Exposé Funding
Creative Development supports the early development of film and TV series projects—from the initial idea and research to a fully developed synopsis.
Is this grant right for me?
First, please check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The Exposé Grant is intended for writers and filmmakers who wish to develop a project in its early stages. Submissions may be made either independently or in collaboration with a production company.
A consultation is not required before submitting an application for the synopsis grant. Instead, please complete the checklist below.
For Authors: Eligibility Criteria for the Creative Development Exposé Grant
Funding for exposés and research for fictional material in Stage 1 of Creative Development, based on an initial project idea.
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Professional Screenwriter
I am a professional screenwriter and, by definition, eligible to apply as stated on the website (relevant proof must be submitted).
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NRW
My primary residence, place of business, or branch office is in NRW.
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Completed degree
I have completed my degree and am not a student.
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New project
This is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding agency.
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Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material. Proof of rights is available.
For Producers: Funding Criteria for Creative Development Exposé Grants
Funding for synopses and research for fictional material in Stage 1 of Creative Development, based on an initial project idea.
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Submission with a Production Company
Producers must submit an application for Stage 1 jointly with screenwriters or filmmakers.
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Professional producer in North Rhine-Westphalia
I am a producer with a place of business or branch office in North Rhine-Westphalia and at least one professionally distributed feature film project or series.
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No students
Neither I nor the writer is a student.
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New project
This is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding agency.
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Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material. Proof of rights is available.
Application Documents
- Pitch paper including logline, synopsis, genre, format, USP, and visual and narrative vision (max. 5 pages)
- Writer’s Note or Producer’s Note
- Filmography/CV of the writer or director
- Production filmography, if applicable
- Proof of rights to the material
- Extract from the commercial register or business registration, or proof of primary residence in North Rhine-Westphalia (no older than 6 months)
- Statement regarding the feasibility of producing the project in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Statement confirming that this is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding institution
- For aspiring filmmakers without a production company: a short dialogue sample (max. 8 pages)
Application Form
Start your application and fill out the application form completely.
In the next step, you’ll receive a code that you can use to submit your application. You’ll receive a response to your request within 72 hours. You can request an application code up to 48 hours before the submission deadline.
Start the application process at FMS:
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Marie Mosch
Junior Specialist, Project Proposal Funding
![Portraitbild von Marie Mosch]()
Exposé Promotion Checklist: How does it work?
A consultation is not required before submitting an application for the Exposé Grant. Instead, please fill out the checklist below. In the next step, you’ll receive a code that you can use to submit your application. You will receive a response to your request within 72 hours. You can request an application code up to 48 hours before the submission deadline.
Submissions are accepted exclusively in digital form. All documents must be received in full by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW by the submission deadline. The date of receipt is decisive; incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
For Authors: Eligibility Criteria for the Creative Development Exposé Grant
Funding for exposés and research for fictional material in Stage 1 of Creative Development, based on an initial project idea.
-
Professional Screenwriter
I am a professional screenwriter and, by definition, eligible to apply as stated on the website (relevant proof must be submitted).
-
NRW
My primary residence, place of business, or branch office is in NRW.
-
Completed degree
I have completed my degree and am not a student.
-
New project
This is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding agency.
-
Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material. Proof of rights is available.
For Producers: Funding Criteria for Creative Development Exposé Grants
Funding for synopses and research for fictional material in Stage 1 of Creative Development, based on an initial project idea.
-
Submission with a Production Company
Producers must submit an application for Stage 1 jointly with screenwriters or filmmakers.
-
Professional producer in North Rhine-Westphalia
I am a producer with a place of business or branch office in North Rhine-Westphalia and at least one professionally distributed feature film project or series.
-
No students
Neither I nor the writer is a student.
-
New project
This is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding agency.
-
Rights to the Material
I hold all rights to the material. Proof of rights is available.
-
The Selection Process
Submitted projects are reviewed by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and a team of experts. Funding decisions are made three times a year.
News: News from the FMS
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24. Verleihung Gerd Ruge Stipendium der Film- und Medienstiftung NRW
October 7, 2026
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![LAUPHEIM, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 18: <<enter caption here>> attends the Carl Laemmle Produzentenpreis 2026 (Producer Award) at Schloss Laupheim on September 18, 2026 in Laupheim, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images for Carl Laemmle UG)]()
Michael Souvignier Receives the 2026 Carl Laemmle Producer Award / The 2026 Carl Laemmle VFF Talent Award Goes to Paulina Lorenz, Jorgo Narjes, and Faraz Shariat for “Staatsschutz”
September 19, 2026
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Four films funded by the German Film Foundation are currently in the running for the 2026 Oscar shortlist
September 14, 2026
