Stories grow in the NEST: Come to us with your ideas - even before you start with your script or concept!
You can apply with your ideas for Feature and animated films, Cinema documentaries, High-end series and innovative formats such as XR or 360 degrees.
NEST brings together Script Writers, Creators and Executive Producers, both online and offline. It replaces the previous types of funding for treatments and scripts as well as in the innovative area for ideas and concepts.
The NEST briefly explained
How do I get into NEST?
Applications for NEST can be submitted by:
authors
creators of innovative audiovisual formats
producers who already work with authors or creators
How does it work?
You can apply for two types of NEST development funding: either for participation in NEST Space or for NEST Classic.
NEST Space
Behind the NEST Space is a five-day programme Collaborative thinking spacewhere you can develop your idea in a safe environment with experts, other Script Writers and creators. As financial support, you will receive a basic grant of 7,500 euros as well as further, individual funding opportunities - our NEST Tools - to advance your project in a targeted manner.
In total, you can receive up to 100,000 euros in funding for feature films with the NEST tools. Documentaries and innovative formats can receive up to 50,000 euros in funding, while high-end series can receive up to 150,000 euros.
Here are the upcoming NEST Space dates at a glance:
25 to 29 November - Introduction date for the selected Space participants (authors and producers) on ZOOM on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 4 p.m.
24 to 28 March 2025
02 to 06 June 2025
13 to 17 October 2025
01 to 05 December 2025
NEST Classic
The Classic variant makes it easy to get project ideas off the ground. All those who apply for Classic funding and are accepted by the Committee will only receive the Basic funding in the amount of 7,500 euros.
Important:
The application procedures for NEST Classic and NEST Space are the same. Applicants who do not wish to participate in NEST Space simply tick the relevant box to "No". In this case, the possible funding is limited to the basic amount.
Regardless of whether NEST Classic or NEST Space: After both funding steps, you can apply as usual for a Project development funding apply to MOIN.
Why are we doing this?
For really good films, series and innovative formats, three things are needed above all in the development phase: sufficient time, creative exchange and financial support.
With our NEST, we therefore want to act more flexibly, offer more individualised Fundings and be at your side as a partner at the earliest possible stage.
What happens in the NEST Space?
The creative writing and development process of a script or concept is often understood as "writing alone in front of the computer".
We want to break this up and give you the opportunity to explore your ideas in more detail before the actual writing process and discover the full potential of your story.
In each NEST Space, a small group of Script Writers and Creators meet with two experts from the European initiative Le Groupe Ouest. They will provide you with creative tools in different thinking spaces, allowing you to explore a broader spectrum of narrative possibilities. We will leave the field completely to you, with a maximum of one of us on site for the organisation.
The NEST Spaces take place over five days in Schleswig-Holstein. The MOIN Film Fund covers the costs for all participants. For parents and family carers, financial compensation for care is possible. The working language is English.
The NEST Spaces always take place shortly after the decision dates. You will be notified of the exact dates during the application process.
An introduction to the NEST Space
What NEST tools are available?
After participating in the NEST Space, you will work out in dialogue with our application department which NEST tools are suitable for you. Behind the tools is a list of defined services with standardised funding amounts.
A few funding opportunities:
First or second script or concept version
Test or trailer shoot (non-fiction)
Dramaturgical advice
Audience development
Advice on AI, green storytelling or sensitivity readings
Booster for experienced writers
Information event on 17 January 2024
Who decides?
In the first NEST year, the members of the existing MOIN Committees decide on the applications submitted.
From 2025, the NEST community itself will take on this job: The participants of the existing NEST Spaces will decide on the allocation of funding.
What's still to come?
By successfully applying to the NEST Space, you automatically become part of the NEST Community. The community is a constantly growing pool of creative people with whom you can continue to exchange ideas. In future, we will offer you an online platform and other networking opportunities.
