The German film industry is raising its voice together: 32 associations from all areas of the industry - from producers to screenwriters to actors - have signed a Legal investment obligation for streaming providers demanded. Under the motto "Law instead of selling out" they appeal to politicians to regulate the platforms' financial contribution to German film production in a binding manner.

The background to this is the growing concern that without such guidelines, money will increasingly flow abroad and the diversity and quality of German productions will be jeopardised. Streaming services have long since become important players in the industry, but voluntary levies or investments in local productions are not enough to secure the future of German film in the long term, according to the associations.

"The creative diversity and competitiveness of our industry must not be left to the free play of the market," reads the joint statement. "A legally enshrined investment model is urgently needed to secure production capacities, preserve jobs and promote cultural diversity."

The demand includes a fixed percentage of revenues from streaming platforms that should flow directly into German film and series productions. Similar models already exist in countries such as France and Italy, where streaming services are obliged to invest locally. Industry experts see this as a proven means of strengthening the European cultural sector while keeping Germany an attractive location.

The initiative shows the Standardisation of the industry in one critical respect: it unites producers, directors, writers and actors behind a clear political goal. This alliance emphasises that the demand not only concerns individual interest groups, but the entire film industry.

Politically, the issue is now on the agenda. Whether the German government will create a binding regulation remains to be seen, but public pressure is growing. For the associations, one thing is clear: without a legal obligation to invest, there is a risk of German productions being "sold out" to international platforms that market their content globally, but often without local production involvement.

The discussion is highly relevant for the film industry and its fans: It is not only about economic interests, but also about the future of the film industry. German film as a cultural brand. The next few months will show whether politicians take the associations' appeal seriously and create a legal framework that secures streaming providers' investments.