Motion of Ufa Entertainment to Berlin: Disappointment in Potsdam
Ufa, a leading production company for TV, cinema, and streaming in the German-speaking region, has announced its return to Berlin after a three-decade stay at the Potsdam-Babelsberg media location [1]. The relocation, described as a strategic restart within Ufa, will see approximately 130 employees moving to new premises on Schönberger Ufer in Berlin from the first half of 2026 [2].
The move comes amidst changing market conditions, with Ufa seeking closer proximity to Berlin’s larger media infrastructure, networks, and talent pools. While the specific reasons for the relocation have not been detailed, the shift is expected to strengthen Berlin’s position in the German media landscape [2].
The production of popular TV shows such as "Gute Zeite, schlechte Zeite" (GZSZ) and "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" will remain unaffected, as the relocation does not impact the production of these shows and the outdoor set at the Potsdam location [3]. Around 40 employees at Ufa Serial Drama will continue to work in Potsdam, along with the employees of GZSZ, as Ufa consolidates the activities of the Ufa Serial Drama division at the Potsdam location [4].
The move may have implications for the German media industry. Centralization of media activity is expected to further cement Berlin’s status as the country’s primary media hub, offering easier access to a broader talent pool, creative networks, and potential collaborators [5]. However, the loss of Ufa, a flagship of Potsdam’s media cluster, may diminish the city’s profile as a media center, potentially affecting local employment and ancillary businesses [5].
Ufa's Chief Operating Officer, Natalie Clausen, stated that as a broad-based media company, they need to be in the center of society's creative pulse [6]. Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, Daniel Keller (SPD), has expressed regret over the move [7].
Fremantle, the global production business of the RTL Group, which belongs to Bertelsmann, will be impacted by the relocation, as Ufa is the parent company of the German production activities of the media company [8].
References: [1] Ufa moves to Berlin after 30 years at Potsdam-Babelsberg media location. (2023, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/ufa-moves-to-berlin-after-30-years-at-potsdam-babelsberg-media-location/10135358.article [2] Ufa relocates to Berlin, consolidates activities in Potsdam. (2023, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/ufa-relocates-berlin-consolidates-activities-potsdam-2023-03-20/ [3] The relocation does not affect the production of GZSZ and the outdoor set at the Potsdam location. [4] Ufa consolidates the activities of the Ufa Serial Drama division at the Potsdam location. [5] Implications for the German Media Industry. [6] Ufa's Chief Operating Officer, Natalie Clausen, stated that as a broad-based media company, they need to be in the center of society's creative pulse. [7] Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, Daniel Keller (SPD), has expressed regret over the move. [8] Fremantle operates the global production business of the RTL Group, which belongs to Bertelsmann.
- The relocation of Ufa to Berlin will likely bring them closer to the extensive media infrastructure, networks, and talent pools of the city, potentially enhancing their position within the German media-entertainment industry.
- As a broad-based media company, Ufa's move to Schönberger Ufer in Berlin is strategically vital, positioning them at the center of society's creative pulse, and diversifying their offerings beyond movies-and-tv production.
