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New Study: Baden-Württemberg Now Germany’s Leading Hub for Animation Film and VFX

Image: Cover Study, Goldmedia / MFG

Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg, January 24, 2025

A recent study by the research institute Goldmedia shows that Baden-Württemberg has risen to become Germany’s leading hub for animation films and digital feature film production in recent years. No other federal state in Germany is home to as many companies and professionals generating films and series entirely digitally. Many VFX companies based in Baden-Württemberg also collaborate on major Hollywood productions. Since 2010, the revenue of the local animation and VFX industry has grown by a remarkable 800 percent, reaching 170 million euros. According to the study, this development is largely attributed to the targeted support provided by Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (MFG).

MFG Managing Director Carl Bergengruen stated: “In 2014, we became the first federal state to introduce a highly effective funding instrument specifically tailored to the animation and visual effects sector, laying the foundation for the significant growth of this industry.” Currently, the revenue in the field of animation and visual effects in Baden-Württemberg is generated by 85 companies. In 2010, there were only around 30 such businesses.

In the field of digital games, the study also identified significant revenue growth of at least 90 percent since 2015, reaching 190 million euros in Baden-Württemberg. This revenue is generated by 146 companies. The substantial growth is partly due to a specialized funding program introduced by the MFG in 2020 for local games companies. This program supports innovative games projects from concept to production.

The study also highlights the industrial policy significance of the animation, VFX, and games sectors for Baden-Württemberg. Technological innovations from these fields are already being applied in a wide range of industries, from the automotive sector and mechanical engineering to healthcare. However, 48 percent of the orders in the VFX and animation industry come from the audiovisual media sector, including film and series productions for cinema, streaming, and television.

In the games market, a significant portion of orders – 45 percent – comes from the entertainment sector of audiovisual media. However, similar to the animation and VFX sectors, there is a growing trend in orders from other industries.

The study also underscores the importance of the 70 industry-relevant degree programs and the highly sought-after networking and advisory activities offered by the MFG in the fields of animation, VFX, and games. Examples include the “Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart” (AMCRS) network.

Source (in German): MFG, Goldmedia

Link to the study

The Stuttgarter Zeitung also reported on this topic in the article “Region Stuttgart ist Spitze bei Spezialeffekten aus Deutschland” on January 24, 2025. To the article

Next AMCRS IP Presentation Forum on October 24, 2024! Register now!

You’ve got a great idea for an IP (intellectual property)? You are developing a new game or interactive format? You are in the middle of preparing your new animated short film or animated series? You are a resident of Baden-Württemberg? That’s perfect!

The IP Presentation Forum will take place for the ninth time on October 24, 2024. Come by and take the opportunity to present your project to professionals from the industry and to exchange ideas and get advice for the next steps!

Register until October 18, 2024 via: contact@amcrs.de (A timeslot will be assigned.)

Download flyer (PDF)

Location: MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg mbH
Breitscheidstr. 4
70174 Stuttgart

Organized by the AMCRS

Next AMCRS IP Presentation Forum on June 20, 2024! Register now!

You’ve got a great idea for an IP (intellectual property)? You are developing a new game or interactive format? You are in the middle of preparing your new animated short film or animated series? You are a resident of Baden-Württemberg? That’s perfect!

The IP Presentation Forum will take place for the eight time on June 20, 2024. Come by and take the opportunity to present your project to professionals from the industry and to exchange ideas and get advice for the next steps!

Register until June 14, 2024 via: contact@amcrs.de

Download flyer (PDF)

Location: MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg mbH
Breitscheidstr. 4
70174 Stuttgart

Organized by the AMCRS

Apply now for IDEENSTARK 2024!

Creative professionals from Baden-Württemberg now have the opportunity to apply for the IDEENSTARK award from MFG Baden-Württemberg. For the eighth time, the motto for forward-thinking creative entrepreneurs, start-ups and solo freelancers is: “Your idea – your opportunity – your company”. The application deadline is Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The ten selected winners not only receive the prestigious IDEENSTARK award at the IDEENSTARK award ceremony, but also the opportunity to participate in the exclusive support program with various stations free of charge. These include a wide range of tools that cover all facets of the individual everyday life of creative entrepreneurs: from strategy and financing to market positioning, communication, sales and personal development.

A central component of the program is the exchange among participants, which enables them to benefit from the collective wealth of experience.

For those who would like to find out more about IDEENSTARK or have questions about the application process or the program, the open IDEENSTARK consultation hour with project manager Mira Kleine offers the opportunity for clarification. The consultation hour always takes place on Mondays from 11:00-12:00 CET. Upcoming dates are: May 21 (Tuesdays due to public holiday!), May 27 and June 3.

Information and link to the consultation hours

More about Ideenstark BW and the program

IDEENSTARK is organized by MFG Baden-Württemberg and supported by the Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus Baden-Württemberg and the Start-up BW state campaign.

IDEENSTARK winners 2023, Photo: MFG

21. Stuttgart Animation Meetup on March 26, 2024

The next Stuttgart Animation Meetup will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 19:30 CET at Flora & Fauna (U-Bahn Mineralbäder). Tables are reserved inside. Let’s talk, drink and connect the regional industry!

The Meetup is open to everyone – whether student, senior artist, newcomer or animation fan! Here, everyone can chat about the industry, connect with each other, and whoever wants can scribble cartoons and characters with the others.

Tell your friends and colleagues!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stuttanimmeetup/ 
Whatsapp Community https://chat.whatsapp.com/HBy916VD5LpG9v2MGS9LGm
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hkr1dv

Julia, Michael and Kris are looking forward to seeing you!

Games Day and Media Research Conference 2023 at Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart

As part of the International Week at the Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, the Institute for Games invites to its Games Day 2023 on November 28 and 29, 2023. The Media Research Conference, organized by the Visual Media Lab, will take place on November 29 and 30.

At Games Day (to mark the tenth anniversary of the Institute for Games), speakers from the games industry, politics and society as well as from the HdM partner universities will provide insights into various industry topics over two days. Speakers include Markus Berger (halbautomaten Kommunikationsdesign GmbH) with his presentation “Kinetarium & Cineplay – Multiplayer gaming and edutainment for large-scale audiences“, Dr. Andrea Buchholz and Iris Harr (MFG Baden-Württemberg) on the topic “From GamesHub for Health to Developer Boost and game funding – the Games BW funding strategy at a glance“, and Constanze Bühner, Nina Weilbächer and Anita Kerbel (Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg / Animationstinstitut) with their presentation “Interactive Media – Under Water Diplom Game“.

To the complete program of the Games Day | Registration

The HdM Visual Media Lab’s Media Research Conference is aimed at educators, researchers and students in the field of visual media. Addressing the pressing challenges of our time this symposium is designed to explore innovative strategies to prepare the next generation of media professionals. Focusing on topics such as narration, visual aesthetics, innovative teaching methods, and the evolution of teaching content, the conference aims to catalyze collaborative efforts and explore avenues for joint research projects.

To the program of the Media Research Conference

Disguise Training “Introduction to Virtual Production” at Filmakademie

Photo: FABW

Disguise Training is offering the two-day event “Introduction to Virtual Production” on November 16 and 17, 2023 at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg‘s Animationsinstitut. In this workshop, the participants will explore the world of virtual production techniques and technologies.

About the event:

During this event, we will delve into the innovative ways virtual production is transforming the entertainment industry. From virtual sets and characters to real-time rendering and motion capture, you’ll gain valuable insights into the future of filmmaking.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a VFX artist, or simply curious about the latest trends in technology, this event is perfect for you. Our knowledgeable staff will share their expertise and showcase practical examples to demonstrate the power of virtual production. Get acquainted with the world of virtual production, its tools, and history, and explore previsualization techniques and camera/lighting skills. Witness live virtual production processes and interactive environments, diving into emerging trends, to set up your virtual production journey.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and learn from industry professionals. Mark your calendars and get ready for an immersive experience at the Introduction to Virtual Production event!

Location: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Akademiehof 10, 71638 Ludwigsburg

More information and tickets

Next Stuttgart Animation Meetup on October 24, 2023

The next Stuttgart Animation Meetup will take place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 19:30 CET at Flora & Fauna (U-Bahn Mineralbäder). Let’s talk, drink and connect the regional industry!

The Meetup is open to everyone – whether student, senior artist, newcomer or animation fan! Here, everyone can chat about the industry, connect with each other, and whoever wants can scribble cartoons and characters with the others.

Tell your friends and colleagues!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stuttanimmeetup/ 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329784908362059   
Whatsapp Community https://chat.whatsapp.com/HBy916VD5LpG9v2MGS9LGm
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hkr1dv

Julia, Michael and Kris are looking forward to seeing you!

New AMCRS IP Presentation Forum on October 10! Register now!

You’ve got a great idea for an IP (intellectual property)? You are developing a new game or interactive format? You are in the middle of preparing your new animated short film or animated series? You are a resident of Baden-Württemberg? That’s perfect!

The IP Presentation Forum will take place for the seventh time on October 10, 2023. Come by and take the opportunity to present your project to professionals from the industry and to exchange ideas and get advice for the next steps!

Download flyer (PDF)

Register until October 5, 2023! Registration via: contact@amcrs.de

Location: MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg mbH
Breitscheidstr. 4
70174 Stuttgart

Organized by AMCRS