The Czech Audiovisual Fund is set to provide record levels of support for the country’s film and television industries next year after a major increase in revenue from newly introduced audiovisual fees. The fund collected CZK 387 million in fees during 2026, a 70% increase compared with the previous year, according to figures released by the organization.
The higher revenue follows changes introduced by the amendment to the Audiovisual Act, which came into effect in January 2025. The updated system increased fee rates and expanded the number of contributors required to pay into the fund, including global streaming platforms operating in the Czech market for the first time.
The additional income will help establish a record budget of CZK 787 million for Czech audiovisual support in 2027, including funding for film production, television projects, infrastructure development and film incentives.
New funding system delivers higher revenues for Czech film sector
Audiovisual fees are a key source of financing for the Czech Audiovisual Fund, which supports the development, production, distribution and promotion of Czech audiovisual works. The payments are collected from companies operating across the sector, including cinemas, television broadcasters, providers of retransmitted television services and, under the new system, streaming platforms.
The 2026 results represent the first full year in which the revised funding model has been applied. According to the fund, the total amount collected exceeded initial expectations, despite some categories performing below projections.
“The result of this year’s collection of audiovisual fees is an important message for the entire sector,” Czech Audiovisual Fund Director Veronika Slámová said in a statement. “The level of the fund’s income determines the possibilities for future support of Czech audiovisual production and film incentives.”
Revenue from the fees serves as the basis for determining additional state support. For selective funding programs, state contributions are provided at a minimum ratio of one-to-one compared with fee income. For film incentives, the state contribution will be calculated as a multiple of this base amount. From 2028, the multiplier will be six times the base, while a transitional seven-times multiplier applies for 2026 and 2027.
The increased financing comes as Czechia continues to expand its role as a destination for international productions. The revised Audiovisual Act also increased the country’s production incentive rate to 25%, making Czechia more competitive for foreign shoots. Recent projects filmed or planned in the country include Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night, as well as the series Ride or Die and The Age of Innocence.
Streaming contributions fall short while other fees exceed forecasts
While the introduction of streaming platforms into the fee system was one of the most significant changes under the new legislation, their contributions were lower than originally estimated.
The fund said some streaming companies used legal exemptions or reduced their payments through direct investment into Czech audiovisual production. Four streaming operators have not yet submitted their required fee declarations and have been contacted by the fund to correct the situation.
“Revenue from the streaming platform category remained below the original estimates,” Slámová said. “Some used legal exemptions, while others used a discount based on direct investment provided into the Czech audiovisual industry.”
The administration of payments from international streaming companies has also presented additional challenges, as many global platforms do not have headquarters in Czechia, according to the fund.
Lower-than-expected streaming revenue was offset by stronger-than-anticipated payments from providers of retransmitted television services, including operators of paid television, cable and satellite services. As a result, the overall collection surpassed the fund’s original projections.
The Czech Audiovisual Fund said the first year of the new system will require further adjustments as the framework develops. However, officials expect the model to stabilize over time and provide a stronger financial foundation for Czech audiovisual production.
The record CZK 787 million allocation planned for 2027 represents a significant increase in available support and comes at a time when Czech filmmakers, producers and international production companies are adapting to the expanded funding structure created by the new audiovisual legislation.
