Germany network RTL Deutschland has struck a long-term strategic deal with Wiedemann & Berg Film and the producer’s parent, Leonine Studios.
The multi-year agreement covers free TV and streaming, and means RTL Deutschland will have exclusive rights to German theatrical releases from the two companies, which produced or co-produced the country’s most successful film in each year between 2020 and 2023.
The pact includes the new comedy Alter Weisser Mann from director Simon Verhoeven starring Jan Josef Liefers, Nadja Uhl, Friedrich von Thun, Michael Maertens, Meltem Kaptan and Elyas M’Barek. It began shooting this month.
The film follows family man Heinz Hellmich, who tries show is ‘wokest’ side and prove he is not an ‘old white man’ to land the job he has longed for. Inviting his boss and colleagues to a dinner party, his family politically correct facade begins to crumble, causing chaos among the guests.
Andreas Fischer, Chief Operating Officer and Business Development Head at RTL Deutschland, said: “Wiedemann & Berg Film and Leonine Studios continue to set standards for successful German cinema productions. We are looking forward to the new strategic partnership, which is another important step for RTL Deutschland to offer our audience great fictional entertainment.”
Max Wiedemann, Co-Chief Production Officer and Business Development Officer at Leonine and Managing Director of Wiedemann & Berg Film, added: “We are delighted about the long-term and reliable partnership with RTL Deutschland, a great sign of appreciation for the quality of our content. We have celebrated great success with our German cinema films and now want to continue this together with our talents and partners in the new constellation.”
Wiedemann and Quirin Berg, who formed their production label in 2010, are shareholders in German studio Leonine. Their films include the Oscar-winning spy movie The Lives of Others, Welcome to Germany, Nightlife and Girl You Know it’s True.