Snowy mountains, magnificent castles, and seasoned production teams have long made Austria a prime location for filming. But Austria’s contribution to the future of the media industry goes beyond its scenic landscapes. The country boasts a dynamic and visionary community of MediaTech startups, and since the introduction of the new tax incentive system “FISAplus” in 2023, the Austrian film industry has seen significant growth, attracting both national and international productions.
We are thrilled to announce that Austria is the #MTHCON24 Guest of Honour. Join us on the afternoon of the first conference day on September 25 as we delve into three key topics related to Austria:
- How has the new tax incentive system “FISAplus” boosted the Austrian film industry?
- How is the Austrian film community addressing current industry challenges?
- What can we learn from the Austrian startup scene?
How has the new tax incentive system “FISAplus” boosted the Austrian film industry?
The topic of tax incentive systems has been widely discussed in Germany, with potential implementation anticipated for early 2025 after years of advocacy by the German film industry. Meanwhile, Austria introduced its “FISAplus” system in 2023, giving us an opportunity to review its initial impacts. The session ”FILMING in AUSTRIA – How an Incentive Changed the Game” will explore:
- The success and challenges of the “FISAplus” system.
- Its impact on the production landscape.
- Lessons learned from its implementation.
We will hear insights from representatives of the Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI), the Austrian Ministry of Economy, and the newly formed hq7studios in Vienna.
How is the Austrian film community addressing current industry challenges?
With a relatively small market, Austrian productions must be agile and innovative to thrive. The discussion ”AUSTRIAN PRODUCERS TALK: Cinema, TV, Streaming – Quo Vadis?” will focus on:
- Strategies for finding a niche amidst Hollywood blockbusters and international streaming content.
- The importance of co-productions and international collaborations.
- Adapting to global trends and shifting consumer behaviors.
Expect to gain perspectives from top industry professionals, including representatives from public broadcaster ORF, Terra Mater Studios, an internationally acclaimed production company specialising in producing premium factual content (history, nature, science), and MR Film, a production company that produces more than 500 hours of content for TV and cinema films every year.
What can we learn from the Austrian startup scene?
Startups are often at the forefront of innovation, and Austria’s MediaTech community is no exception. Media Innovation Lab supports startups with an incubator and fellowship program, providing expertise, co-working spaces, an alumni network, and media contacts. The session “AUSTRIAN MEDIA INDUSTRY – Technological Innovations & the Future of Media Technology” will showcase:
- Innovations in production technology.
- Revolutionary distribution tools.
- New forms of media consumption driven by digital transformation.
We will feature presentations from four tech startups and content startups, highlighting their solutions to industry challenges.
The #MTHCON24 Guest of Honour track is organized in cooperation with FILM in AUSTRIA, the Austria-wide Film Commission, and the Media Innovation Lab, part of the Media Hub Austria of the Mediengruppe Wiener Zeitung.
