02/05/2011

Hessen was one of Germany’s few federal states that still didn’t have a funding plan for movie theatres’ conversion to digital. That was, until now, for Economics Minister Dieter Posch has announced that the regional government has just set up a fund to supplement those already implemented by the German Federal Film Board (FFA) and Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media (BKM).

The plan has come into immediate effect and has a budget of €2m until the end of 2013, from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The measure will enable the region’s small and medium-sized business owners in the exhibition sector – with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of under €50m per year – to receive additional funding that is equal in amount to that of the BKM. That means 25% of the restructuring costs up to a maximum of €17,500 per screen. This limit is increased to €21,000 for cinemas with a programme of particular value.

This contribution will not be retroactive and the equipment installed will need to have a quality standard of 2k/4k. The funding will be non-repayable except in cases where the equipment is resold or the activity for which it was bought is terminated within five years. Application forms will soon be available for interested parties through the financial entity managing the fund, the WI Bank.

For further information (in German), click here.

(Translated from Spanish)