The CEO of Studio Babelsberg AG in Potsdam, Andy Weltman, has announced a positive development with new film productions this year after the lull in 2023. “2024 seems to be a very good year for Studio Babelsberg,” said Weltman in Potsdam. Strikes in the film industry in the US brought international productions to a standstill in 2023, but this challenge has been overcome.
Weltman announced several productions in Babelsberg and named a project with US director Wes Anderson and a production with British actor James McAvoy in the lead role.
A new beginning in terms of personnel
The Babelsberg studio, which was founded 112 years ago, has got a new US owner: Last year, the film production facility handed over its management to Cinespace Studios, which belongs to the US real estate investor TPG. Weltman became chairman of the traditional film studio in Potsdam. The former long-standing bosses withdrew from the management of the film company after the change of ownership.
Studio Babelsberg AG is also relying on new personnel. The previous Warner Bros. Discovery International manager Iris Oetter will become CFO from March 1st. She brings more than 25 years of financial experience, including more than 16 years in the film and media industry, as well as strong leadership skills that will help further improve the studio’s financial performance. Cinespace Studios CFO Keith Gee said: “The appointment of Iris Oetter as CFO of Studio Babelsberg underscores Cinespace’s goal of building experienced German-speaking leadership for this traditional German company.”
Weltman said on Monday before the start of the Berlinale film festival that Studio Babelsberg had also lost productions to other countries. He therefore also hopes for changes in film funding in Germany. The CEO also announced that he wanted to open the film studio more to local productions.
What’s next for German film funding?
Brandenburg’s Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach (SPD) also referred to the strong competition from film productions in Europe. That is why the planned reform of film funding in Germany must succeed. “There’s still a ways to go.” There will also be an appointment with Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth soon, said Steinbach.
The managing director of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (MBB), Kirsten Niehuus, said: “Many productions are moving away, German productions are also going to Prague, going to Budapest to film there.” The industry is urgently waiting for Minister of State for Culture Roth to explain – hopefully during the Berlinale – how film funding should continue.
In Germany, film companies can apply for financial support for their projects. There are pots for this in the federal states and at the federal government – so part of it is the responsibility of the Minister of State for Culture. The Green Party politician Roth wants to reform film funding.
The Medienboard’s film funding turns 30 years old this year. The Berlin-Brandenburg region has become Germany’s number one film location, said Niehuus. According to its own information, the Medienboard supports 16 productions that are represented at the Berlinale. The film festival in the federal capital begins this Thursday.
