Endemol in Drama JV in Germany

LONDON: Endemol Germany is teaming up with Quirin Berg and Max Wiedemann, the producers behind the Academy Award-winning film The Lives of Others, to set up Wiedemann Berg Television, which will specialize in drama programming.

Wiedemann Berg Television will operate from Munich and Cologne and will open January 1. The JV will produce all drama output for both partners and will be managed by Berg and Wiedemann. The company’s portfolio will be distributed globally by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

Berg commented: "We live for ideas that inspire us and others. I am fascinated by the potential of an international network in which ideas are generated, shared and developed on a global scale. That is the vision which Endemol stands for and they are unrivalled in this position. We are looking forward to a hugely successful partnership on all fiction formats, from TV movies to telenovelas."
 
Wiedemann added: "This joint venture creates a new platform that combines the strengths of both partners and further broadens the activities of both businesses. It will significantly enhance our ability to offer new concepts and meet future challenges through innovative production, financing and distribution models."
 
Marcus Wolter, the managing director of Endemol Germany, said: "Quirin Berg and Max Wiedemann are among the most progressive and talented fiction producers in Germany. We are very excited to be partnering with them on this joint venture, which is uniquely positioned to be a major new creative force in this genre."
 
Endemol Group’s CEO, Ynon Kreiz, added: "Drama is a key strategic growth area for Endemol and this joint venture represents a significant step forward in one of the world’s largest and most important TV markets. The launch of this new company with such accomplished creative talent who are at the top of their game will broaden our local offering in Germany and further grow our portfolio of hit drama formats that we offer to broadcasters around the world."