7 reasons to make a movie in Berlin

Well, not exactly, but state subsidies for films are very generous in Germany, totalling 29.3 million euros ($38.9 million) in 2013 alone. The funds not only went to production and post-production, but also catering, makeup and hotels. And it seems the money was well invested: the 339 subsidized film projects brought in 134.2 million euros in revenue.

State subsidies aren't just offered to art films, but also to mainstream flicks that get audiences giggling. Last year, seven films supported by the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Board were among the year's top 10 blockbusters. Among them: the comedy "Fack ju Göhte" (intentional misspelling of F*** You, Goethe), pictured, and "Der Nanny," starring Matthias Schweighöfer as an overwhelmed single dad.

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Berlin has increasingly become a hot spot for young creatives. That means production companies don't have to look far to find competent cameramen, extras, stylists and designers. And it doesn't hurt that city authorities tend to be cooperative when it comes to issuing filming permits. Pictured is Uzbek director Yalkin Tuychiev working on "The House for Samal."

Historical films have plenty of locations to choose from in Berlin since so many different epochs are still evident, from the Weimar Republic (1918-1933) and the Nazi period to the Cold War and reunification. Sometimes redecorating windows is all that's needed. The film "Valkyrie" (pictured) with Tom Cruise about Stauffenberg's assassination attempt on Hitler was filmed at many original locations.

The numerous Hollywood productions that have already been filmed in Berlin draw additional international productions and press attention to the German capital. Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and George Clooney's "Monuments Men" (pictured, with Matt Damon) cast the international spotlight on Berlin.

Berlin's cinema expertise goes back to the origins of the medium. In 1917, Universum Film (known as UFA) was founded in response to stiffening international competition. From 1925 until the Nazis' rise to power, UFA partnered with Hollywood studios. It was used to produce propaganda films for the Nazis, but privatized after the war. (Pictured: Marlene Dietrich in "Gefahren der Brautzeit," 1931).

The German capital is particularly attractive for up-and-coming filmmakers. Not only are state subsidies made available for young directors, the annual Berlinale film festival also includes a special section called Berlinale Talent. Young director Nuran David Calis (pictured, center, during filming) recently created a film version of Georg Büchner's drama, "Woyceck," starring Tom Schilling.