Germany 🇩🇪

Germany offers a range of film incentives to attract both domestic and international productions. Below is a detailed overview:

1. Germany Film Grant Incentive

Grants:

Germany provides non-repayable grants to support film productions through various federal and regional programs.

2. Detailed Breakdown of the Film Incentive

German Federal Film Fund (DFFF):

Grant Percentage:

Up to 25% of approved German production costs.

Eligible Productions:

Feature films, documentaries, and animated films.

Minimum Production Costs:

• €1 million for feature films.
• €200,000 for documentaries.
• €2 million for animated films.

Cultural Eligibility:

Projects must pass a cultural eligibility test.

Spending Requirements:

At least 25% of the total production costs must be spent in Germany; this is reduced to 20% if the production costs exceed €20 million.

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the start of shooting.

Annual Cap:

€50 million.

Project Cap:

€4 million per project.

Additional Information:

The DFFF aims to strengthen the film industry in Germany by improving economic conditions and promoting international competitiveness.

German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF):

Grant Percentage: Up to 25% of eligible German production costs.

Eligible Productions: High-end series, international co-productions, and VFX-heavy projects.

Minimum Production Costs:

• €25 million for feature films.
• €1.2 million per episode for TV series.

Spending Requirements:

A significant portion of the production must take place in Germany.

Application Deadline:

Applications may be submitted at any time, as long as it is at least six weeks before the start of shooting.

Annual Cap:

€10 million.

Project Cap:

€2.5 million per project.

Additional Information:

The GMPF supports the production of high-quality films and series to enhance Germany’s position as a competitive production location.

3. Terms and Conditions Associated with the Incentive

Cultural Test:

Projects must pass a cultural eligibility test to qualify for funding.

Spending Requirements:

A specified percentage of the total production costs must be spent in Germany.

Application Timing:

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the start of shooting.

Funding Limits:

There are caps on the amount of funding available per project and annually.

4. Governing Body for the Incentive

German Federal Film Board (FFA):

The FFA administers the DFFF and GMPF programs, overseeing the application and disbursement processes.

5. Process/Outline for Applying or Becoming Eligible for the Incentive

1. Eligibility Assessment:

Determine if the project meets the cultural and spending requirements.

2. Application Submission:

Submit the application to the FFA at least six weeks before the start of shooting.

3. Approval Process:

The FFA reviews the application and determines eligibility.

4. Production:

Proceed with production, ensuring compliance with the funding requirements.

5. Disbursement:

Upon completion and verification, the grant is disbursed according to the program’s guidelines.

For detailed guidelines and application forms, it is advisable to consult the official FFA website or contact them directly for assistance.