Berlin/Potsdam - Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (MBB) is fundamentally changing its funding process: from 2026, funding decisions will no longer be made exclusively internally, but by changing expert committees. The aim is a more transparent selection process and more industry expertise in the evaluation of projects.

New structure in film and new media funding

In the Film funding In future, a five-member committee will be responsible for deciding on submitted applications. Four alternating experts from the fields of creative/dramaturgy, financing/production, exploitation and broadcasting will be supported by the Managing Director of Film Funding, Sarah Duve-Schmidadded.

The New media promotion will be overseen by a six-member committee in future. In addition to experts from the areas of games, XR and serial formats, the management is also represented here - with Helge Jürgens as a permanent member.

The first funding meeting in the new model will take place in January 2026 will take place. The known funding officers will remain the primary contacts for applicants.

Voices from the Medienboard

"With the committee, we are bringing more transparency to the process and at the same time securing the expertise we need for the next film and series highlights," explains Sarah Duve-Schmid.

Her colleague Helge Jürgens also emphasises the interdisciplinary focus: "New media funding is increasingly moving into intersecting fields such as games, XR and innovative formats. The committee reflects this diversity and strengthens the location in the long term."

Broad expertise from the industry

The new pools for the committees are made up of high-calibre representatives from the film and media industry. These include, among others, directors İlker Çatak, Producer Emely Christians, Lender Björn Hoffmann as well as programme managers from leading broadcasters such as RTL, ZDF, rbb and ProSiebenSat.1.

Also in the area of New Media MBB was able to attract well-known personalities, such as presenter Daniel Budiman, digital artist Thomas Bedenk or researcher Dr Lena Gieseke.