HessenInvestFilm
Professional Expertise from One Source

HessenInvestFilm resides with the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank), a financial institution with a proven track record as a partner of the film industry. In its function as a development agency of the State of Hessen, the WIBank provides guidance and engages in diverse support activities to highlight the strength of Hessen’s film industry at home and abroad and attract more projects to Hessen.

The WIBank is able to bring together all the various areas of film promotion and funding. Its expertise ranges from project acquisition, consulting, project evaluation and the preparation of decisions to the management and organization of commission meetings, the implementation of commission decisions, contract negotiation and conclusion with producers as well as project support and repayment control. This specialist “one-stop shop” is highly appreciated in the film industry.

In recent years, the management of HessenInvestFilm has been able to acquire valuable expert knowledge and build a specialist network within the industry. It continues to put its trust in high-quality and commercially attractive projects, which remain the primary focus of its business development effort.

The HessenInvestFilm Track Record

HessenInvestFilm was initially launched in 2002. The fund, which is the only instrument of commercial film support in Hessen, has successfully established itself over the last years. That is clearly demonstrated by the great demand it has attracted and its high profile at home and abroad. It has been involved in bringing several major projects to Hessen and thus significantly enhanced the conditions for film production in the region.

Film Fund HessenInvestFilm III

With its HessenInvestFilm, WIBank is offering a banking product that is directly aimed at the film industry and takes greater account of its special needs and requirements. On behalf of the State of Hessen, the WIBank grants conditionally repayable loans at low interest rates for commercial film products and ventures.

In all, the fund has a volume of 20 million euros, of which 5 million euros per annum will be available in the years 2010 to 2013. Finance is provided for the production of German and international cinema films, television, documentary and animated films as well as format developments that show promise of commercial success.

Ongoing interest payments of 2% are payable for the loan irrespective of the success of the project. The interest, together with the 3% disagio, flows into a liability fund in order to reduce potential claims against the State arising out of its guarantee.

Repayment shall ensue exclusively from the revenues of the respective project. In addition to the complete repayment of the loan, participation in profits shall also be agreed. The share of profits shall be oriented towards the level of financing provided by the WIBank.

Funding decisions shall be made by the evaluation commission. The maximum level of funding shall be 50% of the project costs, up to a maximum sum of 1 million euros.