TV broadcasting companies participate financially in film productions in exchange for the broadcast rights. The decision as to which film projects will be funded is that of the editorial staff (a department), their employees and TV producers.

The TV producer also participates in script development and production. In particular having a significant say in dramatic decisions on behalf of the TV station, for example, in relation to the taste of viewers.

In Germany, the majority of feature films are only produced with the financial participation of a TV network. This gives TV companies a direct impact on what kind of films are produced in Germany. This fact, coupled with the influence of the TV Producer on the script development, often leads to discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of this heavily TV controlled system and whether or not TV producers hold too much sway.