The Berlin-Brandenburg region has become one of Europe’s most efficient and attractive filming ecosystems, thanks in large part to the Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission (BBFC). This organization provides comprehensive support to both domestic and international production companies, simplifying logistics while promoting sustainable audiovisual practices and fostering film tourism. The BBFC will be present at Shooting Locations Market, which takes place on October 15–16, 2025, in Valladolid, Spain—an international boutique event designed to connect filming destinations, producers and service companies from across the audiovisual industry.
Production Support and Location Services
What sets the Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission apart is its integrated, detail-oriented approach. The BBFC streamlines the entire permitting process across the region, managing everything from street closures and emergency lighting to night shoots, filming in protected natural areas, or handling sensitive elements like weapons, animals or special effects. It also provides guidance on labor safety, working with minors, customs and visa processes, and technical requirements such as fixed electricity or filming from the air or water.
The BBFC’s comprehensive Production Guide helps film teams locate local crews, service companies, talent and relevant authorities. It also offers a registration system for new professionals and providers. While the Commission does not own locations directly, it facilitates access to a wide range of urban, rural and private spaces. It helps location owners register their properties, advises on filming procedures, and promotes continuous discovery of new shooting sites.
Though no specific titles are mentioned, the BBFC promotes the region as Filmland Brandenburg, underlining its vast diversity of landscapes and infrastructure, which can represent multiple time periods and geographies. Location maps provided by the Commission allow both professionals and tourists to explore filming spots used in previous productions.
Funding, Sustainability and Film Tourism
While the BBFC does not directly offer tax incentives, it connects producers with a range of important public funding opportunities, such as Medienboard, Deutscher Filmförderfonds (DFFF), German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF), Focus Germany and the Creative Europe Desk. These programs support productions that contribute to the region’s cultural and economic ecosystem.
Sustainability is also central to the BBFC’s mission. Through its “Green Filming” program and the initiative “Keen to be green,” the Commission encourages responsible production practices, such as using fixed electricity instead of generators or working with certified green consultants to minimise environmental impact.
On the tourism front, the BBFC promotes film tourism under the banner Filmtourismus. It offers film location maps, thematic routes, trailers and events to attract visitors and showcase the cinematic heritage of the Berlin-Brandenburg area. This work is coordinated in collaboration with local tourism professionals to integrate film into the region’s broader cultural offer.
The participation of the Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission in Shooting Locations Market 2025 represents a unique opportunity to understand how a region can successfully combine institutional support, administrative efficiency, sustainability and tourism development through the audiovisual industry. A must-meet partner for producers and location managers seeking reliability, diversity and strong networks at the heart of Europe.