Guidelines, Deadlines, Submission Forms

Eligible for funding are only production companies based in Germany. Producers from the WCF regions can also apply but must – if selected by the jury – provide proof of cooperation with a German partner. This can also take place after submission of the application or by the time the project is recommended for funding, following the jury’s decision.

Also eligible for distribution funding are German national and international distributors who want to bring a full-length feature or documentary film from one of the WCF regions to German cinemas. WCF production funding of the film is not a pre-requirement.

The WCF only recommends projects for funding if proof of cooperation with a German partner can be provided. The WCF can assist in the search for potential partners.

The German partner signs the funding agreement with the WCF and is the recipient of the WCF subsidy. The company is contractually responsible towards the WCF and must be able to prove at the end of the project that the entire subsidy was used to produce the film in the corresponding WCF region (minus possible general expenses of the German producer not exceeding 7.5%)

Find more about the role of the German partners in the WCF FAQ

The maximum possible funding amount is 100,000 euros per project. The subsidy may not exceed 50% of the total production costs. The total production cost of funded projects should lie between 200,000 euros and 1,000,000 euros. The subsidy must be spend on the production in the aforementioned regions.

Required documents for production funding

• Completed application form
• Two-pages synopsis
• Director’s Note
• Director’s Visual Concept and Description of other Artistic Elements
• Production Company Profile(s)
• CV Director
• CV Writer
• Detailed Budget (in Euro) and Budget in local currency if available
• Financing Plan (indicating which sources/ partners of the financing are already confirmed, which one you have applied for or when you apply for)
• Full Script or Advanced Treatment in case of submitting a documentary film project
• Financing agreements or letters of intent from financing partners
• Co-production / co-operation agreement(s) or deal memos
• Rights clearance (all rights)
• Director’s previous film(s) on DVD

German distributors can apply for distribution funding not exceeding 15,000 euros for the distribution of film from the WCF regions in Germany. The subsidy cannot exceed 50% of the total distribution costs.

Required documents for distribution funding

• Completed application form
• Two-pages synopsis
• Distribution Company Profile
• Description of Distribution Strategy
• Detailed Distribution Budget
• Financing Plan and Recoupment Schedule
• Financial Agreements and/or letters of intent from financing partners
• Final Cut (in English or French or with English or French subtitles) on DVD