Norway 's state film bodies will see radical change in 2008 after a government decision today.

'We have clearly defined and ambitious goals for our film policy,' said Norwegian culture minister Trond Giske, as the Norwegian Parliament - Stortinget - passed his Pathfinder of the Norwegian Film Offensive, a ministry paper that will decide the upcoming film legislation.

As a result, the Norwegian Film Institute, the Norwegian Film Fund and the Norwegian Film Development will next year be merged into a new film institute, with a 100-person staff and $16.4 million (Euros 12.3m) operating costs, and with a $6.1m (Eu4.6 m) support budget. The new institution wil also include the Norwegian Film Commission.

'From then on filmmakers will only have one institution to relate to, from the idea of a project has been conceived, till it has been scripted, and in the end for promotion and marketing,' explained Giske, adding that his government has since coming to power added $9.8m (Euros 7.4m) to allocations for film subsidy.

Giske wanted local films to sell at least three million tickets annually (2006: 1.9 million), control 15% of the DVD market and increase international sales of cinema and TV drama by 100% before 2010. Local production must reach 25 full-length films per year, including five documentaries and five titles for children and young audiences.

The film industry will be financially strengthened by efficient and targeted support schemes, as well as private investments and market revenues. Giske emphasised the importance of the regional film funds and centres, which have this year received an additional $800,000 (Euros 600,000) to back local initiatives.

Besides insisting on increased efforts in talent development as well as professionalism and continuity in all areas of production, the culture minister was interested to see more Norwegian contenders for international film and television prizes - and by 2010, woman filmmakers must hold 40% of key positions in productions.

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