DFFF continues to boost German industry
Since its founding in January 2007, the DFFF (German Federal Film Fund) has noticeably contributed to the increase in budgets for German films.
Technical operators in particular have benefited from its contribution. In 2007 and 2008, expenditure on equipment and technical items rose by around 20%. DFFF director Christine Berg commented: "Higher budgets lead to greater professionalism and thus greater economic success".
Moreover, the DFFF’s support is attracting major international productions, which perhaps wouldn’t choose Germany otherwise.
Box office results confirm these observations: 15 German and international co-productions backed by the federal fund exceeded 1m admissions in domestic theatres. Moreover, the high market share for German films indicates not only viewers‘ interest but also the importance for exhibitors and distributors of being able to rely on domestic production at a time when the supply of foreign, especially US, films has dropped.
Besides its positive economic impact, the federal fund is also an important cultural tool, as Berg pointed out: "major international festivals regularly present productions backed by the DFFF".
In its third year, the DFFF has so far allocated €34.7m to 61 films, whose production should bring over €200m to local industry. Another 17 productions are expected to be added to this year’s list, bringing the amount granted to over €50m.
According to Berg, the level of funding provided in 2007 and 2008 (i.e. €60m per year) is about to be reached again.
(Translated from French)
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