The Hollywood strike has paralyzed an entire industry. Large productions do not take place. This also affects the traditional Studio Babelsberg.
There is a large billboard in front of the arched entrance to the traditional Babelsberg studio premises. “In Production” is written on it. The films that are currently being produced in the Potsdam film studios are usually listed here. At the moment, however, films that have already been shot are on the table.
One looks in vain for major Hollywood productions in Potsdam Babelsberg. Because the order situation is bad and there are no large productions, the studio is now on short-time work for some of the employees. There is therefore uncertainty in the workforce, says works council member Babette Baumann rbb: “Of course the workforce is worried. We can all see here that no film is being shot at the moment.”
Strike in Hollywood also affects Germany
According to the works council, around 40 out of 100 employees are affected by short-time work. The background is the writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood. Productions that were already scheduled to be filmed in the Babelsberg studio were put on hold due to the strikes. Screenplays weren’t finished because the strike in the US is paralyzing the entire industry.
The world-famous Studio Babelsberg claims to be the oldest large-scale film studio in the world. Major films such as “Inglourious Basterds” by director Quentin Tarantino, parts of the “Bourne” film series with Matt Damon and the Warner Brothers production “V for Vendetta” have already been shot here. Film producers value Brandenburg as a location, from setting construction to expertise in animation and special effects.
Management is only reluctant to comment
With the short-time work that has now been announced, another dry spell for the location follows after the difficult Corona period. Despite the uncertainty, the board of directors of Studio Babelsberg only spoke in writing: no interviews, no statements in front of television cameras.
Co-CEO Andy Weltman wrote to say that despite short-time work, the commitment to the employees, the company and its future as one of the leading locations for content production will be maintained. He hoped that short-time work would be reduced as soon as production started again.
New line comes from America
It was only in March that the studio handed over management to the US American Cinespace Studios. “As part of the Cinespace network, Studio Babelsberg AG is uniquely positioned to accelerate its growth and expand its business beyond feature film production,” said Cinespace Studios President Ashley Rice. This is how Studio Babelsberg should be led into its next growth phase.
In Babelsberg, despite the announcement of short-time work, efforts are being made to look positively into the future. “The proportions will definitely still be felt this year, and we hope that it will continue and get going again at the beginning of next year.” For the first time, however, short-time work was applied for until March 2024. Until then, people in Babelsberg will be paying particular attention to Hollywood.