International Producers

The German federal government and regional film funds support filmmakers by a one-of-a-kind film production rebate program.

The German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) distributes EUR 60 million yearly to stimulate production activities in the film industry. International co-producers can qualify for a rebate of up to 20%. In addition, a number of regional film funds provide efficient support to productions of any budget. Nearly all German states grant funds and additional soft money depending on local expenditure.

The German film production rebate is internationally acknowledged: Alongside numerous European co-productions renowned films like The Reader, Valkyrie, The International, Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer, Roland Emmerich’s Anonymous, The Three Musketeers 3D, and recently Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters and Cloud Atlas have profited from the program. Currently, the following productions are being filmed: George Clooney's The Monuments Men, Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel and Brian Percival's The Book Thief.

For more information on our services and film incentives in Germany please see our brochure (PDF).

Studio Babelsberg is the oldest large-scale film studio in the world and offers international producers limitless possibilities as Europe’s largest studio-complex.

Studio Babelsberg is the industry's leading services provider for film and television production. We live by our creed:

Excellent quality, in budget and on time!

Take advantage of 300,000 sq.ft. of stage space, a four acre back lot, exceptional production services, and first-class set construction at one convenient location, only few steps from the trendy city of Berlin with its diversity of amazing film locations, that make Studio Babelsberg one of the most attractive production sites in Europe.

At the heart of Studio Babelsberg Motion Pictures is its production services department that supports producers with a complete set of services, ranging from initial location scouting to location and production management, crew and equipment support, setting up a co-production structure, securing subsidy and financing, and handling the accounting and payroll for the German part of your production. Our range of services is completed with the "Complete Payroll" - organizing all legal, personnel, and tax issues. 

Our team is specialized in international productions and provides exceptional services at all stages of production. Germany has a deep, local, skilled crew base. You can hire each position locally, which means enormous savings in travel, hotels and per diems. German crews can support several international feature shootings at the same time, always ensuring a smooth production, even on the most demanding projects.

Following international productions have been carried out in the last years:

• Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
  Director: Tommy Wirkola
  Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton
• Anonymous
  Director: Roland Emmerich
  Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Hogg
• The Ghost Writer
  Director: Roman Polanski
  Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor
• Inglourious Basterds
  Director: Quentin Tarantino
  Cast: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger
• The Reader
  Director: Stephen Daldry
  Cast: Kate Winslet, David Kross
• The International
  Director: Tom Tykwer
  Cast: Clive Owen, Naomi Watts
• Valkyrie
  Director: Bryan Singer
  Cast: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy 
• The Bourne Ultimatum
  Director: Paul Greengrass
  Cast: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles
• V for Vendetta
  Director: James McTeigue
  Cast: Natalie Portman
• The Pianist
  Director: Roman Polanski
  Cast: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann