Service Finder
Apply for a provisional project certificate in accordance with the Film Funding Act
Service Description
If you are involved in the production and distribution of German cinema films, you have the opportunity to apply for funding for your project from the German Federal Film Board (FFA). For this you may need a provisional project certificate according to FFG.
You apply for the preliminary project certificate in good time, in the case of international co-productions or international co-financing at least two months before the start of shooting, at the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) and submit it to the FFA with your application.
The preliminary project certificate serves to confirm that your film project, if it is realized as applied for, will meet the requirements of the FFG for recognition as a German film. The FFA will decide whether and to what extent your film will be funded.
Please note: The FFG applies exclusively to theatrical films. Project certificates are therefore only issued for German theatrical films.
Process flow
You can apply for the provisional project certificate in writing:
- Download the application form from the BAFA website and complete it in full.
- Then send it with the required documents to the responsible BAFA office by post only.
- As soon as you have provided all the information and the documents are complete, BAFA will decide on your application.
- After a positive review, you will receive the provisional project certificate by post.
- If your film is unlikely to meet the requirements, you will receive a letter with a detailed explanation.
- You can resubmit the application for a provisional project certificate if the circumstances of your project have changed in such a way that your film is likely to meet the general eligibility requirements.
Requirements
Eligible to apply is the film producer with
- domicile or place of business in Germany or
-
a branch office in Germany,
- if the place of residence or business is in another member state of the European Union,
- in a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or
- in Switzerland.
If your film project is realized as applied for, it must meet the following requirements of the FFG for recognition as a German film:
-
The director of your film must
- be either German or German,
- belong to the German cultural sector or
- be a national of another member state of the European Union,
- a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or
- Switzerland.
- At least one final version of your feature-length film must be shot or dubbed in German. In the case of short films, at least one final version of the film must have subtitles suitable for the cinema.
- The subject of your film must be cultural, historical or social issues.
-
Your film must either
- in German language in Germany,
- as a German entry in the main competition or
- have had its world premiere in a sidebar at a festival.
- Your film must fulfill at least two of the required cultural criteria.
-
You must use studios for studio recordings and technical service providers for production technology and post-production that are based in
- Germany,
- another member state of the European Union,
- in a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or
- in Switzerland.
Notes for international co-productions:
If at least one of the producers of a co-production has his/her place of business or residence outside Germany, recognition in accordance with
- the European Convention on the Joint Production of Films or
- a bilateral or multilateral intergovernmental agreement
come into consideration.
If there is no bilateral or multilateral agreement or if no agreement is applicable, the German producer must have a significant financial participation compared to the foreign participation as well as an artistic and technical participation commensurate with the foreign participation. If German participation is predominant, your film must be premiered in German in Germany or as a German contribution at a festival. In addition, your film must fulfill at least two of the required cultural criteria. This also applies to recognition under a bilateral or multilateral agreement.
Which documents are required?
- Annex "Cultural criteria" or, if recognition under the European Agreement is sought: "Proof of European elements"
- Co-production contract
- Financing plan
- Staff list
-
You can also find out which documents are required in your case in the instructions for completing the relevant forms
What are the fees?
none
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
The application for provisional project certification must be submitted in good time, in the case of international co-productions or international co-financing no later than two months before the start of filming.
Processing duration
Approx. 10 days, provided the application is complete.
Appeal
Forms: yes
Online procedure possible: no
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: no
Further Information
- Information, instructions for completing the application and application forms for a provisional project certificate in accordance with § 52 of the Film Funding Act (FFG)
- Application for the issue/amendment of a provisional project certificate
- Further information can be found on the website of the German Federal Film Board
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
- Provisional project certificate in accordance with the Film Subsidies Act Issue
Remark: Display of performance in the source portal
Technically approved by
Federal Office of Economics and Export Control
Professionally released on
09.01.2020
Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)
Competent Authority
Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA), Referat 412
Address
65760 Eschborn
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2856Remark: German solo and co-productions
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2194Remark: International co-productions
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2128Opening times
Monday to Thursday: 08:30 - 16:00
Friday: 08:30 am - 3:00 pm