‘Resident Evil’ Producer Martin Moszkowicz Stepping Down as Chair of Constantin Film

Scott Roxborough
·4 min read
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Veteran international film executive Martin Moszkowicz will step down as chairman of the executive board of German mini-major Constantin Film after his current contract expires early next year. Deputy chairman Oliver Berben will take over the role.

Moszkowicz, who has overseen the production of the Resident Evil and Mortal Instruments franchises at Constantin will stay on as a producer with the Munich-based outfit after his contract as chairman runs out on Feb. 29, 2024. Moszkowicz has been part of Constantin’s management since 1990 and took over as chairman in 2014.

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One of the most important figures in the European film scene, Moszkowicz has helped build up the company into a local giant — with such blockbuster German franchises as the Fack Ju Goethe trilogy of high school comedies — and a major international player, producing English-language titles including video game adaptation Monster Hunter, the family feature Black Beauty and the Mads Mikkelsen action thriller Polar.

He also spearheaded the company’s move into high-end television, with the YA fantasy series Shadowhunters and upcoming shows including the Roland Emmerich-director Roman gladiator series Those About to Die. At Constantin, he’s been involved in more than 300 productions as a producer, executive producer and co-producer.

Most recently, however, Moszkowicz was at the frontlines of a scandal involving German star Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds), who was accused of harassment and abuse on the set of the Constantin Film-produced Manta Manta 2, which Schweiger directed and stars in. German news magazine Der Spiegel first published the allegations back in April of this year. They included claims that Schweiger turned up drunk on set and had a physical altercation with a crewmember, as well as accusations of hazardous conditions during the Manta Manta 2 shoot which resulted in an accident in which a woman fell through a roof, suffering serious injuries.

After the Spiegel story, Moszkowicz confirmed the reports and ordered an external investigation. He also terminated Constantin’s collaboration with Schweiger, then one of Germany’s biggest box office stars.

“We are very grateful to Martin Moszkowicz for his many years of professional and loyal leadership and
cooperation. Under his guidance, Constantin Film has developed sustainably into one of the most
successful independent film and television production companies in Europe,” said Bernhard
Burgener, supervisory board chairman at Constantin. “We wish him the very best for
his future and are delighted that he will continue to be a part of Constantin Film in his future role as a
producer.”

“In the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of further expanding the position of Constantin Film to make it one of the leading players in the international film industry,” Moszkowicz said in a statement on Thursday. “This time was characterized by enthusiasm, sacrifice, creative discovery and major successes. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have helped. With every film, every series we have produced we have tried to realize our mutual vision and passion. We’ve been planning this for a long time – now the time has come for a new generation to run the company. While I’m looking forward to my new position as producer for Constantin Film, I’m proud of what we have achieved together. I am very optimistic that the company will continue to thrill audiences with my previous deputy and successor Oliver Berben at the helm. I wish him and all Constantin Film employees all the best.”

Berben’s rise at Constantin in some ways reflects the company’s move into TV. The seasoned producer, son of German film star Iris Berben (Triangle of Sadness) founded the TV production outfit MOOVIE GmbH in Berlin in 1996. Constantin acquired MOOVIE in 1999 and Berben moved up the ranks at the group, taking up the deputy chairman position in 2021. He’s produced more than 200 films and series, including such recent series as We Children from Bahnhof Zoo and Netflix’s Dear Child.

“I am grateful to Bernhard Burgener and the supervisory board for the great trust they have put in me by appointing me chairman of the executive board of Constantin Film,” Berben said in a statement. “This is a massive opportunity for me to continue such a visionary and creative company in the tradition of [late Constantin Film CEO] Bernd Eichinger and Martin Moszkowicz and at the same time being able to make a small mark of my own. Together with my colleagues, I look forward to meeting the challenge of the worldwide developments of the industry and seizing new chances to thrill our audiences with innovative ideas and great stories.”

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