Show & Entertainment Development

We support the development of innovative show and entertainment formats—from the initial idea to a viable format concept.

Is this funding right for me?

First, please check whether you meet the funding criteria. The Show & Entertainment Development Grant is aimed at creative teams, showrunners, and independent production companies from North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to develop innovative non-fiction entertainment or show formats. A prerequisite for applying is that a broadcaster partner of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is interested in the project.

Funding Criteria for Show & Entertainment Development

Funding for the development of innovative non-fiction entertainment and show formats.

  • Creative teams, showrunners, and production companies from North Rhine-Westphalia

    Creative teams, showrunners, and independent production companies with their headquarters, residence, or place of business in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible to apply.

  • Non-fiction show and entertainment formats

    Funding is provided for the development of non-fiction entertainment or show formats.

  • Interest from a Broadcaster Partner (Letter of Intent)

    To apply, the interest of a broadcast partner must be demonstrated by a Letter of Intent.

  • Original Formats

    Funding is primarily intended for original formats.

  • Adaptations with Original Creative Contribution

    Adaptations of existing formats are eligible if they demonstrate a significant level of original creative input.

  • Funding of up to 50,000 euros

    Funding is provided as a grant and may not exceed 50,000 euros.

  • NRW Effect

    At least the full amount of the funding must be spent in North Rhine-Westphalia.

  • 12-month implementation period

    The implementation period is 12 months.

  • Consultation Required Before Submitting an Application

    A consultation with the responsible staff member is required before submitting an application. Applications cannot be submitted without a prior consultation.

  • Costs Incurred Before Submitting the Application

    Eligible costs are generally recognized only from the date the application is submitted. An exception is made for the acquisition of rights necessary for the application that took place prior to submission.

Further information:

Download Förderleitlinien der Film und Medienstiftung NRW Gmb H (pdf, 268,91 KB ) Download Fact Sheet Show Entertainment FMS (pdf, 1,12 MB ) 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

Go to the application portal →
  • Cover Letter to the Jury
  • Detailed project description, including content overview, genre, and format
  • Filmography/CV of the applicant
  • Filmography/CV of the writer or showrunner
  • For creative teams or showrunners: Proof of residence or business location in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • For production companies: current extract from the commercial register or business registration
  • Proof of rights
  • Letter of intent from a broadcaster
  • Calculation of development costs, including the NRW effect
  • Financing plan
  • Implementation concept or schedule
  • Distribution concept, including target audience and market analysis
  • Statement regarding the feasibility of producing the project in NRW
  • Statement confirming that this is a new project, or details regarding other participating funding institutions and the current status

Schedule an appointment

A consultation is required before submitting an application.

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

Contact Person for Show & Entertainment Development

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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