Use of reference film and reference sales funds for the not only short-term increase of equity within the framework of the Film Funding Act 2025
Funding for the long-term increase of equity capital of film production and distribution companies as well as short film producers through awarded reference funds. Applications can be submitted continuously within the deadlines digitally via the FFA service portal.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Enabling the structural improvement of film production companies, distribution firms, and short film producers through the not merely short-term increase of equity capital by means of reference funding. The goal is the long-term strengthening of creditworthiness and the stabilization of production and distribution activities.
Eligible expenses
- Increase of equity capital (subscribed capital, capital reserves, and retained earnings)
Non-eligible expenses
- Company formation
- Formation of share capital
Eligible to apply
- Founders
- Individuals
- Companies
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Allocation of reference funds by the FFA
- Application within three years (producers, distributors) or two years (short filmmakers) after the allocation decision
- Company not at risk of insolvency
- Total amount of de minimis aid not to exceed €300,000 within three years
Documents required for application
- Presentation of the long-term structural improvement through capital increase
- Overview of the planned development of the company (development, production, sales of new film projects)
- Declaration of granted and applied de minimis aid
- Complete annual financial statements of the previous year
- Current business management evaluation (BWA) of the application year
- Current summary and balance list (SUSA) of the application year
- Overview of the shareholders (if not evident from the annual financial statements)
Description
The funding program “Use of Reference Film and Reference Distribution Funds for the Not Only Short-Term Increase of Equity Capital within the Framework of the Film Funding Act 2025” supports film production and distribution companies operating nationwide as well as short film producers in the long-term strengthening of equity capital. With grants of up to 75% of the allocated reference funds, a maximum of €500,000 for producers and distributors, or €100,000 for short filmmakers, creditworthiness is improved and production and distribution activities are sustainably stabilized. Applications can be submitted continuously, within a period of three years (feature films) or two years (short films) after the allocation notice, digitally via the FFA Service Portal. A prerequisite is the allocation of reference funds by the FFA, the company’s insolvency-free status, and compliance with the de minimis maximum amount of €300,000 within three years.
The application submission must include a detailed presentation of planned structural improvements through capital increase and an overview of the development of new film projects (development, production, distribution). Furthermore, a declaration of granted and applied-for de minimis aid, the complete annual financial statement of the previous year, the current business management evaluation (BWA), and the trial balance (SUSA) of the application year, as well as, if applicable, a shareholder overview, must be attached. The goal is to increase the equity base through targeted use of reference funding, secure competitiveness, and realize creative projects in the long term. This program offers an attractive prospect for all production and distribution stakeholders who wish to expand their financial base and successfully plan future film projects.