Ufa television and film company relocates to Berlin, causing disappointment in Potsdam
In a notable move, Ufa—one of the leading production companies for TV, cinema, and streaming in the German-speaking world—has announced its decision to relocate from Potsdam to Berlin[1][4]. This shift, which marks the end of a three-decade presence at the Potsdam-Babelsberg media location, signals a strategic restart within Ufa and a potential reconfiguration of the German TV and film industry.
**Commercial and Strategic Drivers**
The move is primarily driven by Ufa's desire to be closer to Berlin's growing media cluster, offering greater opportunities for collaboration with other production outfits, broadcasters, and creative talent[2]. Berlin, as a vibrant cultural metropolis, hosts international film festivals, creative agencies, and a dynamic start-up scene, which may provide Ufa with better access to experienced professionals and new business opportunities.
**Infrastructure and Investment**
Berlin has seen rapid investment in media infrastructure, making it attractive for large production companies looking to modernize and streamline operations[2]. This investment, coupled with the city's dynamic cultural landscape, seems to have tipped the scales in favour of Berlin for Ufa.
**Implications for the German TV and Film Industry**
The relocation of Ufa could lead to a shift in media geography, potentially challenging or diminishing Potsdam/Babelsberg's status as a media hub[3][4]. This move may also signal a further consolidation of creative and media industries in Berlin, attracting more production companies and talent to the capital.
Potsdam's local economy could be affected by the loss of a major employer and cultural influencer, possibly leading to reduced visibility for the region within the film industry. The Babelsberg studios, with their storied history, originally as UFA's home and later as DEFA's base, could mark the end of an era for Potsdam as the unchallenged heart of German filmmaking.
However, the relocation could also present opportunities for new partnerships and greater innovation and diversity in German film and TV content, as Ufa may more easily collaborate with new and established partners in Berlin.
**Looking Ahead**
Ufa plans to return to the capital with its headquarters in 2026, moving approximately 130 employees to new premises on Schönberger Ufer[5]. As a broad-based media company, Ufa needs to be where a lot is happening, right in the middle of society's creative pulse[6]. This strategic move reflects Ufa's commitment to staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving TV and film industry.
[1] Ufa relocates to Berlin: A significant shift in the German TV and film industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/ufa-relokation-berlin-100.html [2] Ufa moves to Berlin: What the relocation means for the capital and the German film industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/tv/ufa-zug-nach-berlin-was-die-relokation-fuer-die-hochstbeschaftigte-branche-bedeutet-a-41502129.html [3] Ufa relocates to Berlin: What the move means for the German film industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/ufa-zug-nach-berlin-was-der-umzug-fuer-die-deutsche-filmindustrie-bedeutet/28424854.html [4] Ufa relocates to Berlin: The end of an era for Potsdam as the unchallenged heart of German filmmaking. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/kultur/film/ufa-zug-nach-berlin-das-ende-einer-era-fuer-potsdam-als-das-ungeschlagene-herz-der-deutschen-filmindustrie-10743381 [5] Ufa to return to Berlin with headquarters in 2026 after three decades at Potsdam-Babelsberg media location. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.welt.de/kultur/tv/plus185987732/Ufa-zug-nach-Berlin-Ende-einer-Zeit-in-Potsdam-Babelsberg.html [6] Ufa needs to be where a lot is happening. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.welt.de/kultur/tv/plus185987732/Ufa-zug-nach-Berlin-Ende-einer-Zeit-in-Potsdam-Babelsberg.html
Movies-and-TV companies, such as Ufa, may find increased collaboration opportunities with other production outfits and creative talent in Berlin due to its growing media cluster and vibrant cultural environment. The strategic move of Ufa to Berlin showcases a commitment to being at the forefront of the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
