Germany

Broadcast Regulators

Die Medienanstalten (The Media Authorities)

Broadcasters

Phoenix

One

ZDF info

The Sat.1/Pro 7 group

Currencies

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Q. Are there any requirements, when sending EUR?

A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.

Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of countries using the Euro.

Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.

Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time. However, with the right foreign exchange broker, this can be done as fast as the same day.

Q. Who can I send EUR to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds for countries sending with the Euro.

Q. Is sending EUR expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.

Q. Can you use forward contracts with EUR?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a EUR exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.

Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.

Film Commissions

Berlin-Brandenburg Film Commission (BBFC)

Film Commission Bayern

Film Commission Hessen

Film Commission Nordbaden

Film Commission NRW (Film Commission North Rhine-Westphalia)

Film Commission Region Stuttgart

Film Office Görlitz

Film Commission Lake Constance

MDM Film Commission

MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein)

nordmedia Film Commission

Saarland Medien Film Commission

European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)

Visas & Permits

Visas & Work Permits

Germany is a member of the Schengen area.

UK passport holders can enter Germany visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, over a 180 day period, for some business-related activities (such as attending business meetings). However, for longer stays or other types of work, a visa or permit may be required.

Further information on work visas can be found at the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. There are also specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

Germany can be quite bureaucratic.

A single location might require several different permits. With that said, the process is very well organised, so an experienced service producer or fixer can arrange permits for most locations quickly and easily. Allow at least two weeks processing time for shoots that require exclusive use of public space.

Small handheld b-roll shoots in cities can generally get away without permits.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Germany is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

When to Film

Germany has a four season climate with hot summers (June to September), colourful leaves in autumn (October to November), white winters (December to March) and spring (April to May) in full bloom. May to October are the best months to film for warm weather.

In Germany, Christianity is the largest religion, so those holidays are observed.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Germany.

Costs & VAT

Germany is a relatively expensive place to shoot, but the film infrastructure and crew quality is second to none. Germany cannot compete with Eastern Europe, in terms of overall costs, so productions will typically shoot in Germany only for specific reasons.

Any locations requiring travel outside of the main production centres are an additional cost to filming.

The standard VAT rate in Germany, at the time of writing, is set at 19%.