Use of Reference Funds for Particularly Complex Measures of Material Acquisition, Script Acquisition or Development, or Other Preparation of New Feature Films under the Film Funding Act 2025

This funding program targets a wide range of film industry stakeholders in Germany who are preparing new feature films. It specifically supports start-ups, private individuals, companies, and associations/organizations within the culture, media, and sports sector.

The program supports the early phases of film production, especially measures for material acquisition and script development for new feature films. Funding is provided as a grant for particularly complex preparatory activities in specific areas of the creative industries.

This program offers financial support in the form of grants, based on reference funds for preparatory measures of films. There are no fixed maximum amounts, as the funding is based on specific expenditures and the application of the reference funds guideline. Applications can be submitted continuously, but always before the start of the respective measure.

The application submission is subject to specific conditions, especially regarding the timing of submission. Applications must be submitted continuously and before the start of the measure, observing deadlines of two or three years.

The application procedure for reference funds for film preparation is an ongoing process. Applicants can continuously submit their documents as long as the measure has not yet begun.

The funding is based on the Film Funding Act (FFG) and a specific guideline for the use of reference funds, issued by the German Federal Film Board (Filmförderungsanstalt). These documents form the legal framework for the program.