AVGS Coaching for Film Professionals
I help you understand the system, and the system understand you.
I spent 24 years working in film production, as an employee, freelancer and business owner. I know Germany’s Federal Employment Agency and Jobcenter from first-hand experience.
With an approved AVGS, there is no cost to you. Private coaching is also available.
When your work needs explaining to the authorities
Typical situations:
- Your next production is weeks or months away.
- Your CV lists many productions and employers, but does not present a clear professional profile to outsiders.
- Your caseworker cannot easily classify your work, responsibilities or employment status.
- You combine film work with employment, freelance work or your own business.
- You want to develop a second professional field or prepare a business start-up.
- You want to sharpen your skills profile and positioning.
- You are deciding whether to stay in the industry, reposition yourself or change direction.
Film work and the German employment system
I know both the film industry and the requirements of the Federal Employment Agency, Jobcenter and insurers.
I worked as a lighting technician, Best Boy and Gaffer, both as my main occupation and alongside other work, as an employee, freelancer and business owner. My professional film credits are listed on Crew United.
I have also prepared occupational profiles for film lighting professionals, translating responsibilities, skills and career paths into terms that people outside the industry can understand.
In the coaching
Depending on your situation, we focus on:
- A professional goal between or alongside productions
- Your professional and skills profile
- How to present your experience in your CV and to the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter
- A second professional field, business start-up or new positioning
- Further training, a fresh start or a move to another industry
- Combining different forms of work
- A clear decision about staying, changing direction or leaving the industry
Important: This is not legal advice, and I cannot guarantee that an AVGS will be approved.
What an AVGS means
An AVGS can fund approved career or business start-up coaching. The programme must match your situation and the terms of the voucher.
Approval is at the discretion of your caseworker. There is no general legal entitlement.
Once approved in writing, there is no cost to you and no advance payment.
The voucher applies to a specific programme. Its objective, scope and provider must match the approval.
Why verMITTELPUNKT is involved
For AVGS-funded coaching, I work with verMITTELPUNKT, an AZAV-accredited provider in Berlin.
You work with me in the coaching. verMITTELPUNKT handles the formal submission, approval documents and invoicing.
From the initial consultation to coaching
- Free initial consultation: We clarify your starting point, goal and whether an AVGS may be suitable.
- Programme and documents: You receive details of the suitable programme and information for your caseworker.
- Apply for the AVGS: You discuss the funding with your caseworker and submit the application.
- Submit the voucher: Once issued, you send the AVGS to verMITTELPUNKT. The provider submits the final approval documents.
- Start the coaching: After written approval, we arrange the first sessions.
Processing times depend on the authority.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an AVGS before I contact you?
No. You do not need one for the initial consultation. The application and approval come afterwards.
Can AVGS-funded coaching address project-based or freelance work?
In principle, yes. Your situation, the goal of the programme and your caseworker’s decision are what matter.
What does the coaching cost with an approved AVGS?
The approved programme is fully funded. There is no advance payment.
Can I book coaching without an AVGS?
Yes. Career and business start-up coaching can also be booked privately.
Can we address several forms of work at the same time?
Yes. This can include film work, employment, freelance work and running your own business.
Do I need to decide between career coaching and business start-up coaching beforehand?
No. The first step can be orientation, a start-up plan or a combination of both.