German studio names distribution boss

The new German studio set to be formed from the merger of Tele MünchenGroup (TMG), Universum Film, i&u TV and Wiedemann & Berg Film has appointed a distribution boss.

Bernhard zu Castell

Bernhard zu Castell has been named chief distribution officer of the as-yet-unnamed company, which is being established by New York-based investment firm KKR following its spree of acquisitions that began with TMG in February.

Zu Castell has joined the new outfit’s corporate management team, which also includes CEO Fred Kogel, chief operating officer Dr Markus Frerker and chief financial officer Joachim Scheuenpflug. Zu Castell will also remain MD of Universum Film until further notice.

The graduate engineer and business economist has been MD of Universum Film since 2010 and has been responsible for the financial management of the company since 2006. Prior to that, he worked in corporate development at broadcaster RTL.

Zu Castell will oversee the company’s distribution division, which will be responsible for where its content is available, covering theatre, digital services, home entertainment and TV channels.

“As we continue to develop the distribution of our content, we want to explore new ways in addition to theatrical and home entertainment exploitation and make even greater use of the possibilities offered by digital channels in order to make an additional contribution to the corporation’s added value,” said zu Castell.

The company plans to buy and produce feature films, series and TV shows and exploit this content in theatres, digital services, home entertainment and TV channels. Last month it added Studio71 co-founder Christian Meinberger as chief digital officer.