The production company UFA has founded UFA Mitte GmbH, which has emerged from the former UFA Leipzig branch. Producer Katharina Rietz (e.g. "SOKO Leipzig") will take over the management. Producer Henriette Lippold (e.g. "Charité") will be responsible for the development of new programmes.
Sebastian Werninger will also become Managing Director. With the founding of UFA Mitte GmbH, according to Press Release existing successful programme brands are continued and new content for broadcasters and streamers is originally developed and produced in Central Germany.
Sascha Schwingel, CEO UFA, comments: "With the founding of UFA Mitte, we are developing our branch in Leipzig into an independent production company for our 25th anniversary next year, as we see creative and economic potential in Central Germany. The new management team of Katharina Rietz and Henriette Lippold stands for successful programmes such as 'SOKO Leipzig', 'Charité' and 'Die unheimliche Leichtigkeit der Revolution'. Both are experienced producers who come from the region, are deeply rooted and have excellent networks. On this basis, they will continue to drive the growth of our location in Central Germany."
Katharina Rietz, Managing Director of UFA Mitte and producer: "I am delighted that UFA has placed its trust in me and look forward to the new challenges in Leipzig. For many years, we have contributed to strengthening the film industry in Central Germany with our productions. Together with my colleague Henriette Lippold and our great local team, we want to build bridges and open doors with UFA Mitte." Henriette Lippold adds: "In addition to the successful continuation of our programme brands, our focus is on the development of new authentic content and the retention of talent in and from the Central German region."
UFA currently employs around 100 people at the Leipzig site and has already produced historical events such as "Dresden" (ZDF) and "Der Tunnel" (Sat.1) as well as the internationally award-winning hit series "Deutschland'86" (Prime Video) and the three-time Grimme Award-winning series "Sam - Ein Sachse" (Disney+). The production volume at the location is over 1000 broadcast minutes per year.
