The German film industry has shown off what it can do lately, with global acclaim for Oscar-nominated and award-winning productions such as All Quiet on the Western Front and The Teacher’s Lounge. At this year’s Berlinale, the number of national and co-produced films reached an all-time high. Meanwhile, the federal government has committed to nearly doubling its production funding, now reaching €250 million.

But while international demand for German productions is growing, the industry still struggles with lack of diversity, limited access and an over-reliance on networks and connections. NewMotion, the rebrand and platform by Innocean Berlin was created to help change that.

At the heart of the project is Germany’s largest online film industry database, a platform designed to connect production companies with aspiring crew members through on-set shadowing experiences, developed in collaboration with BuzzWoo. The online platform covers more than 60 different behind-the-scenes roles, providing applicants with hands-on access to an industry that has often been difficult to break into.

The platform provides users with real-time listings for shadowing, internships, and training opportunities. For those unsure where to start, there’s an AI-powered “Skillmatcher” tool, an interactive quiz that suggests suitable film professions based on users’ personal strengths and interests. An additional interactive film experience lets users explore a virtual film set and learn about various roles by clicking on different crew members.

Innocean Berline and Stink Films also developed a cinematic campaign of three original short films, each showing in a humorous and literal way how it feels like to shadow a film crew on set. The short films, directed by Eion Glaister, star well-known German actors, Detlev Buck, Aaron Altaras, Ruby Commey, and two of Germany’s top stunt performers, Hong Indira Rieck and Cecilia Deich.

Innocean Berlin also developed a tailor-made visual identity inspired by film production tools. Technical graphic elements and typographies that are usually only seen on displays behind the scenes of a film set are now raised as an art style, embodying the mission to make the film industry more transparent.

Additionally, a new photography direction and in-house shot series of images inspired by film stills represent NewMotion’s vision for the future of film, one that is rooted in multiculturalism and solidarity.

NewMotion was initiated by producers Roshanak “Rosh” Khodabakhsh and Jorgo Narjes and is jointly implemented by NewMotion GmbH and Produktionsallianz Campus GmbH. Thew project, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), the German Federal Film Board (FFA), Netflix and Prime Video, lowers access barriers and provides real opportunities to enter the film and TV industry.

“This wasn’t just about a visual rebrand, it was about building an infrastructure from scratch. One that can help change how people enter the film industry in Germany,” stated Gabriel Mattar, chief creative officer, Innocean Europe.

“This initiative started with a simple question – How do we open the film industry to people who rarely get a real chance to break in? With our creative partners, we translated that into a platform and identity that not only inspires but actually lowers the barrier to entry, offering real guidance and opportunity,” added Rosh Khodabakhsh and Jorgo Narjes, co‑founders, NewMotion GmbH, and Jennifer Stahl, managing director, Produktionsallianz Campus GmbH.

“Stink is proud to support a platform like New Motion. Getting into the industry today can feel tough, especially if you don’t have film school credentials or personal connections. As an international production company that values diversity, we really believe in giving young creatives from all backgrounds a chance. Bringing our director, Eoin Glaister, on board just felt like the perfect fit – his clever characters and humor make the films feel inviting, engaging, and genuinely human,” commented Justin Stiebel, managing director, Stink Films.