The market will showcase international titles and spotlight the producers and filmmakers that are breaking new ground in the global content landscape. Amongst the titles selected, a total of 66 German productions and co-productions will be screened, including the “Up Next: Germany” showcase which will highlight upcoming series from Germany representing a hugely significant contribution from the county’s industry.
Whilst it may not be breaking news that German content will be featured at a German market, this presence is important considering recent doubts throughout the country’s production industry, due to commission a slowdown across both film and TV (something we’re used to hearing) and slow progress on media law reforms.
But there is rightly optimism throughout the German industry, particularly within the TV sector and the potential for new coproductions partnerships, and the huge success of recent German productions. The last year alone has seen huge international success for original German productions across the world’s major streamers and channels, demonstrating the level of quality and international appeal of its TV output.
Mindful Murders, the German dark comedy series based on the best-selling novel by Karsten Dusse and produced by Constantin Film earnt its place on Netflix’s global top 10 TV list when it premiered last year and has been renewed for a second series.
Another returning series on Netflix, Kleo, from Zeitsprung Pictures was awarded two German Television Awards for Best Drama Series and proved its ‘travelability’ (a word from the Netflix dictionary) securing a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Award.
The rise of German TV in the international market is by no means recent, but with international success stories such as Dark from Wiedemann & Berg Television international coproductions will be a huge part of accelerating the growth of German original content .
Following the success start of the Woman of the Dead series adaption from Austria’s Mona Film Produktion and Germany’s Barry Film in 2023 which was a partnership between Netflix and ORF, the series has been renewed for a season 2. Combining the co-funding, ORF’s understanding and reputation for quality European dramas and Netflix’s global reach and resources, Woman of the Dead demonstrates an international coproduction model that taps into a global demand for non-English language, high-quality drama.
The Berlinale Co-Production Market, part of EFM, in a few weeks will bring together infinite potential for more coproduction and funding partners. With Germany’s continued production of successful TV and film for not just local but global audiences, it will be interesting to see if this can expand beyond Europe and drama, into new genres, and with new coproduction and distribution partners.
@credit to Connie Thorpe Spinks, TV and FIlm PR Specialist at Percy & Warren PR