Neue Berliner Straße / Metropolitan Backlot

Forget about Hollywood. You are standing right in front of Germany’s biggest outdoor film set. This is Neue Berliner Stra\u00dfe / Metropolitan Backlot, part of the legendary Studio Babelsberg in Potsdam. It is one of the most extensive and modern backlot sets in Europe. The set is situated on a 15,000 square meter plot right next to the actual studio. The backlot features four street sections, each with a different architectural style. There are numerous courtyards and interiors, which can be adapted to fit any city. The backlot is so versatile you can turn it into any metropolis in the world with its flexible modular construction and digital set extensions. Neue Berliner Stra\u00dfe / Metropolitan Backlot has been used for over 350 productions in its history. The set is a real gem in the world of film. The studio is known for its high-quality productions and for being a pioneer in film technology. In 2013, the Babelsberg studio needed more space for the expansion of its campus for the University of Film and Television “Konrad Wolf.” The studio got rid of the old Berliner Stra\u00dfe, the original set built in 1998 for the film “Sonnenallee,” to make room for new building projects. But after it had been used for over 60 movies and TV series, the studio decided not to demolish the old set and build a new one. The backlot that they built was much larger than the old one and is now used for film, TV, and commercials. The new backlot is a testament to the lasting legacy of the studio and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of film making. So next time you are watching a movie or TV series, pay attention to the setting and remember that it might have been filmed right here in Potsdam. You can say you were there!