Studio Babelsberg Throws Star-Studded Berlinale Bash
Stars, filmmakers and industry reps gathered at Soho House for Studio Babelsberg’s annual Berlinale bash on Friday, celebrating the renowned company’s cinematic legacy and its central role in Germany’s bustling film and TV sector.
Recent productions shot at the storied studio, part of the Cinespace Studios group, include Tom Tykwer’s Berlinale opener “The Light” as well as Wes Anderson’s upcoming “The Phoenician Scheme” and Robert Schwentke’s thriller “Control,” starring James McAvoy and Julianne Moore.
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Among this year’s high-profile guests at the Cinespace x Studio Babelsberg Night were Lana Wachowski, Toby Onwumere, Aaron Altaras, Anika Decker, Volker Schl?ndorff, Julia von Heinz, Jeanne Goursaud, David Schütter, Lars Kraume, Detlev Buck, Heiner Lauterbach, Uwe Ochsenknecht, Malick Bauer, Florence Kasumba, Hannah Herzsprung, Marie Mouroum, Klara Lange, Dani Levy, Oliver Masucci, Lea van Acken, Sabin Tambrea and Pheline Roggan.
Speaking to Variety, Joerg Bachmaier, CEO of Studio Babelsberg, commented on Germany’s recently reformed Film Law and reaffirmed the studio’s commitment to the international industry.
“For more than a century, Studio Babelsberg has been at the forefront of cinematic innovation. We remain committed to providing filmmakers from all over the world with the creative and technical excellence they need to bring their visions to life,” Bachmaier said.
“By increasing the funding rate to 30% and raising the cap, the German government has sent a positive signal to the industry: Germany is open for business and so are we at Studio Babelsberg. We are looking ahead with confidence and are excited to welcome both international and local film and TV productions to our studio in 2025.”
Looking ahead to incoming productions, Bachmaier added: “We are very happy to start the year with three high-profile series filming at Studio Babelsberg. We have the second season of ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ for Hulu and the series ‘Ten Percent’ for Disney+ Germany, a remake of the successful French series ‘Call My Agent,’ on the lot. In February, ‘Babylon Berlin’ will return to our famous Metropolitan Backlot for the filming of Season 5.”
The studio is currently in talks for several German film and series projects as well as two international productions.
“Studio Babelsberg has a long-standing reputation as a trusted partner for both German and international productions, thanks to its first-class and energy-efficient infrastructure, renowned set construction department, advanced virtual production technology, skilled local crews, and the exceptional team of experts, recently bolstered by the addition of industry veteran Marcus Loges who is now running our production services unit,” Bachmaier added.
Touting Germany’s film industry and the many advantages it offers international filmmakers, he stressed: “The key message to the international film industry is that Germany now offers 30% of production incentives. Above that, of course, ideal shooting conditions, highly trained professionals, and an excellent film infrastructure. Our service providers are renowned internationally for their expertise and state-of-the-art technical equipment, complemented by world-class VFX companies, rental services, and post-production facilities.”
The Cinespace x Studio Babelsberg Night was organized in partnership with Mastercard and Don Julio.
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