The federal government has issued a Legal investment obligation for streaming services and TV broadcasters decided. The agreement provides for

• Minimum investment quota: 8 %

• Subquotas for independent productions, German-language works and cinema

• Retention of rights for producers

• Release of blocked subsidies: 250 million euros to create planning security 

Positive reactions from the industry

PROG - Producers of Germany describes the agreement as "the beginning of a new era in the German film industry" and praises Sub-quotas, rights retention and requirements for German-language works as the central fulfilment of the association's requirements.

The Production Alliance (PA) calls the regulation a "resilient compromise" and emphasises that political support for independent producers Planning security and investment incentives offers.

The VTFF also expressed her approval.

Critical voices

VAUNETthe association of private media companies, describes the agreement as a "bitter disappointment for the media industry" and points to Constitutional and European law risks to. It is criticised in particular:

• The high minimum quota

• Sub-quotas and requirements for the division of rights

VAUNET calls for the legal regulation to be more closely aligned with the European average and to favour voluntary support instruments such as tax incentives.

Sven Lehmann, Chairman of the Culture Committee, emphasises that the regulation should not be "a fig leaf". He criticises the low minimum quota, unclear rules in the event of non-compliance and calls for long-term investment incentives, for example through tax measures.

Opportunities and unanswered questions

The agreement should:

• The Securing funding for German-language and independent productions

• The Strengthening Germany as a business location

• The industry Make us more competitive internationally

At the same time, questions remain unanswered:

• Is the eight per cent minimum quota out?

• How to Rights retention and sub-quotas implemented in practice?

• What role could Alternative funding instruments such as tax incentives play in the future?

Conclusion

The investment commitment is a Important step for the German film and series industry. It secures funding, supports independent producers and creates planning security. The coming months will show, how effectively the scheme stimulates investment and what effects they will have on new productions, international co-operations and the Value chain of the industry has.