The Government has allocated Nu 229.85 million in the current fiscal year (2024-2025) to boost Bhutan’s creative industry, providing a significant opportunity for content creators, filmmakers, and digital media startups to expand their reach and enhance their global visibility, this is according to ministry of finance.
Key Support Initiatives Include:
- Support for Digital Content Creators:
- Target to create 100 YouTubers with 100K+ subscribers.
- Increase Bhutanese content visibility globally, enhancing monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- Support creators in producing content both locally and internationally.
- Establish YouTube and social media channels in all 20 Dzongkhags, giving rural creators a platform to share their stories and connect with a broader audience.
- Boost to the Film and OTT Sector:
- Support for the production of 4 films and 1 series that meet international standards.
- Collaborations with global producers, screenwriters, and directors to elevate Bhutanese storytelling.
- Creation of over 400 OTT jobs, tapping into a global streaming market.
- Professional Training and Upskilling:
- Training for over 1,000 individuals in areas like VFX, screenwriting, sound design, acting, voice dubbing, and color grading.
- Reduction of reliance on foreign training, fostering a self-sufficient creative ecosystem in Bhutan.
Financial Support through the ESP Concessional Loan:
To further support filmmakers, the government has set aside Nu 200 million under the ESP concessional loan scheme, providing up to Nu 10 million per project. This funding aims to empower filmmakers with easier access to finance, helping them produce world-class content for platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional OTTs.
By Kinley Yonten
