The Slovenian audiovisual (AV) industry harbours a huge potential, with a development strategy commissioned from Deloitte Slovenija suggesting it could generate €1 billion in revenue by 2030, taking into account the multiplier effect, provided more funding and better regulatory framework.

The document has been commissioned by the Slovenian Federation of Filmmaker Guilds (ZDSFU) at the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob. Presented earlier this month, it was discussed at a panel debate in Ljubljana on 18 October organised by the ZDSFU and STAklub.

The industry generated nearly €250 million in revenue in 2022 or nearly €450 million taking into account the multiplier effect, Delloite representative Žiga Urankar said. The goal is to increase that figure to €1 billion by 2030.

The strategy, which Delloite drew up as an upgrade of its 2019 study on state support and economic effects of the AV industry in Slovenia, suggests the industry would need at least €20 million in public funding, while €50 million would be needed for the industry to meet its potential.

The industry currently receives €9 million in budget funds, while the extra-budgetary resources are not fully utilised.

The 2019 Delloite study showed that for every ten jobs in the industry, eight more are created in supporting industries like the hospitality sector.

The strategy points out that this is fast-growing industry with large potential and an above average value added per employee.

A panel debate on the development potential of the audiovisual industry, organised by STAklub and Slovenian Federation of Filmmaker Guilds. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

Addressing the debate, Economy Ministry State Secretary Matevž Frangež welcomed the comprehensive and systemic perspective provided by the document, acknowledging the industry's multiplier effects.

He also acknowledged the need for a stable and stimulative environment and argued for a different, revenue-oriented perspective on public finances.

However, he feels it is too early in the present circumstances for promises that providing the sector with €50 million by 2030 would possibly allow it to generate €1 billion, as the study suggests. "But it's not impossible," he added.

Head of the Slovenian Film Producers Association Petra Vidmar called for systemic solutions if the industry's full potential is to be utilised.

She pointed to the slow permit acquisition processes as an issue, citing the protected Triglav National Park as a significant challenge that could be mitigated through legislative changes.

Together with Matevž Luzar, president of the Directors Guild of Slovenia, she called for solutions that would facilitate quicker responses from local communities for filming permits.

The pair cast the permits as an economic opportunity for less developed regions like Prekmurje in the far north-east of the country.

Their view was backed by Valter Mlekuž, the mayor of the Alpine town of Bovec. "Bovec is a destination eager to host film shoots," he said, highlighting the promotional effects.