Veteran international film executive Martin Moszkowicz is set to 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 assume the role.
Moszkowicz, known for overseeing the production of the Resident Evil and Mortal Instruments franchises at Constantin, will continue as a producer with the Munich-based outfit after his contract as chairman concludes on Feb. 29, 2024. Moszkowicz has been part of Constantin’s management since 1990 and took over as chairman in 2014. A key figure in the European film scene, Moszkowicz has played a pivotal role in building the company into a local giant, with successful German franchises such as the Fack Ju Goethe trilogy of high school comedies, as well as 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 has also led the company’s foray into high-end television, with the YA fantasy series Shadowhunters and upcoming shows such as the Roland Emmerich-directed Roman gladiator series Those About to Die. During his tenure at Constantin, he has been involved in over 300 productions as a producer, executive producer, and co-producer.
However, Moszkowicz was recently involved in a scandal concerning German star Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds), who faced allegations of harassment and abuse on the set of the Constantin Film-produced Manta Manta 2, which Schweiger directed and starred in. Following the allegations, Moszkowicz confirmed the reports, initiated an external investigation, and terminated Constantin’s collaboration with Schweiger.
Bernhard Burgener, supervisory board chairman at Constantin, expressed gratitude to Martin Moszkowicz for his professional and loyal leadership, stating, “Under his guidance, Constantin Film has developed sustainably into one of the most successful independent film and television production companies in Europe. 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.”
Moszkowicz, in a statement, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to expand Constantin Film’s position in the international film industry over the last 30 years. He also expressed confidence in the company’s future under the leadership of Oliver Berben.
Oliver Berben, who has been appointed chairman of the executive board of Constantin Film, stated, “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. 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.”
