BNP Paribas Fortis’ Film Finance strengthens Belgium’s cultural economy

In 2025 alone, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance raised €46.3 million, supporting 146 projects in close collaboration with leading production partners. Since its launch in 2007, the total capital invested in the sector has exceeded half a billion euros. But how do these funds evolve from a concept into actual shooting days, camera equipment and jobs on set?

From myth to reality: the story behind The Riders

There is sometimes a misconception that Belgian funds are siphoned off to international studios via offshore arrangements. The international epic The Riders – financed with support from Film Finance, amongst others, and starring Brad Pitt – demonstrates the opposite.

Katleen Goossens, Producer at Bulletproof Cupid, explains how it works:

“Hollywood actually has little to do with this project. It’s based on a book by an Australian author and filmed in Greece, the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium. Brad Pitt is the only American on set; otherwise, it’s a 100% European project with a European crew.

Initially, a key part of the story was to be filmed in Paris. However, due to the efficient funding structure and professional support available in Belgium, the script was rewritten to be set in Brussels. The result: 16 days of filming on Belgian soil, injecting more than €8.5 million into the local economy. Over several months, the production provided employment for around 200 local staff and generated substantial revenue for Brussels-based locations, technical facilities, catering and the hotel sector.”

Film Finance: a strategic lever for Belgium’s audiovisual sector and employment

Although the end result is an artistic work, the bank’s model functions first and foremost as a tool for strengthening the Belgian audiovisual industry:

• Influx of foreign capital: foreign partners co-finance at least 50% of Belgian expenditure. For every euro channelled through the Belgian ecosystem, fresh capital flows into our economy from abroad.
• Strict legal framework: each file is directly linked to a specific project and requires demonstrable expenditure in Belgium. The funds can never be used by a producer for other purposes.
• Professionalisation of the supply chain: thanks to the continuous flow of productions, a highly regarded audiovisual industry has emerged in Belgium. Foreign directors and broadcasters (such as the German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF) are increasingly choosing to move their productions entirely to Belgian studios and locations because of the exceptional quality of the local crews.

The successful trio: bank, matchmaker and producer

The success of this structure rests on close collaboration between 3 parties. Below is an example of how it works:

• The bank (BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance): provides the necessary financial stability, ensures compliance with relevant legal frameworks and European Commission guidelines, while guaranteeing that the funds raised are invested in a controlled manner.
• The matchmaker (Witebox): bridges the gap between strict banking and risk regulations and the dynamic reality of a film set. It ensures the necessary continuity and breathing space for the producer.
• The producer (Bulletproof Cupid): guarantees artistic and production quality. It delivers projects within the agreed budget and statutory deadlines.

Looking beyond the silver screen: performing arts and gaming

Although films and drama series attract the most attention, the system’s impact extends further. The performing arts, particularly classical music and opera, now account for around 20% of all funded projects. The Belgian gaming sector is also gradually turning to this form of funding to realise innovative digital productions.

A sustainable foundation for the creative sector

Successful arge-scale productions require stability, trust and vision. By connecting the business community with the creative sector, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance provides specialised financing that helps Belgium develop as an attractive and competitive hub for national and international creative productions.

4 reasons why the Film Finance model works:

• It strengthens the local economy: foreign productions bring capital with them and spend it on Belgian suppliers, catering, hotels and crews.
• It creates sustainable employment: technicians, actors and suppliers benefit from continuous work and develop their professional expertise.
• It ensures strict oversight: the bank meticulously checks that every euro is linked to actual qualifying expenditure in Belgium.
• It enhances international visibility: Belgian creative talent is put on the international map through cross-border co-productions.

Would you like to find out how you can contribute to the growth of the Belgian cultural economy through Film Finance? Contact your relationship manager or visit our information page on Film & Cinema at BNP Paribas Fortis.

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