Some trolls are good for the city and the country

Before the weekend The film company Motion Blur and Netflix ended ten days in Trondheim with filming for the feature film “Troll 2”. The biggest film shoot that has ever taken place in Trøndelag has left its mark on the city. It has certainly caused problems too, with obstacles in traffic for both drivers and pedestrians. Uniformed military, weapons and troll tracks in the Navy may have frightened some. The recording is nevertheless an example that the Norwegian incentive scheme for film production works and should be expanded.

After many years with wishes from the industry and a lot of talk from the politicians, Culture Minister Thorhild Widvey (H) introduced the incentive scheme for film production in Norway in 2016. It is intended to make Norway more attractive as a filming country for international film and series productions. Productions that come under the scheme can have up to 25 per cent of the costs reimbursed. The costs must have been incurred in Norway and paid to taxpayers in Norway. Refunds are paid out after production has been completed and accounts have been submitted.

Many countries have similar arrangements, to attract large productions. The special thing about the Norwegian scheme is that it has an annual ceiling and is under the Ministry of Culture. This year, the total frame for reimbursement is 84 million, divided between “Troll 2” and three TV series. According to the Norwegian Film Institute, a total of 18 productions applied this time, with the intention of spending NOK 1.1 billion on productions in Norway. Only a fraction of that is thus realised.

A lot speaks for it that the scheme should be more automated and under the Ministry of Business. Even a very limited scheme has made Norway a more desirable country for international film production. In order for “Troll 2” to be reimbursed its 11.4 million, it must be documented that they have spent just over 45 million in Norway. If one of the most expensive Norwegian films of all time, with trolls at Nidaros Cathedral, is successful, it can certainly attract some tourists to the city as well. All the other ripple effects, financial as well as professional for several industries, are an even better argument for expanding the reimbursement scheme. There is much to be gained and little to be lost from it.