A set of policies for audiovisual culture
The Ministry of Education and Culture has prepared a set of policies for audiovisual culture. The policies are based on changes in the operating environment brought about by digital technology, the objectives of the Government Programme and the development of appropriations for culture.
The use of digital technology permeates the whole of audiovisual culture. It extends from the development of a production to the exhibition of films and storing of material. It has an impact on the income of actors in the field, the enterprise structure in the sector, distribution channels as well as audience choices.
The policies correspond to the objectives of the government programme. The most important are an emphasis on supporting the creation of content for art and culture and its effective distribution, promoting entrepreneurship and the creation of jobs in the creative industry, enhancing the export of culture and marketing expertise in the cultural sector. Furthermore, the objective is to strengthen the position and the operating conditions of childrens culture.
The policy objectives are a diverse and rich audiovisual culture, a functional support system, a regulatory framework and a copyright policy that support audiovisual culture, rich cultural heritage and improved media literacy. The policies also highlight the development of education and research in the sector and the importance of establishing a sufficient knowledge base and statistical activities in the field.
Due to the new needs to be covered by the appropriations for culture, it is necessary to develop and reform the support systems for audiovisual content. Expanding the range of potential recipients of support provided in the field of television drama is one of the measures to be considered.
The aim s is to continue the positive development
The aim of the policies is to continue the positive development of Finnish film and television drama and other audiovisual content that began in the 2000s. The Finnish Film Foundation and the Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture (AVEK) and other organisations in the field act as central cooperation partners in the reform of the support system.
The policies also contain a proposal to improve the infrastructure in Finland. The aim is to develop a new incentive system for the audiovisual industry.
One of the key proposals is to enhance those parties benefiting financially from the audiovisual contents to become investors of productions. From the viewpoint of cultural policy, it is important that all parties in the sector work to strengthen the diverse nature of content created in Finland.
Promoting the opportunities of the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle) as a producer and funder of audiovisual content created in Finland is essential. The Yle tax, or taxbased funding for the Finnish Broadcasting Company, is aimed to encourage Yle to increase its investments in the funding of production of the independent producers.
According to the Minister of Culture and Sport, Mr. Paavo Arhinmäki the implementation of the policies requires further discussion. The first measures will be launched at the end of 2012.