Screenplay Development/Feature Film Project Development

Creative Development supports the targeted refinement of existing feature film screenplays—in terms of content, dramaturgy, and concept.

03.02.2027

Is this funding right for me?

First, please check whether you meet the funding criteria. The screenplay development program is aimed at production companies that wish to further develop an existing screenplay or project in a targeted manner. Funding is provided as part of the Creative Development program.

Funding Criteria for Creative Development—Screenplay Development

Further development of existing screenplays as part of Creative Development, particularly for large-scale and international projects.

Part of Creative Development

Screenplay development is a funding option in Stage 3 of the Creative Development program.
Existing Screenplay

Funding is provided for the further development of an existing screenplay as part of Creative Development.
Producers from North Rhine-Westphalia

Producers with a registered office in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.
Up to 70,000 euros in funding

Funding covers up to 80% of the calculated development costs, up to a maximum of 70,000 euros. The funding is provided as a grant.
Screenplay Contract and Secured Rights

A screenplay contract must be in place for Stage 3. For adaptations, the necessary rights must be secured for the funding period.

No Series Projects in 2026/2027

Series projects cannot be submitted to Stage 3 of Creative Development in 2026/2027.
Missing Consultation

A consultation is required prior to submitting an application for Stage 3 of Creative Development.
No comparable parallel funding

Creative Development projects cannot be submitted simultaneously under a comparable funding category of the Film and Media Foundation.
No standard combination of stages

Further development cannot generally be combined with other creative development stages; exceptions must be clarified on a case-by-case basis.

Service Center

Download Merkblatt Drehbuchweiterentwicklung Projektentwicklung FIKTION (pdf, 80,43 KB ) Download Stufenmodell Creative Development (pdf, 75,75 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB )

Application Documents

Go to the application portal →

One-pager (including logline, synopsis, genre, format, and USP)
Screenplay
Storyboard/Producer’s Note for the Development Project
Filmography of the applicant/production company
Filmography/CV of the writer(s) and director(s)
A breakdown of development costs, including a description of the NRW effect
A financing plan for the project development
Proof of Rights / Proof of Rights Acquisition
Current extract from the commercial register/business registration
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 agency. Otherwise, please specify which
funding institutions the project has already been submitted to, along with a description of the current status.

Schedule an Appointment

A consultation is required before submitting an application.

For the consultation: Please send your appointment request via email, along with a one-page summary of the project and, for first-time contact, your resume and filmography, to the relevant program officer.

Contacts for Feature Film Screenplay Development

Cher Zimmerer

Deputy Director of Funding Audio and Development Specialist
Contact Cher Zimmerer via email.
Funding Criteria for Creative Development—Screenplay Development

Further development of existing screenplays as part of Creative Development, particularly for large-scale and international projects.

Part of Creative Development

Screenplay development is a funding option in Stage 3 of the Creative Development program.

Existing Screenplay

Funding is provided for the further development of an existing screenplay as part of Creative Development.

Producers from North Rhine-Westphalia

Producers with a registered office in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.

Up to 70,000 euros in funding

Funding covers up to 80% of the calculated development costs, up to a maximum of 70,000 euros. The funding is provided as a grant.

Screenplay Contract and Secured Rights

A screenplay contract must be in place for Stage 3. For adaptations, the necessary rights must be secured for the funding period.

No Series Projects in 2026/2027

Series projects cannot be submitted to Stage 3 of Creative Development in 2026/2027.

Missing Consultation

A consultation is required prior to submitting an application for Stage 3 of Creative Development.

No comparable parallel funding

Creative Development projects cannot be submitted simultaneously under a comparable funding category of the Film and Media Foundation.

No standard combination of stages

Further development cannot generally be combined with other creative development stages; exceptions must be clarified on a case-by-case basis.

Service Center
Download Merkblatt Drehbuchweiterentwicklung Projektentwicklung FIKTION (pdf, 80,43 KB ) Download Stufenmodell Creative Development (pdf, 75,75 KB ) Download Merkblatt zu Prüfgebühren der Pw C (pdf, 11,83 KB ) Download Ansprechpartner Innen der PWC (pdf, 378,71 KB )

Only if all criteria are met can a consultation appointment be arranged.

Yes, I meet all the criteria and have read and understood the funding guidelines Yes, I meet all the criteria and have read and understood the funding guidelines*

Request an appointment →
Marie Mosch

Junior Program Officer, Contact Person for the Children’s Film Funding Program

Contact Marie Mosch via email.