The dramatic developments over the past year could hardly have been more threatening. A lack of planning certainty, prospects for improvement, unity and the loss of forecasting ability due to ever-increasing complexity and a growing number of factors has driven many to despair and some to give up. A slowly dying government in Germany, politically threatening developments among neighbours, allies and trading partners, as well as increasingly polarised discussions in Germany, even among our own peer group, all intensified towards the end of the year. The new year, on the other hand, brings hope - perhaps not always rightly so.

There are still many unanswered questions regarding the concrete organisation of the new, old FFG, but the framework that has now been established offers space and imagination for more competitive production conditions in Germany. The technical companies in the film industry, organised in the VTFF, provide the infrastructure expertise that characterises the location with permanently employed specialists and project-independent investments - and have not forgotten about climate protection, regardless of funding concepts (see VTFF Green Tec Day at the Berlinale). In particular, the influence of AI (artificial intelligence) will have an existential impact on the continued existence of job profiles and business models. A transformation that affects all market participants along the entire value chain.

Cinemas will have to drive forward their further development intensively and quickly. Even if the big screen has recently proven to be indispensable again for high-quality content, cinema offerings must be integrated even more strongly into city centre and mall concepts. This is a task that goes far beyond the scope of cinema operators and must also involve property developers, local authorities and the general public. Cultural and living space concepts cannot be described as profiling in any party programme.

The consolidation process of streaming and advertising-based forms of distribution is far from complete. Non-fiction and entertainment offer new business areas, while lucrative and high-budget fiction commitments are being pushed back further. Disruptive business models are shortening the distribution channel from the advertiser to the end consumer. For programme producers, this results in a number of new, highly lucrative opportunities. The challenge often lies in industry-standard provider qualification portals.

The day-to-day reality of the independent, smaller production company is becoming increasingly systemically demanding. DIN standards, process control and a funding system that will be optimised for large companies in the future will strengthen the merger into larger units. This does not have to be a disadvantage for Germany as a business location or for international competitiveness, and the individual consequences for entrepreneurs can also be full of opportunities if trends are recognised in good time and professionals are involved in the reorientation.

Who hasn't had the conversation with someone who had a "totally great idea" for a Saturday night show, a bestselling book or a blockbuster? As a professional, you know that it takes more than just a vague idea. It's no different when it comes to reorganising companies and developing strategic concepts.

This year, Ensider will present answers and experts via networking events and specialist conferences, but of course also via the digital offering. Mindfulness and vigilance should characterise the coming months: Positive but not reckless, goal-orientated but not dogged.

As always, we are well advised to support each other and exchange experiences on the basis of professional expertise. Methodologically competent standard advice is only of limited help in solving industry-specific and project-centred problems.

Yours Markus Vogelbacher - and the Ensider:Team