At the start of the 75th Berlinale the Association of Private Media VAUNET is in favour of the introduction of an effective tax incentive model for film and series productions in the new legislative period. This is crucial in order to provide sustainable impetus for the location and to focus more on joint solutions supported by all parties involved. Only through such measures can the production of high-quality content "Made in Germany" be secured and a high level of investment maintained, according to the published statement. Press release.

"The reform of the Film Subsidies Act was necessary - but it involved a painful reduction in media funding and was therefore not sufficient," emphasises Daniela Beaujean, Managing Director of VAUNET. Although increased funding programmes such as the GMPF and DFFF have strengthened the industry's financial basis, there is still a lack of a long-term strategy. Without a stable tax incentive model, Germany will remain unattractive in the international competition for production locations.

VAUNET also criticises the calls for a mandatory investment quota for VoD providers. Such a regulation would restrict programme freedom without necessarily leading to increased investment activity in Germany. "An investment obligation that is neither economically nor legally viable will ultimately help no one," says Beaujean. Instead, the association is in favour of a joint, balanced approach that stimulates the market without placing an excessive burden on individual players. Issues such as the distribution of rights could also be resolved more efficiently in an open dialogue and through a combination of tax incentives than through regulatory intervention.

Every year, the Berlinale highlights the enormous creative potential of the German film industry. In order to fully utilise this potential, Germany as a production location must now be strengthened in a targeted manner. VAUNET therefore appeals to the new federal government to prioritise incentive models that promote innovation and value creation while also taking the interests of consumers into account.

Source: Press portal of VAUNETContact person: Hartmut Schultz, hs@schultz-kommunikation.com, 0049 170 4332 832