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Apply for a certificate under the Film Subsidies Act and/or a certificate of origin

Service Description

If you are involved in the production and distribution of German cinema films, you have the opportunity to apply for funding from the German Federal Film Board (FFA). For this you need a certificate in accordance with the Film Subsidy Act (FGG).

You apply for the 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 then submit it to the FFA with your funding application.

The certificate serves as confirmation that your film meets the requirements of the FFG for recognition as a German film. The FFA decides whether and to what extent you will receive funding.

If you intend to exploit your film abroad, you may have to submit a certificate of origin there. You also apply for the certificate of origin at the BAFA. It certifies that your film is a German film within the meaning of the FFG.

The same requirements apply for the certificate of origin as for the certificate. If you require a certificate and a certificate of origin, you can apply for both at the same time using the same application form.

Note: The FFG applies exclusively to cinematographic works. Certificates are therefore only issued for German theatrical films.

Process flow

You can apply for the certificate or certificate of origin 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 office at BAFA 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 certificate or certificate of origin by post.
  • If you do not meet the requirements, you will receive a rejection notice with detailed reasons.
  • You can lodge an appeal against this decision.
  • If the rejection is upheld after your appeal, you will receive a notice of appeal with detailed reasons.
  • You can lodge an appeal against this decision with the administrative court.

Who should I contact?

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.

To be recognized as a German film, your film must meet the following requirements of the FFG:

  • 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.

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 appropriate artistic and technical participation. In the case of predominantly German participation, your film must have 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
  • Co-production contract/contracts
  • Proof of completion of the theatrical screening format
  • Proof of world premiere
  • Financing plan
  • Staff list
  • Further documents that are required in your case can also be found in the instructions for completing the relevant form

What are the fees?

none

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

The application for 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.

Legal basis

Appeal

Forms: yes

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: yes

Personal appearance required: no

Further Information

Author

Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

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
Frankfurter Straße 29-35
65760 Eschborn
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2856
Remark: German solo and co-productions
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2194
Remark: International co-productions
Telephone
+49 6196 908-2128
WWW
Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA): Film funding
Opening times

Monday to Thursday: 08:30 - 16:00
Friday: 08:30 am - 3:00 pm