The wide range of audio-visual services rendered there has established the facility as a prominent media centre. By providing a reconstructed pavilion on the grounds of Munich Fair for TV filming and by supporting the construction of the new Bavaria Film Studios, the Free State contributed to better film-making conditions in Munich. The Bavarian Government has recognized the need to uphold this film-making centre of international prominence and its future development with the concerted efforts of the entire media industry in order to ensure its artistic output of highest quality. With the establishment of the Bavarian Film and Television Fund, public and private financing for film-making and television were harnessed together for the first time in Germany at the beginning of 1996. Nearly 50 millions DM are earmarked annually for sponsoring the production of motion pictures and TV productions.
Special attention is directed to encouraging young talented film-makers.
Public support for film-making in Bavaria has contributed remarkably towards the renaissance of Germany s film industry in the last few years. Many of the recent box-office hits have been sponsored with Bavarian Film and Television Fund money. The newly instituted Young Lion Award is bestowed by the Free State for outstanding achievements of talented young creators in documentary film-making. Annual awards are also granted to Bavarian motion picture theatre owners screening features of particular prominence. The Blue Panther, a motive from the Bavarian State Emblem, is a symbol of the Bavarian TV Film Award.