New lease of life for film in Northern Germany: Hamburg-based Warner Bros. Entertainment GmbH will contribute to state funding in Germany for the first time, in the future topping up Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (FFHSH) subsidies by one million euros annually. To boost development of new talent, at least 25 per cent of the total will go towards youth projects. Warner and FFHSH signed the corresponding agreement today. The subsidy will be awarded by a new FFHSH committee from April 2020.
Dr. Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media and Representative of the FFHSH Supervisory Board: "Film in Northern Germany has attracted international attention in recent years with numerous productions. Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein has gained a strong partner in Warner, meaning the film location can continue to expand. This cooperation shows what is possible when you take innovative paths. It is exemplary. Thanks to Warner's support, we can test new film promotion systems and expand the area's talent development program. This is a cooperation that strengthens the genre of film and the film industry in equal measure, paving the way for high-quality cinema productions from Northern Germany."
Helge Albers, Managing Director of Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein: "We are very pleased that Warner Bros., a major player in the area, is supporting the film industry right on our doorstep. The funds from this pot will be channeled into projects with a strong regional focus, and a quarter of the money is reserved for youth projects. The trust fund is a new and innovative funding tool with which we will be able to support even more projects in our region from 2020 onwards, and it demonstrates a basic idea of solidarity that I greatly appreciate. I would like to expressly thank my predecessor Maria Köpf for the impetus behind this initiative".
Willi Geike, President & Managing Director Warner Bros. Entertainment GmbH: "Warner Bros. has been committed to the future of German film since 1995, providing investment both as a coproducer and distributor. We find it particularly important to foster new talent, as can be seen in our collaboration with 'First Steps' and 'Into The Wild'. Our new initiative with Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (FFHSH) will allow us to support talented young script writers and filmmakers from the region, enable production of innovative films for cinema and boost the location."
More about the cooperation:
Warner Bros. Entertainment GmbH will provide a total of one million euros per year as a trust fund. The agreement will initially last for three years, supporting screenplay development and cinematic productions from and in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. As a prerequisite, the projects must have a particularly contextual, artistic and/or cultural significance. At least 25 per cent of the total will be awarded to youth projects in order to boost talent development in the area.
This year, the sum will be divided up over three committee sessions and awarded from April, while in 2021, this will take place over four committee sessions.
The committee is composed of three people, of whom, two will be from the FFHSH. The third person will be put forward by Warner Bros., however they may not have any direct dependent relationship with the company. FFHSH boss Helge Albers will take on an advisory role.
