Reference Film Funding for the Use of Reference Funds for the Development of New Feature Film Content
Grant program of the FFA (BKM) for screenwriters and directors for the development of new feature film scripts based on previously awarded reference funds. Applications can be submitted digitally on an ongoing basis within three years.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for screenwriters and directors of feature-length films in the development of a new feature-length film's concept using already awarded reference funds.
Eligible expenses
- Scriptwriting
- Treatment development
- First script draft
- Project-specific description/production preparation
- Consulting services (e.g. dramaturgical consulting, editing)
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Non-eligible expenses
- Production
- Post-production
- Exploitation
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Awarded reference funds from a program-filling film
- Application before the start of the material development measure
- Planned theatrical release of the new film
Documents required for application
- Synopsis
- Writer’s/Director’s Note
- Pitch/Idea/Exposé/Treatment depending on development stage
- Proof of filming rights/screenplay contract
- Financing plan (if not for living expenses)
- Proof of financing
- Budget
Description
The reference film funding for the use of reference funds for the development of new feature-length film projects supports authors and directors in Germany who have already received reference funds from a previous cinema project. As a grant program of the German Federal Film Board (FFA) on behalf of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), it aims to strengthen creative development of feature film projects intended for theatrical release. Eligible applicants include individuals as well as companies who submit a digital application prior to the start of the development phase and whose funding approval is no older than three years. The funding covers 100% of the expenses and extends to services such as idea generation, treatment, and first screenplay draft, as well as project-related production preparation and dramaturgical consulting.
Eligible costs include storyboarding, casting, location scouting, test shoots, production design, legal advice, festival fees, and even living expenses during screenplay development. Production, post-production, and distribution costs are not eligible for funding. Required documents include a synopsis, writer’s/director’s note, depending on the development stage an exposé, treatment, or first screenplay draft, proof of filming rights or screenplay contract, and if applicable, financing plan, supporting documents, and budget calculation. Applications can be submitted continuously up to three years after the reference funds have been granted. The FFA decides on approval and payment in installments, starting with up to 80% after the funding decision becomes final, followed by the final installment upon verification. The goal is a well-founded preparation of new cinema projects that receive a solid basis for artistic development through publicly funded reference funds.
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