NACE 59.1 – Motion Picture, Video and Television Programme Activities | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 59.1 covers the production of cinema films, television films, documentaries, commercials and other audiovisual works as well as their distribution and rental. In public procurement, this concerns primarily corporate films, explainer videos, documentary films for public authorities and audiovisual contributions to public relations work.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026

What does NACE 59.1 cover?

NACE 59.1 (Motion picture, video and television programme production, distribution and projection activities) classifies undertakings in the film production sector — from large production houses through specialist documentary producers to agencies for corporate and authority communication.

Group 59.1 within Section J (Information and communication) and Division 59 is broken down into three classes:

Public contracting authorities under NACE 59.1 are primarily press and information offices, cultural authorities, tourism organisations, universities, hospitals and ministries with public communications.

Public Tenders: Activities under NACE 59.1

Film productions are regularly tendered by public bodies — from short explainer videos for authority websites to elaborate documentary productions for public broadcasting partners.

Typical types of contract

• Corporate films and image videos: Corporate and authority presentations for the internet, trade fairs and events
• Explainer videos and animated films: Authorities use animated explainer videos for citizen information (e.g. tax returns, election procedures)
• Documentary productions: Cultural or historical documentary films commissioned by memorial sites, museums and cultural authorities
• Training videos: E-learning videos for authority training and employee communication
• Event documentation: Film documentation of official events, state ceremonies, trade fairs
• Social media content: Video content for authority channels (Instagram Reels, YouTube clips)

Thresholds and procedure types

Film productions, as service contracts, are subject to the EU threshold of EUR 221,000 (higher authorities) or EUR 143,000 (central government bodies). For creative content, a negotiated procedure with prior call for competition or a competitive dialogue is frequently chosen. Below the thresholds, three quotations under national law are often sufficient.

Relevant CPV codes for NACE 59.1

Film production contracts are identified in tenders by CPV codes from the audiovisual and communications area.

Current tenders with these CPV codes can be found on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) as well as on national procurement platforms.

For whom is NACE 59.1 relevant in public procurement?

Public contracting authorities

The Federal Press Office in Germany and the Federal Chancellery in Austria are among the largest public contracting authorities for audiovisual communication services. Federal ministries regularly award corporate films and explainer videos. Tourism authorities (e.g. Österreich Werbung, German National Tourist Board) commission elaborate film productions for destination marketing. Universities and cultural authorities fund documentary productions under research and culture funding. Municipal economic promotion agencies and city marketing companies also act as contracting authorities.

Companies and bidders

Film production companies should consider the following points in the public area:

• Copyright and usage rights: Contracting authorities generally insist on full transfer of rights (buy-out) or comprehensive usage rights
• Accessibility: Videos for public bodies frequently have to be subtitled and/or prepared in sign language (WCAG, BITV)
• Multilingualism: Authorities often require versions in several languages or in sign language
• References: Public contracting authorities require reference projects of comparable type and size

Frequently asked questions about NACE 59.1 and public tenders

From what contract value does a film production have to be tendered? In Germany and Austria, national law applies below the EU thresholds. As low as approx. EUR 1,000 (DE) or EUR 10,000 (AT), certain documentation obligations apply; from approx. EUR 25,000 onwards, comparative quotations must generally be obtained.

Can a public authority directly commission a particular production company? A direct award without competition is only possible for very low contract values or in exceptional cases (e.g. unique specialisation, copyright continuity). For higher volumes, competition must always be conducted.

Are usage rights and licences tendered separately? As a rule, the tender covers both the production service and the granting of the necessary usage rights. Where archive rights lie with third parties (music, photos), bidders must factor in the procurement of these rights.

Must creative concepts be submitted in the bid? Yes, a concept sketch is frequently required as part of the bid. In multi-stage procedures, a creative competition may precede the actual procurement procedure.

NACE 59.1 in context: Section J and Division 59

• NACE J – Information and communication: Parent section
• NACE 59 – Motion picture, video, sound recording and broadcasting activities: Division covering all film and sound classes
• NACE 59.2 – Sound recording and music publishing activities: Audio production for the public sector
• NACE 73.1 – Advertising: Advertising agencies and communication campaigns

Last updated: January 2026 All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.