Berlin, February 2026 - After months of political debate, the German government has taken a decisive step towards strengthening Germany as a film and series location: Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer announced the agreement on a Legal investment obligation for streaming services and TV broadcasters. At the same time, blocked subsidies in the full amount of 250 million euros released - a signal that the industry has been waiting a long time for.

Month-long blockade and location crisis

For a long time, the German government was unable to agree on whether international streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ or TV broadcasters would be legally obliged to invest or whether voluntary commitments would suffice. This uncertainty was not only a burden for film producers, but also jeopardised technical and creative service providers whose projects and jobs are often dependent on predictable funding.

As a result, the German film and series industry has fallen behind other European countries that successfully promote their productions and service providers with tax incentives and mandatory investments.

Industry initiative in favour of a compromise

In this deadlocked debate Production Alliance (PA) and Association of Technical Companies for Film and Television (VTFF) a joint proposal: a Flexible investment law with rights retention and opening clauses. This model should combine binding investment obligations with sufficient flexibility so that different business models and industry agreements can be taken into account.

"The model combines binding framework conditions with the necessary flexibility for different business models and can therefore provide a basis for a viable solution," emphasised Michelle Müntefering, CEO of PA. VTFF Managing Director Achim Rohnke also emphasised the importance of the compromise: "German filmmakers can now enter into talks with the international film world with firm commitments."

Political agreement and release of funding

The agreement that has now been announced obliges streaming providers and broadcasters to contribute to the financing of German-language productions, while the Retention of rights ensures that producers protect their rights. The Opening clause also allows for negotiations within the industry to take different business models into account.

Thanks to the agreement, the blocked subsidies totalling 250 million euros will be released from Easter. This provides the industry with much-needed planning security and opens up prospects for new productions in 2026. The decision is also made in good time before the Berlinale and strengthens the international position of German filmmakers.

Looking ahead: stability and growth

The agreement is seen by industry representatives as Signalling growth, innovation and value creation valued. High-quality film and series productions not only benefit directly from the investments, but also strengthen the entire value chain - from technical service providers to studios and cinemas.

"Germany remains a vibrant place of storytelling, a place where cultural diversity becomes visible. German film has a future," commented Müntefering. For the industry, the agreement means a foundation on which new projects can be created and talent can be promoted.