Following a number of difficult years, Studio Babelsberg AG is once again looking to the future with greater optimism. With the publication of its 2025 annual report, the company has reported an improvement in its financial performance and, for the first time, no longer sees any risks that could threaten its continued existence. At the same time, CEO Jörg Bachmaier is calling on the federal government to reconsider the announced cuts to film funding.
According to the company, consolidated turnover rose by 11.6 million euros to 68.1 million euros in the 2025 financial year. EBITDA returned to a slight surplus of 33,000 euros, having recorded a loss of 1.2 million euros in the previous year. Although the consolidated result after tax remained negative at a loss of 321,000 euros, the Executive Board nevertheless views the overall economic performance as significantly more positive than in the previous year.
In its risk report, Studio Babelsberg AG states that, taking into account the approved film funding reform and the positive budgetary trend in the first half of 2026, there are currently no identifiable risks that could jeopardise the Group’s continued existence. In its 2024 Annual Report, the company had still explicitly highlighted significant uncertainties regarding its continued existence.
The company cites the increase in funding from the German Film Fund (DFFF) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF) to 30 per cent, as well as the higher utilisation of studio capacity, as key factors in the recovery. Among other things, the filming of „The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping“. In addition, productions such as „Athos 2643“, „Visitation – A Century’s History“ as well as the final series of „Babylon Berlin“ has been realised. Furthermore, several international high-end series are scheduled for 2026, including „Berlin Noir“ to be acquired for Apple TV+.
However, in view of the planned cuts to federal film funding from 2027, CEO Jörg Bachmaier has expressed criticism. He argues that the increase in funding has built international confidence in Germany as a production location. Cuts would jeopardise this confidence and undermine the planning certainty that producers and investors need. At the same time, Bachmaier advocates an investment-friendly approach to the planned investment obligation, in order to encourage international streaming providers to produce more content in Germany.
Despite the political uncertainties, the company remains confident about the current financial year. Given the high capacity utilisation in the first half of 2026 and a healthy order book, the Executive Board expects the company to perform well for the rest of the year.