German film and TV industry representatives in Berlin on Thursday welcomed plans by the federal government to increase film funding to €250 million ($297 million) annually and introduce an investment commitment with an opt-out clause that ensures streamers and broadcasters contribute to financing German and European productions.
At its annual industry meeting ahead of the official opening of the Berlin Film Festival, the German Producers Alliance hosted Wolfram Weimer, Germany’s commissioner for culture and media (Bkm), who played a key role in finding a compromise somewhat acceptable to producers, streamers and broadcasters that could result in a successful reform of the country’s film law and make Germany a more attractive location for both domestic as well as international film and TV productions.
“This Berlinale has the chance, the potential, frankly, the obligation, to become a Berlinale of new beginnings,” Weimar said, speaking to a packed house at the Colosseum movie…