Titel Kino 3/2002 - german films

P I C T U R E S O N T H E B O X
isolated highlights likely to bring viewing quotas. In the case of
in-house, commissioned and co-productions, there is more
opportunity to assume a specific profile, with action and comedy
series and show formats in the case of RTL, or with hospital
and comedy series as well as several-part programs at SAT.1.
Of course, the public channels also back the mainstream, but it
is also possible to find arthouse films and unusual experiments;
the latter include the internationally renowned Kleines Fernsehspiel
at ZDF or programs on ARTE, whilst documentary films are
frequent on the ”third channels“ of the ARD. The makers of the
Kleines Fernsehspiel aim to offer a forum for experimental films
and creative young filmmakers with the program. This claim
means that they also fulfill the educational and cultural brief of the
public service broadcasting stations, according to which provisions
must also be made for minorities.
In face of the large number of available television programs and
even more program formats, the German television market may
appear confusing at first glance. However, structures and channel
profiles emerge upon closer investigation, making it clear that
not every station puts its money on in-house and commissioned
productions, and that despite the pressure of viewing quotas,
arthouse films and documentaries do have a chance with some
broadcasting stations.
10
Dr. Oliver Castendyk is the director of the Erich Pommer
Institute/University of Potsdam and an attorney at
Noerr, Stiefenhofer & Lutz in Berlin
Dr. Lothar Mikos is a professor at the ”Konrad Wolf“
Academy of Film & Television (HFF/B) in Potsdam
Translation: Lucinda Rennison
Kino 3/2002