Fit for the Future

MMC hits the ground running with new management and modern technology

With the appointment of van Eijden, MMC human resources management are striking a new path. At the same time, the company is investing in technology: Just a few weeks ago, the control room in the Coloneum was upgraded, to enable HD production in the future.
Both the spatial capacity and the technical equipment of MMC have appealed to the makers of national and international film and television since the company was founded in 1991. In the 1990’s, one of the largest and most modern studio landscapes in Europe appeared on the 100,000 square metres-plus Hürth campus. In terms of the private television industry in Germany, that makes MMC a clear number one. Well over half of all productions for private television networks are made here. The public law broadcasters, however, are also increasingly turning to the studios.

In October 1999, the German Television Awards opened the Cologne Coloneum, the second MMC location, with a dazzling gala. Nineteen additional event, film and television studios have appeared on the area, which occupies around 350,000 square metres, including the two tallest film studios in the world, each 23 metres high. As a natural consequence, MMC Independent, the film production arm of MMC, was founded in the same year.
Over the years, MMCI established itself as a highly valued partner for large film productions, and also managed the hop across the pond to Hollywood. 2009 saw the cinema release of both the co-production »Hilde«, with Heike Makatsch, and the romance »Chéri«, directed by Stephen Frears and with Michelle Pfeiffer in the main role. Both films premiered at the 2009 Berlinale, and caused quite a stir. »The Berlinale offered us an outstanding platform,« Bastie Griese, Head of Film Production, enthuses. »›Chéri‹ allowed MMCI to highlight its competencies in film financing and production internationally, and simultaneously promote NRW as a film location. The efforts have been rewarded: Large international film productions have already been realised, and many more are in the planning stage. Currently, Hollywood star Keira Knightley is filming the motion picture ›A Dangerous Method‹ at MMC.« In autumn, the Hungarian-German feature film »The Door« will be produced, for which Oscar winner Helen Mirren will pay the Cathedral City a visit.

Highlights in 3D

The fact that the media centre is well prepared for future technology is evidenced in the filming of the MMC Independent co-production »The Gate« – made in 3D. While large film productions see the light of day on the campus in Hürth, the Coloneum in Cologne-Ossendorf is establishing itself as the leading television production location in Germany. For the television production »Hindenburg«, supported by MMC Independent and screened at the end of last year, the company’s set designers brought the inner workings of the famous zeppelin back to life in multiple studios, over a to tal area of 3,000 square metres. More than 100 permanent employees, and up to 800 casual workers, guarantee the optimum conditions for productions, whether shows, television series, 24-hour live broadcasts or events.

The Magic Media Company TV-Produktionsgesellschaft mbH (MMC) was founded in 1991, and developed into an independent media centre. The Campus in Hürth, and the Coloneum in Cologne-Ossendorf, bring together 32 studios over a total area of more than 450,000 square metres. Currently, much-loved shows including »Forbidden Love« (»Verbotene Liebe»), »German Idol« and »Schillerstraße« are produced in the MMC studios.
MMC Independent GmbH (MMCI) is the film production arm of MMC. Alongside studio rental, stage design and scenery and prop construction, MMCI is heavily involved as an international film production and financing partner. The current MMCI portfolio includes international cinema successes »Amelie« and »Seven Dwarves«.

Magic Media Company TV-Produktionsgesellschaft mbH

Subsidiary Company: MMC Independent

Managing Director: André van Eijden