The FFA supports producers of feature films, talent films, children's films, documentaries and animated films by means of reference funding. This funding is provided in two stages. In the first stage, the reference funds are awarded. After receiving the award notification, an application can be made within three years for the second stage, which involves the disbursement of funding for a new project.

The prerequisite for applying is that a film you have produced has been successfully exploited. The amount of funding depends on the total reference points achieved, the number of applicants and the total funding budget. The amount of the total funding budget varies annually. Funding is awarded once a year at the end of May.

The allocated reference funds can be used for the realisation of new projects by the producer, screenwriter or director upon application. They are to be used primarily for the production of new feature-length films.

However, part of the funds (up to 75 per cent) can be used for film preparations. If 75 per cent of the funding awarded is less than 100,000.00 euros, a higher percentage may also be granted. Up to 75 per cent can also be used for more than just a short-term increase in equity capital.

Production funding can be applied for to make feature-length films with special artistic and creative quality.

Funding amount

Funding of up to 1 million euros can be awarded for the production of feature-length films. The production of feature-length documentaries can be funded with up to 500,000 euros. In justified exceptional cases, taking into account the special artistic quality of the project and the financial requirements, up to 1 million euros can be awarded for documentaries.

Funding criteria

Funding is generally aimed at feature film projects with total production costs of up to 6 million euros and documentary film projects with total production costs of up to 5 million euros. In justified cases, animated films with higher total production costs may be considered. In particularly justified cases, other films with higher total production costs may be considered.

Feature films and documentaries must have a minimum length of 79 minutes; children's films must have a minimum length of 59 minutes. In particularly justified exceptional cases, the minimum length requirement may be waived for animated films. Funding is available in particular for animated and experimental films as well as hybrid forms.

Projects that are to be financed with funds from universities – for example, as training or graduation films – are not eligible for funding.

A significant German cultural influence is required for funding. The criteria to be met include the original language of the film being German or the nationality or residence of the director and producers (Germany, EU/EEA or Switzerland), significant financial participation from Germany, and regular initial cinema distribution in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Application

Producers of feature-length fiction and documentary films who are resident or have their place of business in Germany are eligible to apply. If based in another EU member state or an EEA contracting state, producers must have a branch office in Germany. In the case of co-productions, the application can only be submitted by one of the producers.