Show & Entertainment

We support innovative show and entertainment formats—from development through pre-production to implementation.

Funding Categories: What stage is the project in?

Creative Development

Production

Five Facts About Funding for Show Business and Entertainment

From Concept to Pre-Production

We support innovative non-fiction show and entertainment formats, from the development of a new format idea through to concrete preparations for production.

Focus on New and Original Formats

The focus is on creative and innovative entertainment and show formats. Original ideas are given particular priority; adaptations are also eligible if they demonstrate a clear, independent creative contribution.

Two funding tracks for different project phases

Development funding enables the creation of new formats. Pre-production funding then supports concrete production preparations—including demo production as well as market and audience analysis.

North Rhine-Westphalia as an entertainment hub

The funding program is aimed at creative teams, showrunners, and independent production companies from North Rhine-Westphalia, thereby strengthening the development of new formats in the region.

Broadcaster interest as a key requirement

To apply, applicants must demonstrate interest from a broadcaster that is a partner of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. In this way, the funding program links creative format development at an early stage with prospects for further implementation.

Creative Europe

The Creative Europe Desk NRW provides information and advice on all funding opportunities offered by Creative Europe MEDIA and Cross Sector, including those for films, series, games, and XR projects.

Creative Europe MEDIA →

Application Portal

Submit a Funding Application Online

Have you found the right grant and checked all the requirements? You can submit your grant application digitally through our application portal.

Go to the Application Portal →
Fact Sheet Show Entertainment FMS pdf, ( 1,12 MB )

Events

  • GERMAN MIP COCKTAIL

    A get-together for producers and broadcasters from the TV industry to discuss new developments, exchange ideas, and launch projects. In cooperation with MBB.

  • FMS @ iEmmys

    New York, New York! Every year, the FMS sends a delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia to the International Emmys in New York to represent the state there.

    Atmosphere at the 53rd International Emmy® Awards, November 24, 2025 in New York City.

  • Wim Wenders Grant

    Once a year, Wim Wenders and the FMS seek out the most innovative film ideas. After the pitching phase, we invite the scholarship recipients to the award ceremony and connect them with experts.

News: News on TV Shows & Entertainment

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