How a Munich film studio survived bankruptcy to dominate global and German cinema.

History · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Constantin Film has defined German entertainment for over seven decades. From its 1950 origins as a distributor to its rebirth in 1978, the company evolved into a powerhouse behind international hits like Resident Evil and record-breaking domestic comedies, proving that local stories can capture a massive worldwide audience.

Founded in 1950 by Preben Philipsen and Waldfried Barthel, the original Constantin Filmverleih GmbH initially served as a national distributor for American studios like Columbia Pictures and United Artists. By the 1960s, the company expanded into in-house production, cultivating a roster of contract players and co-financing international projects, including spaghetti westerns. However, after Bertelsmann Publishing became the majority shareholder in 1965, the studio shifted focus toward sex films and foreign acquisitions, ultimately leading to bankruptcy in 1977.

The company’s modern era began in 1978 when Bernd Eichinger and Bernd Schaefers acquired the assets of the defunct entity to form Neue Constantin Film. Within six years, it became the first German distributor to successfully integrate its own production arm. The studio’s strategy shifted significantly in 2003, expanding beyond traditional film production into license trading, home entertainment, and TV service production. This diversification was bolstered by the 2005 acquisition of Constantin Entertainment GmbH, a leader in show production.

Constantin’s international footprint grew through strategic subsidiaries and partnerships, such as the 2012 creation of Nadcon Film with Peter Nadermann to produce high-end drama and 'Nordic Noir.' By 2017, the company solidified its leadership under chairman Bernhard Burgener and executive board chairman Martin Moszkowicz. Today, the studio remains a dominant force, evidenced by its 2021 partnership with Upgrade Productions and a 2023 exclusive long-term deal with Netflix.

The studio’s success is anchored in its ability to balance high-grossing international franchises—like the Resident Evil series, which earned US$1.2 billion by May 2017—with massive domestic hits. Films like Manitou's Shoe, which drew over 11.7 million viewers, and the Fack ju Göhte trilogy demonstrate the studio's unique capacity to resonate deeply with German audiences while maintaining a global commercial presence.

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