Film and television organization, Ufa, relocates to Berlin - mourning felt in Potsdam
In a significant move, Ufa, a prominent production company for TV, cinema, and streaming in the German-speaking region, has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Potsdam to Berlin from the first half of 2026. This decision comes as a response to changing market conditions that the current location in Brandenburg finds difficult to address.
The RTL Group, Ufa's parent company owned by Bertelsmann, will be moving to Schöneberger Ufer, Berlin. The move is part of a strategic reorientation aimed at placing the company in the heart of a vibrant and influential creative environment. Berlin, known for its dynamic hub for creative activity, will provide Ufa with the necessary resources for its future leadership in television and film production, both in Germany and across Europe.
The relocation will see around 130 employees transition to the new Berlin office, while approximately 40 staff will remain in Potsdam to continue work on serial drama productions such as "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" and maintain outdoor filming sets. Notably, the team behind the long-running soap opera "GZSZ" will also remain in Potsdam.
Ufa's Chief Operating Officer, Natalie Clausen, emphasized the need for this move, stating, "Berlin offers a dynamic hub for creative activity, which is essential for our future leadership in television and film production."
It's important to note that Ufa already has an existing location in Berlin. Fremantle, which operates the global production business of the RTL Group, also belongs to Bertelsmann, and Ufa is the parent company of the German production activities of this media company.
This move has caused regret among Brandenburg officials but underscores Ufa's commitment to staying competitive in an evolving media landscape. The company's aim is to adapt to the changing market conditions and to ensure its continued success in the television and film industry.
The RTL Group, with Ufa as a part, is reorienting its strategy by moving its operations to Schöneberger Ufer, Berlin. This move, aiming to place the company in a thriving creative environment, aligns with Ufa's economic and social policy to secure its leadership in television and film production, encompassing both Germany and Europe. On the other hand, movies-and-tv productions like "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" will continue to be developed by the Potsdam-based team, ensuring Ufa's presence in entertainment in the German-speaking region.
