HessenInvestFilm

Hessen’s largest ever film financing programme was launched when the relevant directive came into force on 15 April 2006. Working on behalf of and in conjunction with the State of Hessen, Investitionsbank Hessen (WIBank) grants loans for culturally interesting and commercially successful film productions. Co-financing by the State of Hessen is always contingent upon the participation of other investors.

What is the goal of this programme?

This programme aims to provide cultural and commercial support for attractive film productions, to raise the quality of film and television productions, to maintain a diverse cultural landscape and further improve and strengthen the competitive situation of film production in Hessen.

Who can apply?

Applications can be submitted primarily by

• film industry enterprises
• professionals

with a main office or branch in Hessen. Enterprises outside Hessen are entitled to apply if they carry out a specific proportion of the project in Hessen.

What kind of project can be financed?

As a rule, support is provided as final financing within the framework of project funding for television productions and cinema feature films. However, support for television and cinema films can also cover distribution support as well as bridging loans for pledged, but not yet disbursed funds from other project participants.

What level of funding is available and how is it distributed?

The upper limit for any loan is a maximum of 1 million euros; however, contingent on the other resources invested, the sum may not exceed 50% of the total project costs.
The loan shall be subject to accruing interest of 2% during the loan period. Interest shall be payable irrespective of the project’s success.
In the case of bridging loans, accruing interest of 6% shall be payable. Until the disbursement of the loan, interest rates can be agreed on a floating rate basis.
The lender shall have a claim to profits after repayment of the loan.

How long does financing last?

The loan period is adapted to the length of the project.

What else do I need to bear in mind?

The "Hessen effect" shall amount to at least 100% of the sum financed by the WIBank. Combination with other financing measures by film funds of the Länder, Federal Government and the European Union is possible. As a rule, total financing from this programme and from public funds shall not exceed 50% of the total costs of the project. In the case of difficult productions and those produced with limited means, the share of public funding can amount to up to 75%.

In cases of doubt, the German-language version of the regulations shall be definitive.