July 17, 2024
Germany’s Bavaria increases support for film funding to boost production and inward investment.
Germany - Bavarian government has stepped up its commitment
to the film industry by providing additional funding to the FFF Bayern regional
film fund. Starting in 2024, the fund will receive €2 million annually for the
next two years. This boost aims to strengthen the production hub within Bavaria
and support the entire ecosystem of production companies, technical firms, and
creatives.
Florian Herrmann,
head of the Bavarian State Chancellery and state minister for federal and media
affairs, emphasised the economic impact of film funding. According to Herrmann,
every Euro invested in film measures generates a 500% leverage effect, making
it a significant economic factor. Bavaria has been a popular location for
international features and TV series, including Hulu’s Nine Perfect
Strangers.
The FFF Bayern fund,
with a total budget of €41.4 million in 2023, supports various aspects of the
film industry, from development and production to international co-productions,
cinemas, and film festivals. Bavaria’s decision to provide this additional cash
injection signals its commitment to maintaining a thriving film industry within
the region.
In addition to
financial support, FFF Bayern also contributes to film festivals. New
guidelines will be issued this autumn, and an expert jury will recommend
festivals for support from the fund’s dedicated budget line. Bavaria’s film
events, such as the Hof International Film Festival and DOK.fest München, have
already benefited from this support.
Florian Herrmann
advocates for modernising Germany’s film funding system, emphasizing the need
for tax incentives, investment obligations, and reforms to the German Film Law.
The goal is to keep productions within Germany and foster a vibrant film
industry.