Project Development Funding for Feature Films/International Co-productions
Creative Development supports the project development of feature films and international co-productions—from concept development to production readiness.
Is this funding right for me?
First, please check whether you meet the funding criteria. The project development grant is intended for production companies that wish to further develop a feature film project or an international co-production specifically until it is ready for production.
Funding Criteria for Project Development
Project development within the framework of Creative Development for large-scale feature film projects, particularly those with an international scope.
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Part of Creative Development
Project development funding is a special funding option within the Creative Development program.
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High-Budget and International Projects
Project development is aimed in particular at large-scale and internationally oriented feature film projects.
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Producers from North Rhine-Westphalia
Producers with their company headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.
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Up to 70,000 euros in funding
Funding covers up to 80% of the estimated project development costs, up to a maximum of 70,000 euros. The funding is provided as a grant.
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Rights in International Co-productions
International co-productions are eligible for funding only if the applicant is the majority rights holder.
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Missing Consultation
As part of Creative Development, a consultation is required before submitting an application for this funding option.
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No comparable parallel funding
Creative Development projects cannot be submitted simultaneously under a comparable funding category of the Film and Media Foundation.
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Insufficient project rights
The required rights must be secured; for international co-productions, a majority rights position is required.
Application Documents
- Cover Letter to the Jury
- One-pager with logline, synopsis, main conflict, genre, and target audience
- Screenplay
- Producer’s Note
- Schedule
- Filmography/Resume of Producer
- Filmography/Resume (Director)
- Filmography/Biography: Writer
- Proof of Rights Acquisition
- Budget, including the NRW effect
- Financing Plan
- Status Report on Financing
- Statement on the Feasibility of Producing the Project in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Extract from the commercial register or business registration
- Statement confirming that this is a new project that has not yet been submitted to any funding agency
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 contacts, your resume and filmography, to the responsible program officer.
Contact person for feature film screenplay development/international co-productions
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Cher Zimmerer
Deputy Director of Funding Audio and Development Specialist
![Portraitbild von Cher Zimmerer]()
Funding Criteria for Project Development
Project development within the framework of Creative Development for large-scale feature film projects, particularly those with an international scope.
-
Part of Creative Development
Project development funding is a special funding option within the Creative Development program.
-
High-Budget and International Projects
Project development is aimed in particular at large-scale and internationally oriented feature film projects.
-
Producers from North Rhine-Westphalia
Producers with their company headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.
-
Up to 70,000 euros in funding
Funding covers up to 80% of the estimated project development costs, up to a maximum of 70,000 euros. The funding is provided as a grant.
-
Rights in International Co-productions
International co-productions are eligible for funding only if the applicant is the majority rights holder.
-
Missing Consultation
As part of Creative Development, a consultation is required before submitting an application for this funding option.
-
No comparable parallel funding
Creative Development projects cannot be submitted simultaneously under a comparable funding category of the Film and Media Foundation.
-
Insufficient project rights
The required rights must be secured; for international co-productions, a majority rights position is required.
-
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.
Selection Process
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
