BROADCASTING AND FILM

Every story needs a channel and an audience. Leipzig has plenty of both. The city is the media capital of Central Germany with some 240 companies in the private sector and MDR.

Broadcasters in Leipzig have access to qualified young talent. Journalists are trained directly in companies or at the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) in a multi-stage training programme. The Institute of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Leipzig, the Fernsehakademie Mitteldeutschland and the HTWK-Faculty of Compter Science and Media also provide the market with competent talent with their cooperative television production degree programmes.

Leipzig is home to MDR, the three-state broadcaster, and the commercial radio stations PSR and R.SA from the media company REGIOCAST, both of which are major industry players and broadcast nationwide. The future of radio also began long ago. Leipzig also boasts innovative radio formats such as the university radio Mephisto 97.6 and the web radio detektor.fm.

Leipzig loves film - and this enthusiasm is palpable throughout the city: in front of and behind the camera and at the cinema. Films are made, promoted and celebrated in Leipzig. Among these movers and shakers is Saxonia Media GmbH, a production company that produces some 5,000 minutes of broadcasting per year. Leipzig's film hot spot, media city leipzig, is located in the southern part of Leipzig and has one of the most modern production and studio complexes in Europe.

Country-specific film festivals and days mesmerise Leipzig audiences year after year. Every year, the Filmkunstmesse (site only in german) shows dozens of new films by international art house distributors - all of which are exclusive pre-release events. Leipzig also presents the DOK Week, one of the most important international festivals for documentaries and animated films. The Golden and Silver Dove awards are widely recognised as an indicator of outstanding performance. The Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (MDM) (Central German Media Funding) is a local partner who sponsors film and media productions. It has sponsored feature films like "Tschick", the Oscar-winning film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and festival successes like "In den Gängen".

The Office of Economic Development's service will help you take the necessary steps to launch and realise your film project in a timely manner.

Not familiar with the city yet and looking for some suitable motifs for your film project? The MDM - FilmCommission's Location Guide provides an initial overview of the most sought-after motifs in Leipzig and the region. We are happy to assist with additional hints and tips (site only in german).

Use the opportunity to find the right partner for your project via the Players' Almanac.