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- FFG: German federal law on state support for the film industry, first passed in 1967, last amended in 2021.
- German Federal Film Board (FFA): Central funding institution for cooperation in the film industry.
- Types of funding: Includes project film funding, reference film funding and cinema and screenplay funding.
- Significance: Strengthening the value chain and supporting artistically ambitious projects.
- Challenges: Adapting to digitalization, streaming services and new market conditions.
- Criticism: Complexity of the funding system and discussions about funding criteria.
- Future: Further development for digital formats and international cooperation.
The Film Subsidies Act (FFG) is a German federal law that regulates state funding for the German film industry. It was first passed in 1967 and has been amended several times since then, most recently in 2021. The FFG aims to improve the quality and profitability of German films and promote their cultural diversity.
Core elements of the FFG:
1. the German Federal Film Board (FFA): Establishment and organization of the FFA as a central funding institution
2. promotional measures: Regulations on various types of promotion (production, distribution, screening)
3. film levy: determination of the levy obligation for the film industry and television broadcasters
4. funding conditions: Criteria for the allocation of funding
5. committee structure: composition and tasks of the decision-making bodies
Types of funding:
1. project film funding: support for individual film projects
2. reference film funding: performance-based funding based on audience figures
3. script funding: support for script development
4. distribution support: support for film distribution
5. cinema promotion: support for cinemas, especially in structurally weak areas
Significance for the German film industry:
1. financial support: provision of substantial funding
2. quality assurance: promotion of artistically ambitious projects
3. structural support: strengthening the entire film value chain
4. international competitiveness: supporting German production in the global market
5. cultural diversity: promotion of a broad spectrum of cinematic forms of expression
Challenges and current developments:
1. digitalization: adapting to new distribution channels and viewing habits
2. streaming services: Integration of video-on-demand providers into the funding system
3. gender equality: greater consideration of diversity in funding practice
4. sustainability: implementation of environmental standards in film production
5 European dimension: coordination with EU funding programs and directives
Criticism and discussions:
1. complexity of the funding system
2. discussions on funding criteria and allocation of funds
3. balance between cultural aspirations and economic success
4. need to adapt to changing market conditions
Future prospects:
1. further development of funding instruments for digital formats
2. greater internationalization of German film production
3. expansion of the promotion of young talent
4. intensification of cooperation between film and television
Conclusion:
The Film Promotion Act is a key instrument for strengthening the German film industry and culture. It contributes significantly to the diversity and quality of German filmmaking and supports the industry in an increasingly globalized and digitalized market environment. The continuous adaptation of the FFG to new technological, economic and social developments remains an important task in order to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of film funding in Germany.
