Funding within the framework of the German Motion Picture Fund

German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF) provides a non-repayable grant of up to 30 percent of the eligible German production costs for the production of high-budget series and films without theatrical release. Funding is granted to companies headquartered or established in Germany that have completed at least one full-length film or series production in the past seven years. Financing must be secured up to 65 percent, and the application must be submitted electronically via the FFA service portal no later than six weeks before the start of filming. Eligible expenses include exclusively German production costs, while pre-production costs, legal advice, insurance, and financing costs are excluded. The maximum funding amount is up to €5 million for films and up to €6 million per season. The project funding aims to strengthen production locations in Germany, the innovative capacity and digital infrastructure of German filmmaking, as well as to secure international competitiveness.

The program applies a detailed eligibility test for feature films, fictional series, animated works, and documentaries to examine cultural, creative, and production-related characteristics. Additionally, proof of an accessible version for hearing- and visually-impaired persons at the start of exploitation is required. Payments are made upon submission of the proof of use and review of the final costs, optionally in installments according to production progress. The FFA reviews compliance with ecological standards and archives a copy at the Federal Film Archive. The Filmförderungsanstalt informs about the funding decision in a written notice, which is issued based on the submitted documents and the fulfillment of all formal and technical requirements.