Sky Studios signs Leinemann

Sky Studios, the production arm of the Comcast-owned European satcaster, has signed an exclusive deal with filmmaker Philipp Leinemann to produce original content for the company.

Philipp Leinemann
(photo: Silvia Medina)

The agreement will see German creative Leinemann write, develop and direct German and international originals for Sky.

Leinemann studied directing at the University of Television and Film Munich, during which time he produced short films and commercials.

He won a number of awards for his debut film, Wir waren Könige, and has since produced TV dramas such as GDR’s Der letzte Genosse and ZDFNeo six-parter Tempel, which is currently being remade for the US market.

Leinemann also wrote the screenplay for his latest movie, Das Ende der Wahrheit (The End of Truth), which stars German actors Ronald Zehrfeld, Alexander Fehling, Claudia Michelsen, Axel Prahl and Antje Traue.

Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, said: “This is great news for Sky Studios’ ambitions in Germany. Phillip is a top-level talent with the creativity and work ethic that is a perfect fit for us. We have been following Phillip’s work for many years and it’s great that he is now part of Sky Studios’ vision.”

Leinemann added: “Film is the perfect medium to tell a story. Everything flows together – theatre, literature and music – and allows me to be heard. It’s like a letter that becomes a dialogue with the audience, the people who take the time to watch my films.

“Sky is now offering me the opportunity to tell bold and ambitious stories and to develop freely. It reminds me why I came into filmmaking in the first place, and I have a great sense of excitement and joy. I am grateful to Sky for this opportunity and look forward to working with them.”