Holdback periods
To protect the individual stages of use, funded films must not be screened in other countries, on television or exploited in any other way before the expiry of holdback periods.
After the cinema release, approval may be granted for a reduction of standard holdback periods, provided this does not conflict with the demands of the film industry.
The table below provides a summary of standard holdback periods, standard reductions and exceptional reductions.
Films with cinema release from 15 June 2023
On the basis of the industry agreement dated 2 May 2023, the FFA's Administrative Council decided on different holdback periods by amending Guideline D.5 on blocking periods and shortening.
| Stage of use | Holdback period | Possible reduction (in exceptional cases) |
|---|---|---|
| Image medium use (DVD/Blu-Ray) Video on demand (chargeable) Pay-TV |
120 days | ommitted |
|
Freeview and video on demand |
12 months | up to 6 months |
Films with a cinema release before 15 June 2023
For films that had their first cinema release before 15 June 2023, the statutory holdback periods continue to apply.
| Stage of use | Holdback period |
Standard reduction |
Exceptional reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image medium use
(DVD/Blu-Ray) |
6 months | 5 months | 4 months |
| Video on demand
(chargeable) |
6 months | 5 months | 4 months |
| Pay-TV | 12 months | 9 months | 6 months |
| Freeview and free video on demand | 18 months | 12 months | 6 months |
To protect the individual stages of use, funded films must not be screened in other countries, on television or exploited in any other way before the expiry of holdback periods.
After the cinema release, approval may be granted for a reduction of standard holdback periods, provided this does not conflict with the demands of the film industry.
The table below provides a summary of standard holdback periods, standard reductions and exceptional reductions.
The board of the FFA will decide on any reduction of holdback periods.
The following documents must be submitted with the application form:
To protect the individual stages of use, funded films must not be screened in other countries, on television or exploited in any other way before the expiry of holdback periods.
After the cinema release, approval may be granted for a reduction of standard holdback periods, provided this does not conflict with the demands of the film industry.
The table below provides a summary of standard holdback periods, standard reductions and exceptional reductions.
Detailed substantiation by the producer
Declarations of agreement by all upstream holders of rights (distributors, DVD/VOD distribution, Pay TV)
In the event of broadcasting on Pay TV/Freeview, a letter from the broadcaster confirming when the film is to be broadcast
Confirmation by the distributor of the cinema release (if not already available to the DFFF)
Please send your application for reduction of holdback periods to Mrs Stefanie Schütt at the FFA (Große Präsidententstr.9, 10178 Berlin).
