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Legendary Entertainment, Tobis form JV focused on German scripted series

US independent studio Legendary Entertainment and German producer-distributor Tobis are launching a joint venture focused on German-language content.

Josh Grode

Based in Tobis’s recently opened Munich office, the new company will develop, produce and distribute high-end scripted series and miniseries.

Revealed today by Legendary CEO Joshua Grode and Tobis principals Timm Oberwelland and Theo Gringel, the JV aims to collaborate with traditional broadcasters in Germany as well as streaming platforms, with a focus on “exceptional local content and talent.”

Tobis will “take the operational lead on the ground” in Munich while Legendary will handle distribution (outside Germany) of all content created through the partnership.

Legendary and Tobis said they expected the deal to close and the company to be up and running by the end of the summer, but first it must receive clearance from Germany’s antitrust agency.

Tobis built its name as one of Germany’s largest film distributors, releasing more than 400 films theatrically, including some of the most successful German movies of all time. More recently, however, the company has branched into TV with 2020 series Sløborn, which it coproduced for local broadcaster ZDF Neo.

Meanwhile, Legendary has looked to grow its international television business over the past two years, appointing Anne Thomopoulos to spearhead the expansion into new markets.

Recent international series from Legendary include Spanish-language series You Would Do It Too for Disney+; heist drama Vanda, which is a Portuguese and Spanish coproduction between Legendary, SPi and La Panda Productions; and Drops of God, a copro between Legendary, LA-based Dynamic Television, France Télévisions and Hulu Japan. It also recently sold an undisclosed minority stake to private equity firm Apollo for US$760m.

Grode said: “Forging a strategic partnership with Timm and Theo to identify and collaborate on best-in-class episodic content is a key part of our strategy to continue Legendary’s international growth.

“We are excited about this partnership and its future growth as we move further into the international television market.”

Oberwelland and Gringel added in a joint statement: “We are thrilled to be in business with Legendary, an iconic studio and one of the world’s strongest producers and creators of outstanding IP. Together we will create original and exciting new serial content for the German-speaking market and beyond.”

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