Berlin, 12/02/2025

The Association of Technical Film and Television Companies (VTFF) is driving the discussion on the reform of film funding with two high-calibre panels. Experts will be discussing the state of the production industry and the prospects for green production at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria in Berlin.

Expertise instead of high tech - after the VTFF presented sustainable technology for green shooting at the Green Tec Day (GTD) on the Monday of the Berlinale in the past two years, the association and the Green Shooting working group are now inviting experts to exchange ideas on Monday, 17 February.

The two prominent panellists will focus on the situation of the film and TV industry on the one hand and green shooting, i.e. sustainable production along the value chain from shooting to post-production, on the other. The VTFF, which represents the interests of technical and creative service providers, has repeatedly pointed out the very difficult situation of the film and TV industry, which remains precarious even after the last-minute adoption of the Film Subsidies Act at the end of 2024. With the discussion event, the VTFF wants to provide an impetus for the continuation of the reform process. "We can't afford to take a break from reform. Important parts of the reform, such as the introduction of a tax incentive model, have not yet been implemented. A new federal government must face up to these tasks," says VTFF Managing Director Achim Rohnke.

After a promising start and the formation of a broad industry alliance for the implementation of green shooting, the transformation process towards sustainable business has also stalled in many places. Here too, the reason is the deep economic crisis, which is particularly affecting service providers in the film and TV industry. "The often small and medium-sized service providers lack the economic prospects and financial resources to invest in green tech," explains Rohnke.

At the two panels, representatives from politics, broadcasters and production companies will discuss ways out of the crisis and innovative ideas for a better future for the industry.

Philip Gassmann, green shooting expert and professor at the University of Television and Film (HFF), will moderate the panels.

"On the state of the production economy in Germany":

• Jörg Bachmaier, CEO Studio Babelsberg AG
• Christina Caspers-Römer, CEO TRIXTER
• Andrea Peters, CEO of Theaterkunst GmbH and member of the VTFF board
• Michael Sacher, Member of the Bundestag, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Dr Markus Schäfer, CEO & Spokesman of the Management Board ZDF Studios GmbH
• Philipp Kreuzer, Producer & Managing Director maze pictures/ Supernix
• Benjamin Benedict, Producer & Managing Director Wiedemann & Berg Film/ LEONINE Studios

Discuss "Quo vadis - Green Production?":

• Carl Bergengruen, Green Shooting/MFG working group
• Kai Habermann, Managing Director PRG Cinegate GmbH
• Judith Niemeyer, Federal Association of Green Film & TV Consultants Germany e.V.
• Pheline Roggan, actress/changemakers.film
• Jonas Sticherling, Production Manager ARD Degeto Film GmbH
• Wiebke Wiesner, Deputy Managing Director Production Alliance

Location: Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the Federal Government
Behrenstr. 21/22
10117 Berlin

Admission: 14:30