The Hague and Rotterdam launch Scope to boost regional film production talent

The Hague and Rotterdam launch Scope to boost regional film production talent

The Hague, the Netherlands, 30 March 2026  - The Hague and Rotterdam have launched Scope, a regional talent hub to help film and media talent develop, move into professional productions, and build stronger links across the sector.

The objective of Scope is to address fragmentation in the current support structure by connecting filmmakers, production companies, educational institutions, and festivals across both cities. Backed by partners including the International Film Festival Rotterdam and Filmhuis Den Haag, the platform aims to create clearer pathways from early talent development into professional production.

Alongside Scope, both cities will invest € 100,000 to connect film productions with regional cast and crew. The initiative is designed to strengthen the region’s production ecosystem by linking talent development directly to active projects. The new scheme offers subsidies for paid work experience and is tied to the Netherlands Film Production Incentive. Productions filming in either city will be encouraged to hire local professionals, supporting both workforce development and production capacity. The pilot incentive programme is expected to launch shortly, positioning the region as a more competitive destination for international film and media productions.

Saskia Bruines, Alderman for Culture and Economic Development of The Hague, said: “In our cities, there is a great deal of talent and creativity. With ‘Scope’, we are creating greater cohesion and investing jointly in the development and visibility of makers. With the new incentive scheme for local cast and crew, The Hague and Rotterdam are taking an immediate and concrete step to strengthen the professional practice of film and media makers.”

To support this ambition, the Municipality of The Hague has commissioned filmmaker and researcher Tom Breedveld to map the city’s film and media sector, building on earlier needs assessments and the launch of Scope. This mapping will provide an up-to-date overview of creators, educational programmes, screening venues, and other key stakeholders. At the same time, The Hague and Rotterdam will explore how Scope can be connected to other municipalities and expand the current network.

Said Kasmi, Alderman for Culture of Rotterdam, added: “Rotterdam and The Hague are doing this together, because talent does not stop at municipal boundaries. With ‘Scope’, we are building one regional network that supports makers at the moment it matters: when they want to gain experience on real productions and grow their careers. This way, opportunities remain within the region, and talent can truly progress here.”