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Tim Fehlbaum’s thriller September 5 was the big winner at this year’s German Film Awards, clinching nine statuettes in total including the Golden Lola for best film.

The film also won prizes for direction, screenplay, supporting actress, cinematography, editing, sound, production design and make-up.

Swiss-born Fehlbaum’s third feature had been this year’s hot favourite after it received 10 nominations from the German Film Academy’s members ahead of the weekend’s gala ceremony in Berlin. It only missed out on winning the Lola for best film score which went to Dasha Dauenhauer for Jan-Ole Gerster’s English language debut Islands.

Exclusive: Longtime Constantin producer Constanze Guttmann is joining the Leonine Documentaries team.

Guttmann was most recently co-producer of Oscar nominee and ten-time German Film Award nominee September 5, about the Munich massacre at the 1972 Olympic Games. She is also known for 2021 feature The Colony, Home Sweet Home: Where Evil Lives, which won the Bavarian Film Award for Best Cinematography, the series Inside A Family, and recent fantasy film Hagen.

During her ten-year run at Constantin Film and Constantin Television, she collaborated with filmmakers including Andreas Dresen and Tim Fehlbaum, while also helping to foster new creatives such as Helene Hegemann and Jakob Lass under the creative label Alpenrot.

Jochen Köstler, Executive Vice President Non-Fiction at the Mediawan-backed Leonine Group, said: “With Constanze Guttmann, we are gaining a producer who brings a wealth of experience and an excellent network as well as impressive creativity. Her expertise in cinematic storytelling of fictional...

Series Mania has unveiled the selection of 10 series for its inaugural buyers upfront event, scheduled for March 24, 2025, in Lille.

The invitation-only gathering aims to link top-tier buyers with exclusive previews of upcoming international series, serving as a prelude to the Series Mania Forum, the festival’s industry section, which runs March 25-27.

The event kicks off with the Beta Brunch, a market presentation from the veteran German outfit, followed by 12-minute presentations of each selected series. The lineup, curated by the festival’s artistic team based on artistic merit and broad audience appeal, includes:

Dangerous Truth (Germany) a thriller sold by OneGate Media that follows Alex Jaromin, who has spent 20 years in witness protection in Athens, believing his father was killed by Serbian nationalists. When his mother dies, he discovers the truth behind his family’s past, uncovering a secret government operation linked to Baghdad.

Escaping Bolivia (Norway) – a drama/thriller from REinvent International Sales.

The total box office at German cinemas in 2024 fell almost 8% year-on-year, according to provisional figures from Comscore.

Overall ticket sales totalled €792.5m, down 7.8% on 2023’s € 859m, while total admissions slipped year-on-year by 7.3% from 87.2m to 80.9m.

This compared to the 23.7% year-on-year increase in box-office takings and 18.5% in admissions that had been posted between 2022 and 2023.

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Walt Disney Pictures’ Inside Out 2 was the year’s most successful new release, grossing $56.9m and garnering 5.7m admissions since its opening week on 678 screens on June 12.The performance of Inside Out 2 as well as other releases such asDeadpool & Wolverine,...

Oliver Berben, who took the reins of German production and distribution powerhouse Constantin Film on March 1, faces a German media landscape that is “changing radically and quickly,” he says. In response, he is adjusting the company’s approach to the business.

He welcomes the government’s proposed reform of the German Film Law, which will change the country’s production incentives, including for television, and will introduce an obligation on broadcasters and streamers to invest 20% of sales generated in Germany back into European productions, 70% of which would have to be in the German language.

“You have stagnating funding of public broadcasters. You have declining revenues for the private stations. The question is: Is the model functioning altogether? It is not, if we just keep on doing the same thing again and again.”

He adds, “Everything is changing, and these changes, by the way, are good. Us, as producers, we need...

For writers and directors Cyrill Boss and Philipp Stennert, Wolfgang Hohlbein’s 1986 bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje” was the ideal material to adapt not only into a feature film, but also into an epic six-part series.

The story recounts the Nibelung saga, which follows the dragon slayer Siegfried and the fate of the Burgundian kingdom, albeit from a different perspective – that of Hagen von Tronje, traditionally the antagonist of the tale, seen as a dark figure with dubious motives.

Bathing in the blood of the slain dragon is said to make Siegfried (Jannis Niewöhner) ​​invulnerable.

In “Hagen,” which premieres at the Zurich Film Festival, the titular character (played by Dutch actor Gijs Naber) is lord commander to King Gunter (Dominic Marcus Singer) of Burgundy. With his sense of duty and iron determination, it is Hagen who holds the crisis-ridden kingdom together.

A loyal servant, disciplined and rational, Hagen faces a grave challenge when the bold,...

The Zurich Film Festival kicks off its 20th edition Thursday with a lineup of new European discoveries, some of the most acclaimed films of the year, a new center and wide-ranging industry forum.

In addition to an impressive roster of international stars, including Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Richard Gere and Pamela Anderson, the event offers a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the industry at its annual Zurich Summit Conference.

Opening the fest will be Justin Kurzel’s neo-Nazi thriller “The Order,” starring Law, who will receive the festival’s Golden Eye career achievement award.

Organizers this year have streamlined the festival, eliminating its German-language Focus Competition and trimming the lineup down to 107 films, 41 fewer than last year. Zurich now has just two main competitions, for feature films and documentaries, in addition to such sidebars as Gala Premieres, Signatures, Border Lines, Hashtag #BigCityLife, Sounds and Zff for Kids.

The Zurich Film Festival has lined up world premieres of Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen and western The Unholy Trinity starring Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson as part of its Gala programme.

Two Swiss productions - Frieda’s Case by Maria Brendle and Aiming High - A Race Against The Limits by Flavio Gerber and Alun Meyerhans – will also world premiere in the ten strong Gala section.

Produced by Constantin, Hagen is a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga directed by Cyrill Boss and Philipp Stenner. As well as a feature, it has been made as a six-part series.

Zurich Film Festival has revealed a second wave of Gala titles, which includes films starring Tilda Swinton, Sebastian Stan, Nicole Kidman, Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson.

Among the 10 added titles are four world premieres, two international premieres and one European premiere.

Zurich will screen, among others, Ali Abbas’ “The Apprentice,” starring Stan, Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” starring Swinton, and Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl,” starring Kidman.

Richard Gray’s Western “The Unholy Trinity,” starring Brosnan and Jackson, has its world premiere.

The other world premieres are “Frieda’s Case” by Maria Brendle, “Aiming High – A Race Against the Limits” by Flavio Gerber and Alun Meyerhans, and German epic adventure “Hagen.”

“The fact that we have the opportunity to present so many world and European premieres goes to show that the Zff holds a strong position in the international calendar,” Christian Jungen, artistic director of the festival, said.

Quick Links How To Find Fort Hagan In Fallout 4 How To Find Kellogg In Fort Hagen

Conrad Kellogg is first met while the Sole Survivor is still in their cryo pod during the introduction of Fallout 4, cruelly taking their spouse and son from them. Finding Kellogg is the focus of the main questline, as he serves as the main antagonist for the first act of the game. The cold-blooded mercenary has answers to the many questions surrounding the location of Shaun, but luckily, tracking him down is pretty straightforward.

Finding Kellogg takes place during the main questline and will follow directly from the previous quest "Getting a Clue". To trigger "Reunions", you must get into Kellogg's old house in Diamond City with Nick Valentine. There are a few ways to do this, such as persuading Mayor McDonough or stealing the key, but once inside, the house should be searched for...

In key appointments at Constantin Film, one of Europe’s biggest – and most ambitious – of production powerhouses, Viola Jäger and Jan Ehlert has been named as its new Chief Content Officers.

Jan Ehlert will head up TV/streaming, Viola Jäger oversee content for theatrical/film; both report to Constantin Film CEO Oliver Berben.

For years, Constantin has built its business on big international hits, such as the “Resident Evil” franchise, and a rock-solid domestic business powered by national blockbusters, such as, most recently, “Chantal and the Magic Kingdom,” which has sold over 2.6 million admissions in Germany.

Coming just a couple of months after Berben took over formally from Martin Moszkowicz as Constantin Film CEO, the new appointments are a play for continuity. Ehlert joined Moovie in 2000, just a year after Constantin head Berndt Eichinger had bought the Berben-headed company. Focusing on TV in his now 24-year career at Constantin Film,...

Leading producer Martin Moszkowicz, who recently moved away from his role as CEO of German giant Constantin to focus on producing, was honored with the Carl Laemmle Producer Award in Laupheim for his multifaceted and extensive work as a filmmaker and producer. The veteran producer and exec has been behind major projects such as Monster Hunter, Fack Ju Goëth 1-3, Resident Evil and more recently, the Nibelungen adaptation of Hagen and Those About To Die.

Laemmle is a German producer of Jewish origin, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1886 and founded Universal Pictures in 1912 and became famous as a great cinematic visionary and one of the founding fathers of Hollywood.

The award was presented by the Alliance of German Producers of Film and Television (Produzentenallianz) at a festive gala in Schloss Großlaupheim, Laupheim, the birthplace of Laemmle. The event, which was hosted by German presenter Nina Eichinger, was attended...

On Wednesday, Fremantle revealed that it had secured worldwide distribution rights, outside of German-speaking territories, to the premium fantasy drama “Hagen” — a working title — from Constantin Film. Variety spoke to Jan Ehlert, one of the producers on the show, and Jens Richter, CEO commercial and international at Fremantle, about why they backed the ambitious production, which is budgeted at around Euros 45 million ($48.8 million) and will be produced as a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release.

“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

Returning to the original “Nibelungen” saga was key to Constantin’s decision to turn the story into a premium drama, and one of...

Constantin Film has released the first images from Hagen, its hotly-anticipated new fantasy drama, which is looking to tap into the global Game of Thrones and Vikings fan base with a swords-and-magic tale inspired by the Teutonic Nibelungen saga.

Fremantle has picked up worldwide distribution rights outside German-speaking territories to the series from Constantin. Fremantle parent Rtl Group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

The series is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s Hagen von Tronje, a reimagining of the Niebelungen saga, the medieval German folk tale considered the inspiration for such modern-day fantasy epics as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.

Hagen follows the story of the soldier Hagen, the legendary dragon slayer Siegfried, the princess warrior Kriemhild, and the magical Valkyrie queen Brunhild in a tale of love, family, power and war that ends —this is a Germanic tale after all — catastrophically.

Gijs Naber (The Story of My Wife...

Fremantle has acquired worldwide rights, excluding German-speaking territories, to Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen (working title) that is being made as both a feature and a six-part TV series.

The Rtl group, also Fremantle’s parent company, holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered to be one of the inspirations behind J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings.

The epic adventure centres on the titular soldier and commander...

Fremantle has acquired worldwide rights excluding German-speaking territories to Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen (working title) and released first-look images.

The deal will see Fremantle produce a feature film and a television series of six one-hour episodes. Rtl group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Fremantle will showcase Hagen as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents on Friday (March 1) as part of London TV Screenings 2024.

Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered...

Here’s a first look at Hagen (working title), the German-Czech fantasy drama epic, which now counts Fremantle as its worldwide distributor.

Based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel ‘Hagen von Tronje’, the series is a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga, which is widely considered as an inspiration behind modern fantasy franchises such as George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.

Super-indie Fremantle has jumped to acquire rights outside of German-speaking territories, with the agreement covering the six-part series and accompanying feature film. Fremantle’s stablemate at German conglomerate Bertelsmann, Rtl, has German streaming and TV rights.

Fremantle plans to launch the series at its Fremantle Presents showcase this Friday (March 1) at the London TV Screenings. This follows an agreement between Rebecca Dundon on behalf of Fremantle and Friedrich Radmann on behalf of Constantin Film.

The series is billed...

Fremantle revealed Wednesday that it has secured worldwide distribution rights, outside of German-speaking territories, to the premium fantasy drama “Hagen” — a working title — from Constantin Film. The deal includes rights to a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release. Rtl Group holds German streaming and free TV rights.

Fremantle will be showcasing “Hagen” as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents this Friday as part of London TV Screenings.

“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

The show centers on dutiful soldier Hagen and Siegfried, the legendary dragon slayer. Hagen, bound by loyalty to the kingdom, is Lord Commander, ready to serve and stand by his king.

Fff Bayern awards funding to action thriller follow-up which now has French director Jean-François Richet on board

Cliffhanger 2, the sequel to the 1993 Sylvester Stallone action film, has been awarded €2m in funding from German production fund Fff Bayern ahead of a planned summer 2024 shoot in Europe with director Jean-François Richet now on board.

The screenplay by Mark Bianculli sees Stallone reprising his role as the ranger Gabriel “Gabe” Walker who is now living in the Dolomites where he runs an exclusive mountain lodge.

When Gabe and a high-profile client are taken hostage during an adventurous weekend trip, his daughter...

Respected German industry veteran Martin Moszkowicz is stepping down as chairman of Resident Evil producer Constantin Film.

The independent film and TV production company announced that Moszkowicz will let his contract expire as planned and at his own request on February 29, 2024. He will continue to work as a producer for Constantin Film from March 1, 2024.

Current Deputy Chairman Oliver Berben has been appointed as his replacement in the chairman role with effect as of March 1 2024. In other board news, Hanns Beese has extended his contract.

“We are very grateful to Martin Moszkowicz for his many years of professional and loyal leadership and cooperation. Under his guidance, Constantin Film has developed sustainably into one of the most successful independent film and television production companies in Europe,” said Bernhard Burgener, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Constantin Film.

“We wish him the very best for his future and...

Martin Moszkowicz is to step down as chairman of the executive board of Constantin Film, the producer of the “Resident Evil” franchise and one of Germany’s leading distributors, with deputy chairman Oliver Berben taking over the role.

At his own request, Moszkowicz is to let his contract expire on Feb. 29, 2024, and he will then continue to work as a producer for Constantin Film from March 1, 2024. The company’s supervisory board has approved his request and has appointed Berben to be chairman of the executive board as of March 1, 2024. Additionally, Hanns Beese, the member of the board in charge of finance, has extended his contract.

Moszkowicz is one of the leading producers in the independent film and television sectors worldwide. Constantin Film has achieved major successes on his watch and has established itself as a leading media company both at home and abroad.

“We are very grateful to Martin Moszkowicz...

The Munich-based fund has also made awards to Christophe Gans’ ‘Return To Silent Hill’ and Marvel series ‘Ironheart’.

Justin Kurzel’s UK-Germany sci-fi thriller Morning, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Laura Dern, Noah Jupe and Naomi Ackie, is set to shoot in Germany after receiving €2m from Fff Bayern’s funding programme for international theatrical features and series.

The project is based on a screenplay by Screen Star of Tomorrow Sam Steiner and is produced by Cumberbatch and his partners Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland through their UK company SunnyMarch with Maximilian Leo and Jonas Katzenstein of Cologne-based augenschein Filmproduktion and actress-producer...

The Munich-based fund has also made awards to Christophe Gans’ ‘Return To Silent Hill’ and Marvel series ‘Ironheart’.

Justin Kürzel’s UK-Germany sci-fi thriller Morning, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Laura Dern, Noah Jupe and Naomi Ackie, is set to shoot in Germany after receiving €2m from Fff Bayern’s funding programme for international theatrical features and series.

The project is based on a screenplay by Screen Star of Tomorrow Sam Steiner and is produced by Cumberbatch and his partners Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland through their UK company SunnyMarch with Maximilian Leo and Jonas Katzenstein of Cologne-based augenschein Filmproduktion and actress-producer...

Leading German producer and distributor is prepping an ambitious 2023 slate.

One of Germany’s leading production and distribution companies, Constantin Film is delivering one of its “most ambitious” slates of films and series this year, according to executive chairman Martin Moszkowicz.

They include Berlinale gala screening Sun And Concrete (Sonne Und Beton), directed by David Wnendt, which Constantin co-producers and distributes, and Paul W.S. Anderson’s fantasy adventure In The Lost Lands, starring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista. Hagen, a big budget feature and six-part series based on the epic German Nibelungen saga, has also started shooting, and Constantin is...