ProQuote Film is setting new standards for a fairer film industry in collaboration with leading production companies, broadcasters, and funding institutions – and has achieved an important success with 9 spontaneously signed commitments.
Under the guiding theme “Learning by Doing – Diversity as a Success Factor,” ProQuote Film invited participants to an exclusive Fishbowl discussion on February 14, 2025, as part of the 75th Berlinale. This event provided an opportunity to reflect on and share best practices for already implemented inclusion and diversity strategies, alongside panelists Yvonne Abele (Saxonia Media), Christine Hartmann (Studio Zentral), Philipp Käßbohrer (btf), Christoph Pellander (ARD Degeto Film), and, in the hot seat, Helge Albers (MOIN) and Norina Lin-Hi (FFA).
The speakers’ personal experiences complemented the guidelines for a DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) commitment, developed by experts, which aims to provide practical support. In light of the removal of the Diversity Advisory Board from the Film Funding Act (FFG), ProQuote Film is intensifying its initiative for a voluntary commitment in the areas of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) – and is receiving broad support within the industry.
In 2018, ProQuote Film, together with ARD Degeto Film, advocated for a commitment to a women’s quota in the field of directing – with success: In 2024, Degeto surpassed the set quota in its main programming. This year, the circle of participants was significantly expanded: In addition to Degeto, UFA, ndF:, FFA, MDR, Saxonia Media, Studio Hamburg Production Group, Constantin Film, Network Movie, Bavaria, as well as other leading production companies, film funding institutions, broadcasters, and filmmakers joined the initiative. Even after the discussions, several companies have already signed a commitment, including ndF:, UFA, Studio Zentral, Studio Hamburg Production Group, Network Movie, btf, RISING GAZE, DREI SCHWESTERN Produktionen, and The Imposters.
A Shared Commitment to Diversity
The signing companies and institutions are firmly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and fair film and media landscape. Because only an industry that embraces diversity will remain future-proof and ensure the sustainable quality of its productions.
With this collective commitment, the participants reaffirm their intention to actively shape a modern, competitive, and fairer film industry. The agreement is based on four key goals: a ceiling quota, diversity monitoring, a safe working environment, and diversity- and stereotype-conscious storytelling.
Diversity as a Success Factor
The McKinsey study ‘Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters’ from 2020 demonstrates that diversity is not only an ethical obligation but also an economic advantage. While DE&I initiatives are increasingly being questioned or even banned internationally – as seen in the United States – ProQuote Film is making a clear statement against this global backlash with its initiative.
“The film and television industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Diversity is a central growth driver in this process – the strong interest in our event shows that the industry wants to actively shape its future, rather than leaving it to chance or politics.” – (Eva Maria Sommersberg, Board Member of ProQuote Film)
Opportunities Through Personal Responsibility
With the removal of the Diversity Advisory Board, the responsibility for DE&I now lies in the hands of the companies. ProQuote Film sees this as an opportunity: Without regulatory requirements, individual measures can be tested and specifically developed further. A practical guide, developed by experts, provides direction and support.
Next Steps
After the event, a catalog of measures will be developed for the participants, summarizing the actions and practical diversity tools (e.g., OMNI inclusion, Filmmakers Script Analysis Tool) discussed during the Fishbowl discussion. This will serve as a practical guide for the industry.
The self-commitments developed during the congress will be finalized in the coming weeks and adapted to the respective company strategies. A joint press release will then be published, naming the signing companies and institutions.
With this initiative, ProQuote Film reaffirms: The future of the film industry lies in diversity – and it starts now.
The Fishbowl discussion was supported by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, the Film Funding Agency (FFA), and the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. The sponsors of the subsequent networking event were the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, the Film Funding Agency, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, MOIN Film Funding, ARD Degeto, Filmmakers, and BRLO Craft Beer.