Industry experts intervene in IDA Hub’s Film Accelerator activities

In the spring of this year, the Film and Multimedia Innovation Center, IDA Hub, was launched in Ida-Viru County under the leadership of Tehnopol, the Ida-Viru Investment Agency, and the Ida-Viru Enterprise Center. The center aims to create the necessary conditions for serving international productions in Estonia and thereby support the development of the audiovisual sector. To enhance the synergy between the film and technology industries, an advisory board has been formed, consisting of leading industry experts and representatives of the startup sector.

Members of the advisory board include Tiina Lokk-Tramberg, Katre Valgma, Anti Reinthal, Maarit Mäeveer-Eller, Madis Tüür, Esko Rips, Kristofer Piir, Kaupo Karelson, and Alvar Kõue.

The role and goal of the advisory board are to provide input, offer guidance, foster collaboration, and ensure the sustainable development of the film accelerator. Advisory board members have the opportunity to be advocates for promoting innovation and supporting the emergence of new technology companies in the film and multimedia sectors. Additionally, members have a unique chance to give the startup sector specific “assignments” to tackle innovation challenges in the film industry.

Tiina Lokk-Tramberg, Director of the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), expressed her hope to see transformative technological advancements resulting from this initiative. “Film is a fascinating phenomenon. When a film premieres, we discuss its artistic quality and rarely consider the budget, the team, or – which is increasingly important today – the technology used to create it. The quality of a film often depends on the technology employed. This is where the true appeal and significance of IDA Hub’s accelerator lie – it combines traditional filmmaking and its needs with the latest technological advancements. I hope that collaborative brainstorming leads to out-of-the-box thinking and potentially world-changing technological developments,” Lokk-Tramberg commented.

The goal of the Film and Multimedia Innovation Center IDA Hub is to support the development of film talent and innovative future-makers. IDA Hub’s strength lies in providing comprehensive solutions and the capability to connect technological advancements with the needs of the film industry. The film accelerator, managed by the Tehnopol Startup Incubator, helps startups develop technology-based products by offering training, mentorship, and access to an international network.

Olga Kurdovskaja, Program Manager of the Film and Multimedia Accelerator at Tehnopol Startup Incubator, highlighted the significance of establishing the advisory board. “This is crucial for promoting innovation in both the local and international film industry, as technologies, including artificial intelligence, significantly impact film production and distribution – from concept to premiere. By bringing together the expertise of the startup sector and film professionals, we can introduce fresh, practical, and sustainable solutions that meet the real needs of the film industry. Our goal is to foster collaboration that makes the film industry more innovative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable,” said Kurdovskaja.

The development of the IDA Hub Film Innovation Center is funded by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund measure.