Serial Pilot Funding

We support the production of pilot episodes for serial formats, thereby laying the groundwork for further production and evaluation.

Is this funding right for me?

As a first step, please check whether you meet the funding criteria. The Series Pilot Funding Program is aimed at production companies that wish to produce a pilot episode for a long-running series project. A prerequisite for submitting an application is the interest of a broadcaster that is a partner of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW.

Funding Criteria for Series Pilots

Funding for the production of pilot episodes for long-running series projects.

  • Production Companies

    Production companies are eligible to apply, particularly those with their headquarters or a place of business in North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • Long-running series projects

    Funding is provided for the production of pilot episodes for long-running series projects.

  • Shareholder Interest (Letter of Intent)

    To apply, the interest of a broadcaster partner of the Film and Media Foundation must be demonstrated by a Letter of Intent.

  • NRW Effect

    At least 1.6 times the amount of funding granted must be spent in North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • Funding of up to 500,000 euros

    Funding may amount to up to 50% of the recognized total production costs, up to a maximum of 500,000 euros per pilot episode.

  • For North Rhine-Westphalia: as a grant

    For grant recipients from North Rhine-Westphalia, funding is provided as a grant.

  • Filming in NRW

    Filming should ideally take place primarily in North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • 12-month implementation period

    The implementation period is 12 months from the date of funding approval.

  • Environmental Standards

    Compliance with the ecological standards for German film, television, and online/VoD productions is mandatory.

  • Missing Consultation

    A consultation is required before submitting an application.

  • No Series Commission by the Broadcaster-Shareholder After 18 Months

    If the broadcaster does not place a series order within 18 months of the pilot episode’s delivery, the rights to the pilot episode revert to the production company upon reimbursement of the broadcaster’s share, as contractually agreed in advance.

Service Center

Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download FMS Merkblatt TV Förderung (pdf, 85,27 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 →
  • Pilot script as well as outlines or synopses of the subsequent episodes
  • Cover letter to the jury
  • For documentary series: Treatment
  • Series Bible / Concept
  • Proof of acquisition of film adaptation and distribution rights
  • Credits list specifying the tax-related residence and commitments
  • Cast list indicating tax residency and letters of intent (LOIs)
  • Company profile/filmography of the applicants
  • Director’s filmography
  • Budget breakdown showing country-specific effects
  • Financing plan
  • Documentation of the financing components specified in the financing plan
  • Letter of Intent from the Broadcaster
  • Status Report on Financing
  • Breakdown of the equity contribution
  • Distribution strategies and distribution options
  • 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 series: if available, a link to the footage shot (max. 20 min.)

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 responsible program officer.

Contact person for the Serial Pilot Funding Program

The Selection Process

The Film Funding Committee decides on the submitted projects based on recommendations from the management of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. A unanimous decision is required for funding to be granted.

About the Film Funding Committee →

News: News from the FMS

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