A Level Media - Deutschland 83 - Industry

Summary

This video provides an insightful overview of the TV series *Deutschland 83*, its production, and the media industry. Created by the husband-and-wife team Anna and Jörg Winger, the series explores the Cold War era through the story of an East German soldier in the West. Funded by the German broadcaster RTL and co-produced with UFA Fiction, the series has gained international recognition, being the first German TV show broadcast in the U.S. on Sundance TV. The marketing strategy focused on 80s nostalgia and interactive online content, helping to establish *Deutschland 83* as a successful international franchise.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Deutschland 83* was created by husband-and-wife duo Anna and Jürg Winger, whose American and German backgrounds influenced the show's narrative and cultural perspective.
• 😀 The series was co-produced by RTL, a major German TV network, and UFA Fiction, a production company owned by Bertelsmann, a large German media corporation.
• 😀 *Deutschland 83* is set in the 1980s, a popular decade for nostalgia-driven content, which contributed to its appeal with audiences familiar with 80s culture.
• 😀 A significant budget was required to recreate the 1980s, including authentic costumes, sets, props, and historical accuracy through experts, military advisors, and historians.
• 😀 The show was the first German TV series to be broadcast in the United States on Sundance TV, a network that specializes in world cinema and independent programming.
• 😀 In the UK, the series was broadcast on Channel 4, a public service channel known for offering alternative and diverse programming.
• 😀 Channel 4 doesn't produce its own content but acquires programming from external producers, making *Deutschland 83* a strategic acquisition for the network.
• 😀 The marketing campaign for *Deutschland 83* targeted both nostalgia for the 80s and international audiences through interactive features like 'before and after' historical images and 80s-style playlists.
• 😀 The cast included recognizable actors like Maria Schrader, Sylvester Groth, and Ludwig Trepte, which helped the show appeal to international viewers familiar with their previous roles.
• 😀 Social media played a crucial role in promoting the show, with creator Anna Winger tweeting about the series and engaging with fans, alongside interviews and teasers in media outlets.
• 😀 Fremantle Media handled the international distribution of *Deutschland 83*, sending the series to over 10 countries, showcasing the global power of this media conglomerate.

Q & A

Who created *Deutschland 83*, and how did their cultural backgrounds influence the show?

The show was created by Anna and Jörg Winger, a husband-and-wife team with American and German backgrounds. Their cultural differences influenced the narrative, as their respective perspectives shaped the storytelling and character development in the show.

What role did RTL and UFA Fiction play in the production of *Deutschland 83*?

RTL, a major German TV channel, funded and co-produced the show, while UFA Fiction, a German production company owned by Bertelsmann, was hired to help produce the series. UFA Fiction is experienced in handling large-scale productions, which helped bring the show to life.

Why was the 1980s chosen as the setting for *Deutschland 83*?

The 1980s was selected as the setting because the decade has a cult following and is often used in pop culture, as seen in shows like *Stranger Things*. The nostalgic appeal of the 1980s also helped attract a wider audience.

What were the challenges in producing a historical show like *Deutschland 83*, and how were they addressed?

Producing a historical show set in the 1980s required a large budget for costumes, props, sets, and potentially CGI. To ensure historical accuracy, experts from both East and West Germany, military advisors, and NATO advisors were hired, which also required a significant financial investment.

How did *Deutschland 83* manage to get broadcast in the United States?

The show was introduced to Sundance TV in the U.S. through a connection that Jörg Winger had at Fremantle Media. Sundance TV, a subsidiary of AMC, is focused on independent films and world cinema, making it a suitable platform for *Deutschland 83*.

What is the significance of *Deutschland 83* being the first German TV show to be broadcast in America?

Being the first German TV show to air in the U.S. marked a significant milestone in the international distribution of foreign-language television. It helped expose American audiences to German-language programming, especially on a channel like Sundance TV, which specializes in world cinema.

How did Channel 4 in the UK handle the broadcast of *Deutschland 83*?

Channel 4, a public service broadcaster, acquired *Deutschland 83* to air on its channel. Unlike other channels, Channel 4 doesn't produce its own content but instead purchases shows from other producers. The program was introduced by Walter Lazzarino under the *Walter Presents* format, which highlights foreign-language and world cinema programming.

Why was the *Walter Presents* format used for *Deutschland 83* on Channel 4?

The *Walter Presents* format was used to introduce *Deutschland 83* because it targets an audience interested in world TV and foreign-language programming. Walter Lazzarino provides context and background information, helping viewers better understand and appreciate these international shows.

How did the casting of familiar actors contribute to the success of *Deutschland 83*?

The casting of recognizable actors, such as Maria Schrader (from *Unorthodox*) and Sylvester Groth (from *Inglourious Bastards*), helped make the show more marketable and accessible to international audiences. Familiar faces helped reduce the perceived risk of watching a foreign-language series.

What marketing strategies were employed to promote *Deutschland 83*?

The marketing strategy for *Deutschland 83* included interactive online features, such as before-and-after slides showing the world before and after the war. Social media played a key role, with Anna Winger tweeting about the show, and trailers, teasers, and interviews being shared across various platforms. The marketing also included 80s-themed playlists and infographics to engage the audience.

Who handled the international distribution of *Deutschland 83*, and how did it reach such a wide audience?

The international distribution of *Deutschland 83* was handled by Fremantle Media, a global distribution company. Fremantle’s extensive reach and connection to powerful media conglomerates allowed the show to be distributed to over 10 countries, expanding its global audience.