The German film and television industry is once again facing financial uncertainty. From January 2026, around 250 million euros in funding for new productions was supposed to flow - a sum that the federal and state governments had already pledged. However, half of this budget is now linked to an investment law for streaming services and TV broadcasters that has not yet been passed.

The Association of Technical Organisations for Film and Television (VTFF) has reacted with alarm. Managing Director Achim Rohnke speaks of a "real drama" and criticises the fact that the urgently needed reform of film funding is once again stalling. In his estimation, payments could now be delayed well into 2026.

Political blockade slows down the industry

In the summer, the German government decided to almost double film funding. The aim was to significantly increase the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF 1 and 2) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF). However, the Federal Ministry of Finance is making the release of the funds dependent on a new investment law, which is intended to encourage streaming platforms and broadcasters to make mandatory investments in German productions.

However, this plan has met with widespread resistance - not only from private and public broadcasters, but also from international streaming providers and industry associations. It is also unclear whether such an obligation would even be legally secure under EU law. The foreseeably long legislative process could slow down the industry for months.

Existences threatened

Production companies and service providers are already feeling the consequences: Shooting is being relocated abroad, studios and post-production houses are struggling with falling orders. According to a study by the umbrella organisation of the film industry (SPIO), the number of employees fell again in 2024 for the first time since the pandemic - by 4.1 percent overall and by as much as 9.1 percent in post-production.

"If the promised funds do not flow, we will lose skilled labour and competitiveness," warns Rohnke. VFX studios, rental companies, costume houses and other technical trades are particularly affected.

VTFF calls for a clear signal

The association is therefore appealing to the German government to pay out the 250 million euros from January 2026 without reservations. This is the only way to restore confidence in Germany as a production location. Rohnke is calling on politicians to make film funding a top priority: "First things first - we need planning security before even more productions move away."