Henning Molfenter, the longtime head of production at Germany’s renowned Studio Babelsberg, is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of his independent venture, Babelsberg Production Group. With decades of experience overseeing some of the most celebrated productions in modern cinema, Molfenter’s new company aims to become the premier partner for international film and TV projects looking to shoot in Germany and across Europe.
Molfenter, whose impressive tenure at Studio Babelsberg includes overseeing blockbusters such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglourious Basterds, and Captain America: Civil War, is setting up Babelsberg Production Group to provide world-class production services and co-production support. “We hope to become the go-to service company for producers looking to shoot here,” Molfenter shared.
A New Model for Global Productions
Unlike traditional production companies, Babelsberg Production Group will not develop its own IP. Instead, it will focus on servicing incoming productions and acting as a German co-producer to help projects access local subsidies and tax incentives. The company is ready to cater to productions of all sizes, from $10 million indie gems to $150 million Hollywood tentpoles.Molfenter’s extensive track record includes managing some of the largest international productions ever to shoot in Germany, such as The Bourne Supremacy, The Matrix Resurrections, John Wick: Chapter 4, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. This experience positions Babelsberg Production Group as a flexible, high-caliber partner capable of meeting the unique demands of filmmakers and producers.
Flexibility in a Changing Landscape
The launch of Babelsberg Production Group comes as Studio Babelsberg transitions under the ownership of TPG Real Estate, the U.S. investment group that also owns Cinespace Studios in Chicago and Toronto. While Studio Babelsberg continues to be a cornerstone of Germany’s production scene, Molfenter sees his smaller, boutique operation as an opportunity to adapt quickly to the needs of visiting productions.“With Babelsberg Production Group, I’ll have the flexibility to address the specific requirements of both blockbuster productions and indie projects,” Molfenter explained. “We’re here to create seamless production experiences for filmmakers in Germany and Europe.”
A Bright Future for German Film Production
Germany’s film industry continues to thrive, buoyed by robust tax incentives and its ability to attract global talent. With the launch of Babelsberg Production Group, Henning Molfenter is poised to further solidify Germany’s reputation as a premier production hub, offering unparalleled support for the next generation of groundbreaking films and TV series.
