J\u00f6rg Bachmaier can look back on over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry, as well as in content development and production.\u202fHe held leading positions in global companies, both in Germany and subsequently in Los Angeles and London\u2014and since November 2024, he has been the CEO (Vorstandsvorsitzender) of Studio Babelsberg AG.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What were his reasons for returning to Germany, and what significance does the traditional Studio Babelsberg hold for him?\u202fWhat measures are necessary to make Potsdam attractive once again for national and international film and series productions?\u202fAnd how can Babelsberg as a location establish itself as a technology hub in the future?\u202fWe spoke with J\u00f6rg Bachmaier about these and other questions.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MTH Potsdam:\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n After working at ZDF Studios and the Kirch Group at the turn of the millennium, you subsequently moved to LA and London.\u202fThere, you held management positions at Endemol USA, BBC Studios, and Warner Bros., among others.\u202fHow did it come about that you have now returned to Germany?\u202fAnd do the film studios in Babelsberg hold a significance\u2014perhaps even a special one\u2014for you?\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n The high regard in which Studio Babelsberg is held in the fields of creativity and innovation was the deciding factor for me to return home after over 20 years in Los Angeles and London.\u202fStudio Babelsberg is a legend, a special place that combines tradition with constant evolution like no other, offering the ideal conditions for outstanding productions with its creative environment.\u202fIt is not only the heart of German film history but also a place where the future of film is being created.\u202fI am proud to now be a part of it and am very much looking forward to helping shape the location with my experience and motivation.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Potsdam-Babelsberg is not only a traditional film location but also a modern media centre.\u202fWhat role do technological innovations play for Studio Babelsberg?\u202fAnd what priorities are you setting in this regard?\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Technological innovations have been a central part of our work since the studio was founded.\u202fAs early as the 1920s, Babelsberg revolutionised filmmaking with the ‘unleashed camera’, the pioneering science fiction classic “Metropolis”, and the first German sound film.\u202fThis tradition drives us; therefore, we remain curious and invest continuously in new technologies.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, we focus specifically on Virtual Production, ICVFX (In-Camera Visual Effects; a method where visual effects are captured directly in-camera on set), volumetric filming, and AI-supported workflows in all production phases.\u202fState-of-the-art technologies and traditional craftsmanship go hand in hand here.\u202fIn the workshops of our Art Department, models are created using robotics and 3D printing, which are then refined by sculptors and painters.\u202fThe integration of artificial intelligence is increasingly altering all production workflows\u2014from planning to logistics.\u202fThis innovative approach is particularly valued by our international partners, who expect the highest technical standards.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n AI is increasingly being understood as a creative tool.\u202fHow do you assess the<\/strong> potential of AI to support creative processes in film production, and what role could Babelsberg play as a pioneer for ‘Creative AI’ at this location?<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n I see enormous potential in artificial intelligence as a creative tool in film production\u2014but at the same time, I see the responsibility to design its use in an ethical and legally sound manner.\u202fAI opens up new forms of creativity, efficiency, and collaboration, yet raises questions regarding copyright, data integrity, and artistic authenticity.\u202fOur approach in Babelsberg is therefore a conscious, hybrid one: We combine real actors, set construction, and traditional production technologies with virtual worlds, motion-capture technology, and AI-supported tools to generate maximum credibility and emotional depth.\u202fAt the same time, we want to offer a home to the “native AI filmmakers” of tomorrow\u2014those creatives who work with AI as a natural part of their artistic process.\u202fIt is our goal to establish Babelsberg as a leading innovation centre for creative and responsible AI applications, thereby setting new standards for the future of filmmaking.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n What significance does close cooperation with the local media and technology community in Potsdam have for your strategic direction?\u202fAnd to what extent do collaborations with the local MediaTech community and innovative start-ups contribute to the technological and creative development of Studio Babelsberg?\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the media city of Babelsberg, we work closely with leading research institutions, Oscar-winning teams, modern post-production companies, and specialised service partners.\u202fThe players at this location therefore significantly help to shape film and streaming productions.\u202fThe constant transfer of knowledge between international filmmakers and local creatives and service providers strengthens the competence of the MediaTech community.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n The MediaTech Hub Conference, which we are pleased to host on our studio grounds, also promotes exchange and networking between local and international experts from a wide variety of fields.\u202fLectures, panels, and workshops on AI and new technologies demonstrate the innovative power of the location.\u202fTogether with the community, we want to drive Babelsberg forward as an engine of innovation.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where do you see the greatest potential to further strengthen the Babelsberg location as a technology hub and incubator\u2014in order to attract new talent, creative ideas, and future-oriented productions?<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Babelsberg should act as an open ecosystem that brings together producers, creative talent, research institutions, and international partners, thus further strengthening its position as a leading location for the future of filmmaking and storytelling.\u202fWhen research, start-ups, and film production come together even more strongly in Babelsberg, a creative ecosystem emerges that not only enables innovations but accelerates them.\u202fThrough joint projects\u2014for example in the areas of Virtual Production, artificial intelligence, or sustainable studio technologies\u2014we create an environment that attracts new talent and creative ideas and is becoming increasingly attractive to other technology players as well.\u202fOur vision is to develop Babelsberg into a world-leading technology hub for film and media production.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, Germany has lost some of its appeal as a production location.\u202fOften, film and series productions have been relocated to neighbouring countries, for example to Poland, Hungary, Spain, and so on.\u202fThis has also had an impact on Brandenburg and Potsdam.\u202fThrough what measures could Germany, as well as Brandenburg and the film city of Potsdam, regain attractiveness for national and international productions?\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n International competition for film and series productions is more intense than ever and is largely decided by production incentives.\u202fCountries like Poland, Hungary, or Spain have invested specifically in their film funding in recent years and attracted productions with attractive framework conditions.\u202fAlthough Germany has caught up somewhat this year with the increase in funding to 30 per cent, it remains heavily dependent on the reliable design and rapid implementation of the planned measures.\u202fWithout permanent planning security, international productions will go where conditions are more calculable.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, we are working tirelessly to further improve production conditions at the location\u2014and thus secure Babelsberg’s competitiveness in the international environment for the long term.\u202fStudio Babelsberg invests continuously in infrastructure, new technologies, and the training of skilled professionals.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you look five years ahead: Where do you see Studio Babelsberg\u2014technologically, creatively, and economically?\u202f<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n J\u00f6rg Bachmaier:<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n In five years, the use of innovative technologies at the Babelsberg location will be even more noticeably palpable.\u202fVirtual Production will belong to the production standard;\u202fAI-based methods and workflows will be firmly anchored in the everyday life of film and series productions.\u202fStudio Babelsberg will further expand its position as a modern production site\u2014not only for films and series but also for new forms of audiovisual, creative storytelling.\u202fIn my vision, Studio Babelsberg is Germany’s leading location for film and media production\u2014from cinema to TV to streaming\u2014as part of an innovation hub that sets global standards technologically, creatively, and economically.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n MTH Potsdam:<\/strong>\u202fMr Bachmaier, thank you very much for the interview!\u202f <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" J\u00f6rg Bachmaier, CEO of Studio Babelsberg, on technological innovations, virtual production, AI in film production and the future of Babelsberg as a 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