Germany

[DE] Bundesrat Adopts Amended Film Subsidies Act

IRIS 2009-3:1/11

Anne Yliniva-Hoffmann

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

On 19 December 2008, the Bundesrat (upper house of parliament) approved the fifth amendment to the Filmförderungsgesetz (Film Subsidies Act - FFG), which had already been adopted by the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) on 13 November 2008.

The most important changes concern the shortening of blocking periods for the media exploitation of films, the inclusion of new forms of exploitation, such as video-on-demand (VoD) and changes to the system of support for reference films and short films. In addition, so-called "media obligations" in the TV sector will be increased in the form of advertising time for cinema films (see IRIS 2009-1: 10).

The Bundesrat decided not to convene the Mediation Committee. As a result, the amended FFG entered into force as planned on 1 January 2009. It is valid for five years.