FAQ for Applicants

NewMotion is a career entry program for the film, TV, and advertising industry.

We want to enable more people to enter the film, TV, and advertising industry. Our focus is on professions behind the camera.

NewMotion offers:

• Information on film professions and training paths on this website
• The opportunity to participate in job shadowing

NewMotion was founded by producers Roshanak „Rosh“ Khodabakhsh and Jorgo Narjes. The project is implemented by NewMotion GmbH and the Produktionsallianz Campus GmbH.

NewMotion is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), the German Federal Film Board (FFA), Netflix, and Prime Video.

You can find more about our team here.

NewMotion is aimed at people interested in film, especially those without industry contacts or prior experience, and individuals affected by structural discrimination*.

The following people are not eligible to participate:

• Students at state film universities
• People who have already had an internship or employment in the industry

*) Defining structural discrimination: This term describes the systematic exclusion or disadvantage of individuals within social systems, such as the workplace or educational institutions. Such discrimination may occur due to:

• Origin or racialized attribution
• Gender or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Religion or belief
• Disability or chronic illness
• Age
• Caregiving responsibilities
• Physical appearance or body shape
• Social status (e.g., income, access to education, housing situation)
• East German socialization

Some people are affected by several of these forms of discrimination simultaneously, others by a single one. Structural discrimination is not accidental but built into social structures and norms — and these are exactly the barriers we want to help break down.

Anyone interested in film aged 18 and over with little or no industry experience.

Applications are accepted starting at age 17, but please note that you must be at least 18 years old to actually participate in the job shadowing.

No. The program is specifically designed for people without prior experience.

No. Job shadowing is free of charge and unpaid. Catering on set is provided. Travel costs for public transport can be covered if needed.

1. Create an account via “Login” (bottom right of the website)
2. Fill out the application form for job shadowing
3. We will contact you after reviewing your application.

Note: Due to a high volume of applications, processing may take some time, and there may currently be longer waiting periods.

We exclusively arrange positions behind the camera (crew jobs).

Yes, you can select up to five preferred areas from the available film professions in the application. If you are still unsure, get inspired here or try our Skillmatcher.

This depends on demand. Therefore, it is not possible to give a flat-rate estimate. We will keep you updated via email. Priority will be given to people affected by structural discrimination.

No. Individual sets or specific production requests cannot be selected.

No. We strive to find a suitable shadowing placement for everyone. The waiting time depends on several factors, such as the desired department, the filming location, and your availability. Since places are also limited, placement can take several weeks or months.

Job shadowings take place throughout Germany – depending on where filming or work is currently happening. In your application, you can indicate which regions are possible for you.

Please note: Travel and accommodation costs are generally not covered by NewMotion or the participating companies.

1. After reviewing your application, we will invite you to an introductory interview online.
2. We will then search for a shadowing spot that fits your interests (waiting times may apply).
3. Once a production is confirmed, we’ll send you an offer and sign the shadowing agreement.
4. You’ll receive a briefing with all the details before starting your 3-day shadowing experience.

You observe the everyday work routine and can ask questions.

You will receive:

• A Code of Conduct
• A “Mini-Setiquette” (set etiquette guide)
• A Call Sheet (for on-set assignments)

No further preparation is needed.

No. Helping out is voluntary and only possible after consultation with your shadowing partner.

You are covered by accident insurance through the production and liability insurance through NewMotion.

All participants must adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Setiquette. Please read both documents carefully before your assignment.

If you have any questions, you can contact our project coordination and trust center at any time:

Maja Rubaj (she/her)
📧 maja@newmotion.world
📞 +49 174 2160188

Yes, NewMotion provides both confidential support and official reporting channels:

• Confidential Liaison (Trust Center) – For confidential reporting. No action will be taken without your explicit consent:
  • Maja Rubaj (sie/ihr)
    📧 maja@newmotion.world
    📞 +49 174 2160188
• Complaints Office – Responsible for investigating incidents and initiating protective measures where necessary:
  • Amelie Schulz (she/her)
    📧 amelie@newmotion.world
    📞 +49 162 2704019
• Anonymous Reporting – Reports submitted via our anonymous reporting form go directly to our Confidential Liaison.

Job shadowing provides first-hand practical experience and an authentic look at daily operations on set. It allows you to ask industry professionals specific questions about their roles, work-life balance, and career paths, helping you make an informed decision about your future in film. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to build your initial industry network. Upon completion, you will receive a formal certificate of participation.

Following your shadowing, we offer guidance on further education and training specifically tailored to your chosen field. If you wish, you can also join our Alumni Pool. Through this network, we share information on internships, traineeships, and job openings whenever we receive inquiries from production companies.

To stay up to date on our latest offers and news, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. We also recommend subscribing to our alumni newsletter once you have completed your shadowing experience.

NewMotion creates pathways for those who currently lack industry experience or professional connections. Through job shadowing and our career information platform, we aim to empower individuals who face structural discrimination and remain underrepresented in the industry. Our goal is to foster greater diversity and inclusion across the film world.

We believe that the diversity of our society should be reflected in the stories we tell and the crews that make them. This is why we specifically support and prioritize candidates who face systemic barriers, as they are often the most underrepresented in our field.

We generally do not offer shadowing for creative leadership roles, such as directors, producers, or Directors of Photography (DoPs). These positions involve complex, long-term processes that are difficult to observe effectively in a short shadowing period. Furthermore, we want to spotlight specialized professions where there is a high demand for skilled talent.

Yes. After finishing your job shadowing and taking part in a brief feedback session, you will receive an official certificate of participation.

Due to high demand, participation is generally limited to one shadowing experience. However, if you are interested in a field with fewer applicants (such as sound/audio), a second shadowing may be possible under certain circumstances. Please note that we always prioritize applicants who have not yet participated in the program.

You can reach us anytime via our contact form or by emailing us at bewerbung@newmotion.world.