers Changes the Flemish Fiction Market: Co-productions Are the NormInternational streamers have reshaped the Flemish fiction market with more diverse offerings, including niche and short-format series targeting younger audiences. Since 2021, co-productions with Streamz, foreign broadcasters, and streamers have become the standard for larger Flemish series, resulting in higher budgets. Series costing €5 million or more are now common. Nevertheless, investments from major international streamers in Flemish productions remain limited in both the number of projects and financial contributions. Flemish productions still heavily rely on public support, such as tax shelter schemes, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF), and Flemish incentive programs.
3. Limited Increase in Average Budgets Despite Rising CostsWhile the average cost of fiction series with episodes of 40 minutes or more has risen, the overall average has not increased as much as inflation might suggest. Compared to ten years ago, similar budgets achieve less today, creating tensions around quality and working conditions. Documentary series and films operate with even smaller budgets and lack the broadcaster or local streamer support that TV series enjoy.
4. COVID-19 Provided Temporary Financial Support and OpportunitiesDuring COVID-19, additional support was provided for delayed or stalled productions, resulting in some short-term projects and temporary budget increases. For films, support measures helped cover the additional costs caused by the pandemic.

Figures

• 2014–2023: Total investment in Flemish fiction series ranged between €33 million and €91 million, with 2023 setting a record.
• Average budget for fiction series (long episodes): Rose to €4.8 million per series in 2023, with a cost of €837,902 per hour for high-end fiction. Between 2014 and 2023, the average budget increased by over €1 million.
• Contribution from foreign partners: Notably increased since 2016, reaching €15 million in 2023, accounting for 16% of Flemish fiction budgets.
• Feature film budgets: Averaged €2.5 million in 2023, with auteur films at €2 million and mainstream films at €3 million.
• Documentary series budgets: Averaged €817,508 per series in 2023, with broadcaster investments averaging €183,437 between 2020 and 2022. Non-Flemish contributions remained stable at 5–8%.

Statements

Minister of Media Cieltje Van Achter:

“Over the past ten years, our Flemish fiction has faced challenges such as changing viewing habits, new players, and rising costs. Despite this, the quality of our productions remains unparalleled, attracting international players who strengthen our fiction landscape with funding and co-productions. As the Flemish Minister of Media, I remain committed to supporting and promoting these unique stories.”

Bart Temmerman, Secretary-General of the Department of Culture, Youth, and Media:

“Public support is crucial for financing Flemish audiovisual productions in a competitive local and international market. Through the Department of Culture, Youth, and Media, we continue to back measures that strengthen the sector. This study also highlights the importance of Mediapunt. With its policy-relevant research, it contributes to knowledge-driven audiovisual policies.”

Professor Tim Raats, imec-SMIT-VUB:

“Additional contributions from international streamers are becoming increasingly important for the future resilience of Flemish fiction. However, public support, investments by Flemish broadcasters, and the contributions of Flemish service providers remain by far the most significant pillars.”

Contact

imec-SMIT-VUB

Professor Tim Raats
​tim.raats@vub.be
​0476 51 87 96

Departement Cultuur, Jeugd en Media

Mattijs Deraedt, adjunct-woordvoerder
​mattijs.deraedt@vlaanderen.be
​02 553 42 89