The producer Ulrike Leibfried leaves the management of UFA Fiction. This was announced by the parent company UFA GmbH on 16 February 2026. Leibfried will therefore step down from her position on 28 February 2026.

According to the company, however, the producer will remain associated with UFA. A so-called first-look deal is planned between UFA Fiction and its production company Area 46, under which UFA Fiction will receive priority access rights to future projects from Area 46.

Leibfried has worked for UFA Fiction for several years in a senior position and has been responsible for numerous national and international productions during this time. In the press release, the company recognised her contribution to the strategic development and positioning in the German-speaking market.

No further details were provided regarding the reasons for the departure. In the press release, both sides emphasise their intention to continue their cooperation on a project-related basis.

With this personnel change, UFA Fiction is reorganising its management structure. The company did not initially provide any information on a possible successor.