Independent Filmmaking in Germany: the German Public Broadcasting System
The German public broadcasting system (television, radio, online) is extensive and can be a good starting point when looking for co-production partners for independent film productions here in the US.
ARD (1st Channel) is a network of regional public service broadcasters (television and radio) with a common nationwide primetime television schedule and independent local programming.
ZDF (2nd Channel) is -as the name suggests- Germany's second nationwide public service television broadcaster with home office in Mainz and bureaus in all German Länder (states).
ARTE (European Cultural Channel) is a joint project of French and German public broadcasting, seen throughout Europe on cable, satellite, or by terrestrial broadcast in German or French. ARTE's main office is in Strasbourg, France. ARTE Germany's office is in Baden-Baden, Germany and ARTE France's office is in Paris.
3Sat (German-language satellite/cable program) is a joint project of German, Austrian, and Swiss public broadcasting. Main office is in Mainz, Germany (at ZDF headquarters).
