(Berlin, 27 November) Today marks the beginning of a campaign in Germany against the illegal copying of films and for the protection of original copyright owners. The motifs are drastically exaggerated but humorous, and are intended to raise awareness and set a distinctive tone for a nationwide discussion of the topic of copyright theft.

Approximately 800 million euros – that’s the estimate of the damage caused by bootleg films in Germany alone. But now it’s time to put a stop to this crime: the German film industry and the Zukunft Kino Marketing GmbH organisation have joined together to create a wide-reaching campaign to be used throughout Germany. On cinema screens, in print media and on television, the new advertisements will sharpen awareness for the fact that bootleg copies are illegal. “We need a broad, public discussion, and this campaign will see to it”, said Dr. Elke Esser, managing director of the Zukunft Kino Marketing GmbH. The new commercials and print motifs will be introduced at a press conference in Berlin on 27 November when the campaign kicks off.