The reform of German film and series funding remains in motion - and the technical-creative service providers are becoming increasingly active in the debate. At its spring conference, the Association of Technical Companies for Film and Television (VTFF) reaffirmed its role as a central player in the production ecosystem and at the same time received political signals from North Rhine-Westphalia.

The industry meeting at the DHL Innovation Centre in Troisdorf at the beginning of May focused on two main topics: the planned investment obligation for streamers and broadcasters and the reorientation of federal funding. Both instruments are regarded as central components of the current reform agenda - and as crucial for the future competitiveness of Germany as a business location.

Liminski: Reform is a „starting point“, not a conclusion

With Nathanael Liminski, Head of the State Chancellery and Media Minister in North Rhine-Westphalia, the VTFF had secured one of the most influential media politicians of the moment as a keynote speaker. His message: the current legislative initiatives only mark the beginning of a more comprehensive transformation process.

The currently discussed draft for an investment obligation law is a „good starting point“ and unites different interests. At the same time, Liminski referred to the planned increase in funding to around 250 million euros - a signal that cannot be taken for granted politically in view of the tight budgetary situation.

The decisive factor will now be how the specific industry agreements are organised. The aim must be to ensure actual investment in Germany as a production location - flanked by a statutory minimum quota.

Focus on the entire ecosystem

It is worth noting that Liminski explicitly emphasised the role of technical-creative service providers in his speech. They are an indispensable part of the value chain and are largely responsible for ensuring that audiovisual content can be realised at all.

At the same time, he warned against a one-sided focus on large-scale productions. A stable infrastructure also requires a continuous volume of medium-sized and smaller projects - a point that is economically crucial for service providers in particular.

VTFF demands a seat at the negotiating table

For the VTFF itself, the current phase is primarily about having a say. Managing Director Achim Rohnke made it clear that the association intends to play an active role in the ongoing legislative process, which is expected to last until the end of 2026.

The central demand: technical-creative service providers should be represented on an equal footing in the upcoming negotiations with broadcasters and streamers - and not just indirectly via producer associations. In view of their economic importance for the production location, this is long overdue.

International examples provide arguments

The demand for an investment obligation is also receiving tailwind from an economic perspective. The strategy consultant Andrea Zuska referred to experiences from France, where a corresponding regulation was already introduced in 2021. In a previously stagnating market, this has led to new growth - an argument that is also becoming increasingly important in the German debate.

Reform process remains open

Despite cautious optimism, it is clear that the decisive disputes are still to come. Both the specific design of the funding instruments and the balance of power within the industry are still in flux.

Or, as Liminski put it: the current proposals are a start - „but not the final whistle on the discussion“.