Germany

[DE] New Guidelines on Screenplay Grants

IRIS 2003-2:1/21

Caroline Hilger

Saarbrücken

At the end of 2002, the Federal Government representative for culture and the media issued a new set of guidelines on screenplay grants in Germany. The most significant change compared to the previous guidelines is that screenplay authors themselves are now entitled to apply for a grant. Previously, authors could only submit applications jointly with a film producer.

Basic grants of up to EUR 15,000 are available for the initial production of a draft film script, with a further EUR 15,000 (or in special cases up to EUR 3-5,000) avaiInstitute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken / Brussels lable for further development. However, the second instalment of aid is only granted if a film production company is interested in using the screenplay and is itself prepared to contribute EUR 10,000 to the project. All grants are also subject to the author co-operating with a «drama department» approved by the Federal Government representative for culture and the media. This department is meant to supervise the author's work and suggest ways in which it might be improved, such as collaboration with a special drama consultant or participation in a workshop. By increasing the supervision and support of screenplays until they are marketable commodities, it is hoped that in future more high-quality screenplays will be produced, with a higher proportion ultimately being used in film production.