Production Funding for Series & TV Documentaries
We provide funding for the production of documentary series and TV formats with a particular connection to North Rhine-Westphalia and potential for the national and international markets.
Is this funding right for me?
First, please check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. There are two funding tracks for screenplay funding—one is aimed at large, established productions, while the other is also open to independent productions.
Funding Criteria for Series and TV Movies
Funding for TV series and TV movies of exceptional quality, with an international focus, or of particular interest to North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Producers based in Germany
Producers with their company headquarters in Germany are eligible to apply.
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Quality, International Focus, or Relevance to North Rhine-Westphalia
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional production quality, international co-production or distribution, or a particular interest in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Funding Rate and Loans
Up to 30%, or 50% in exceptional cases, as a conditionally repayable loan. For international co-productions, a maximum of 50% of the German costs.
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NRW Effect
At least 1.5 times the amount of funding granted must be spent in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Environmental Standards
The ecological standards must be complied with. A self-declaration and a preliminary CO₂ report must be submitted.
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Innovative Series Formats
Non-linear formats with episodes up to 30 minutes each and a total runtime of at least 60 minutes are eligible for funding of up to 300,000 euros.
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Broadcaster Participation and Rights of Use
If the broadcaster’s contribution amounts to 55–65% of the German production costs, an initial usage period of 7 years must generally be agreed upon.
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Missing Consultation
A consultation is required before submitting an application.
Service Center
Download Merkblatt Produktionsförderung Serien und TV Filme (pdf, 237,25 KB ) Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB ) Download Ökologische Standards (pdf, 588,08 KB )Application Documents
- Screenplay (for series: Episodes 1 and 2, as well as treatments for the remaining episodes)
- Cover letter to the jury
- Project description (for series: series bible)
- Proof of acquisition of the film adaptation and exploitation rights to the source material, script, and title
- Cast and crew list, including tax residency information and commitment letters
- Cast and lead actor/actress list, including tax residency information and commitment letters
- Company profile/filmography of the applicants
- Director’s filmography
- Budget with a breakdown of regional effects
- Financing plan
- Documentation of the financing components specified in the financing plan
- Status Report on Financing
- Breakdown of the producer’s contribution
- Status report on exploitation strategies and evaluation options
- The Exploiter’s Marketing Concept
- Recoupment plan
- Shooting Schedule, Including Filming Locations
- Extract from the commercial register
- Statement confirming that this is a new project or details regarding other participating funding institutions and the current status
- Self-declaration by management and production management regarding compliance with environmental standards
- Preliminary CO₂ report
- For documentary projects: if available, a link to the footage shot (max. 20 min.)
Schedule an appointment
Contact Person for Production Support for Series & TV Documentaries
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Ivana Lalovic
Documentary Film Specialist
![Portraitbild von Ivana Lalovic]()
