FFF Bayern's Fund for International Films: Empowering Global Collaborations in Film Production
John Lee Hancock's legal drama "Monsanto" is gearing up to film in Germany for Netflix, with Jonathan Bailey stepping in to replace Glen Powell in the cast. The project has secured €500,000 in production support from FFF Bayern's fund for international films and series, as well as assistance from the regional film fund's film commission in locating shoot locations in Bavaria.
Bailey will portray attorney Brent Wisner, who tackles a challenging lawsuit against the US chemical giant Monsanto, alleging that its Roundup herbicide products are linked to cancer. Laura Dern plays Monsanto's chief toxicologist, who confidently testifies in the trial that Roundup is safe.
The German-US co-production, led by Philip Schulz-Deyle's KrautPack Entertainment and Moritz Borman's Onda Entertainment, was sold to Netflix for over $30 million at the Cannes 2024 market. International co-productions can access up to €2 million per project as a repayable loan from the fund for international theatrical films and series, with a German producer required to apply for funding from FFF.
The recent funding for "Monsanto" follows the committee's decision to allocate €4.2 million to five international projects with Bavarian partners. Among them is Aoife McArdle's adaptation of Dawn King's play "Foxfinder," receiving €1.4 million in funding as a co-production between UK production companies Elation Pictures and Rabbit Track Pictures, along with German outfits Komplizen Film and Trimafilm.
Additionally, funding was granted to W&B Television and Turbine Studios' German-UK series "Hamburg Days" and Constantin Film's TV series remake of Donna Woolfolk Cross' novel "Pope Joan." Rise FX South received €500,000 for their work on J.J. Abrams' project "Ghostwriter," while €300,000 was allocated to the Amazon Prime Original series "Superior," produced by Switzerland's Zodiac Pictures and MMC Zodiac, primarily filmed in Bavaria.
In conclusion, the support from FFF Bayern's fund for international projects has enabled a diverse range of productions to come to life, showcasing the collaborative efforts of filmmakers from various countries and regions. The funding provided has facilitated the creation of compelling stories and brought together talent from around the world to produce engaging content for audiences to enjoy.