Lights flicker. This is the Berliner Union-Film. It is more than just studios. It is a living testament to a century of filmmaking magic. Here at Berliner Union-Film, history whispers from every corner.
Berliner Union-Film’s story began in 1912. Alfred Duskes founded Literaria Film. He erected a glass house studio in spring 1913. Paul Davidson soon followed. He built a film studio for his Projektions-AG Union. This was Germany’s first film production company. Bruno Buch designed the studio.
In 1920, the silent classic “The Golem, how he came into the world” was filmed here. In 1925, UFA acquired the studio. They produced “The Blue Angel” here. That film starred Marlene Dietrich. The transition from sunlight to artificial light made glass houses obsolete. Otto Kohtz expanded the studio with Studio 1 from 1933 to 1935. Terra Film used the grounds from 1937. Studio recordings for “Große Freiheit Nr. 7” were filmed here.
Russian troops stormed Oberlandstraße in 1945. Helmut Weiss was filming “Sag’ die Wahrheit” at the time. After 1945, Soviet films were dubbed here. Films like “Berliner Ballade” were also made.
After UFA’s bankruptcy, Karlheinz Brunnemann founded Deutsche Synchron Filmgesellschaft in 1963. This later merged into Phoenix Film. In 1964, Berliner Union-Film was founded as a studio operation. This commemorated the Produktions-AG Union. Becker and Kries founded it. In 1968, a cooperation agreement was signed with Sender Freies Berlin. Many film and television productions were realized here. “Cabaret” was partially filmed here too. ZDF also commissioned Union-Film for shows. These included “Kennzeichen D”, “Der große Preis”, and “ZDF-Hitparade”. ZDF chose Union-Film because of its proximity to Tempelhof Airport.
Today, the BUFA Campus stands near the former Tempelhof Airport. It boasts five film studios. It offers one green screen. Eleven dubbing studios are here. Two mixing studios are available.
Over the years, Berliner Union-Film has hosted many iconic productions. “The Golem” 1920, “The Blue Angel” 1930, “Emil and the Detectives”, and “Cabaret” were all filmed here. Audio and video post-production at BUFA have been essential for over 60 years. They support German and international film projects.
In cooperation with the Berlinale, there were twelve open-air screenings from June 9 to 20. Studio 3 was technically upgraded with new electric chain hoists.
Berliner Union-Film continues to shape the media landscape. It embraces innovation. It cherishes its heritage. It remains a vital hub for filmmakers worldwide. As you stand here, feel the echoes of cinematic history. Imagine the stories still waiting to be told within these walls of Berliner Union-Film.