ROG Producers of Germany and Netflix are launching the next phase of their joint script development programme, „Idea to Pitch: East German Perspectives in Film and TV Series“. Creative teams with new fictional ideas for films, TV series or animation can now apply.

The focus is on stories that portray East German perspectives in an authentic and diverse way, moving beyond common clichés. The call for entries is aimed at teams of two comprising a writer, a director and a producer. We are looking for live-action, series and animation projects with a clear narrative voice and international potential.

The application period runs until 29 July 2026. Six teams will be selected from all the entries to take part in a four-month development programme.

The programme will run from October 2026 to January 2027 and combines in-person and online workshops in collaboration with Tatino Films. The selected teams will receive a grant of 10,000 euros as well as dramaturgical and strategic support from consultants with international experience. The programme is complemented by pitch training and input from production and distribution experts.

The aim is to develop the submitted proposals from the initial idea through to a project proposal ready for pitching. Finally, the projects will be presented as part of the Berlinale In 2027, it will be presented to an industry audience comprising producers, broadcasters, streaming services and funding bodies.

The six teams will be selected by an independent jury of industry experts, including the author and journalist Jackie Thomae, the musician Betterov, the producer and development expert Milada Kolberg, the director and producer Robert Thalheim, and the producer Theresa Bacza.

The initiative is part of a long-term programme run by PROG and Netflix to promote East German perspectives in film and television series, which was launched in 2025 and, following an initial phase of research and workshops, is now moving on to the practical development of content.