Endemol enters German drama production

Endemol has set up a drama-focused production company in Germany with the producers of Academy Award-winning film The Lives of Others.

The film’s creators, Quirin Berg and Max Wiedemann, will jointly manage the joint venture, Wiedemann & Berg Television, which launches on January 1. The company will produce all TV drama output for both partners, with distribution duties taken by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

Endemol Group CEO Ynon Kreiz: “Drama is a key strategic growth area for Endemol and this joint venture represents a significant step forward in one of the world’s largest and most important TV markets. The launch of this company, with such accomplished creative talent, who are at the top of their game, will broaden our local offering in Germany and grow our portfolio of hit drama formats.”

Wiedemann added: “This joint venture creates a new platform that combines the strengths of both partners and further broadens the activities of both businesses. It will enhance our ability to offer new concepts and meet future challenges significantly, through innovative production, financing and distribution models.”

Wiedemann & Berg Film, the pair’s film company, will operate out of the same offices but not as part of the JV.