Study: NRW is the Leader in the TV Production Industry - North Rhine-Westphalia dominates Germany's film and TV production in 2024
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) remains Germany's leading hub for film and television production. A new study shows the region accounted for 44 percent of all production minutes in 2024. This marks a two percentage point rise from two years earlier, solidifying its position ahead of other states.
The study measured production volume based on company headquarters. NRW hosts 158 production firms, with many concentrated in Cologne and its surrounding areas. Major names include ITV Studios Germany, Just Friends Productions, Filmpool, Warner Bros.' German subsidiary, and Ufa Show & Factual.
German broadcasters and streaming services invested around €2.9 billion in film and TV projects in 2024. Of this, €1.2 billion went into productions based in NRW. Despite this funding, total production minutes across Germany fell by 3 percent compared to 2022.
Demand for on-demand content surged during this period. Meanwhile, new regulations will soon require broadcasters and streaming platforms to invest in European film productions. The federal government has also pledged an extra €120 million for film funding.
After NRW, Bayern followed with 19 percent of production minutes, while Berlin contributed 13 percent. The study did not provide data on how NRW's production trends compare to other states since 2022 or what factors influenced these shifts.
NRW's dominance in production minutes highlights its central role in Germany's media industry. The region's share grew despite a national decline in output. Upcoming funding changes and rising demand for streaming content could further shape the sector's future.
