FAQ for COMPANIES

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.

By offering someone a job shadowing opportunity, you open doors — and send a clear signal about social responsibility, equity, and the future of an industry that aims to grow together. With minimal effort, you can help create more diverse crews and fairer entry pathways.

The German film industry still doesn’t fully reflect the diversity of society. To many, it appears difficult to access and even intimidating — shaped by existing networks and informal entry routes that aren’t open to everyone. Many professionals entered the industry through personal connections or chance, and often know firsthand how challenging it can be to break in. This is exactly where job shadowing comes in: it provides a first, low-threshold point of entry and opens up new perspectives and access.

At the same time, the industry — like many others — is facing demographic change. In the next five to ten years, a significant number of experienced professionals will leave the workforce. To remain sustainable, the industry needs new talent and more diverse pathways into careers.

Job shadowing is an investment in the future: it offers early orientation, lowers barriers, and helps reach new audiences.

Internships usually require availability over several weeks or months — and the financial means to support that. A three-day job shadowing allows participants to explore whether a specific film role is right for them, without a long-term commitment.

We know how unique film work can be. Participants who decide to continue after a shadowing experience are often particularly motivated and well-suited for internships or entry-level roles. This leads to more sustainable talent development across the industry — benefiting professionals, productions, and newcomers alike.

Additionally, internships are rarely offered in certain roles, such as script supervision. Job shadowing can provide a valuable first point of contact and orientation in these cases.

By supporting emerging talent, you actively help shape the future of the industry and increase visibility for behind-the-scenes roles. There are over 100 different jobs in film — many of which are still largely unknown. At the same time, you get the opportunity to meet potential interns or future team members early on and connect with them directly.

Job shadowing is open to most productions, except no-budget, student, or crowdfunding projects.

All formats are generally eligible, including: film and TV productions, reality TV, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and animation. Corporate films are excluded.

In addition to production companies, post-production houses, distributors, rental companies, film festivals, freelance film professionals, and film events (e.g. award ceremonies) can also offer job shadowing.

Yes — absolutely. Just reach out via email at info@newmotion.world.

Simply register on our website and post opportunities through your account.

Alternatively, contact us via email at info@newmotion.world.

You’ll need to include: production title, production period, shooting locations, shadowing period, and available roles.

Yes — you can post multiple shadowing opportunities per production or contact us directly at info@newmotion.world.

Yes — email us at info@newmotion.world or call our project coordinator, Maja Rubaj: +49 174 2160188

Participants typically have little or no experience or industry connections and are at least 18 years old.

Shadows primarily observe to gain insight into the day-to-day work behind the camera. Optional support is possible, but only voluntarily and by agreement.

There is no expectation of onboarding or detailed instruction. Shadows are not assigned fixed tasks and are not subject to direction.

They cannot be used as extras, as this would contradict the educational purpose of the program.

NewMotion selects and matches motivated adult participants. They accompany a designated crew member for around three days — on set, in the office, or in the studio — observing and asking questions. No onboarding is required; learning happens through observation and exchange.

Job shadowing usually lasts three days. The duration can range from one to three days and can be split into separate sessions if necessary.

Please assign a designated contact person within the department. This person should be open to answering questions during quieter moments and allow the participant to follow their work. Catering should be provided on set. All participants follow our code of conduct.

Job shadowing is unpaid. Costs are limited to catering and, if applicable, local transport.

No — job shadowing is unpaid.

If you are insured with BG ETEM, job shadowing participants are co-insured under your accident insurance at no additional cost (BG ETEM, Section 63 – insurance coverage for persons not employed by the company).

Participants are covered by liability insurance through NewMotion.

Yes — the company assumes full legal responsibility for the participants (“Shadows”) during the job shadowing. NewMotion supports the process by providing a structured framework: we conclude a manual with the company, and a deal memo with each participant. In addition, we provide a contract template for your use.

The contract template (for placements of up to three days) has been reviewed from a labor law perspective and is recommended, but its use is not mandatory. Responsibility for drafting, adapting, and legally implementing any agreements ultimately lies with the company.

Workplace safety, duty of care, and compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations on set remain entirely the responsibility of the company. NewMotion assumes no liability for the execution or implementation of the job shadowing.

No — job shadowing does not establish an employment relationship. There is no right to issue instructions regarding place of work, working hours, or the manner in which tasks are carried out. Participation is entirely voluntary.

A job shadowing does not create any obligation to recruit participants. Participants are informed of these conditions in advance. For legal reasons, we recommend not exceeding a maximum of 8 hours of attendance per day.

No. If an NDA is required for your production, it must be provided by the company and signed directly by the participants (“Shadows”). NewMotion can support communication if needed.

Travel to and from the production is usually arranged independently by the participants. Accommodation is also organized by the participants themselves. If needed, productions are expected to cover local public transport costs. For shoots in remote locations — and where budget allows — productions are welcome to cover travel and accommodation costs for participants.

A typical shadowing day is designed for up to 8 hours. Participation is voluntary and does not involve fixed working hours. We recommend making full use of the agreed time in order to gain a meaningful insight into the day-to-day work. Participants may choose to stay longer if they wish. However, for legal reasons, we recommend not exceeding a maximum of 8 hours of attendance per day.

Participants receive the NewMotion Code of Conduct in advance, as well as a short set etiquette guide covering topics such as punctuality, respectful interaction with crew, cast, and equipment, and appropriate (e.g. weatherproof) clothing. Participants are not subject to direction, but may offer support on a voluntary basis if agreed. Catering is provided on set. Participants may not be used as extras.

Yes – Under “Your Listings” → “Entry Opportunities,” you can post internships and job openings. Suitable candidates from our database will then be matched with your listings.

Candidates are selected from our alumni and applicant pool based on the specific criteria of your listing.

You can reach us via email at info@newmotion.world or contact our project coordinator, Maja Rubaj (she/her), by phone at +49 174 2160188.