Cologne's glamour: Where the biggest series and films come to life

Cologne's glamour: Where the biggest series and films come to life

Cologne has not only established itself as one of the fourth largest cities in Germany, but also as an important film and media metropolis. The city hides a wealth of locations that are used internationally and nationally for film and television productions. How serieslyawesome.tv reports, Cologne is one of the highly respected media cities in Germany and is home to some of the largest production facilities in Europe.

Numerous series and films have found their filming locations in Cologne. In particular, the MMC Studios, which produce, among other things, the casting format “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” and the popular dance show “Let’s Dance”, are at the center of industrial creativity. In addition, the “ZDF Magazin Royale” is recorded in the Ehrenfeld studio in Bickendorf. Local crime classics such as “Tatort” and “SOKO Köln” also testify to the city’s artistic diversity. Entire episodes of the Münster “crime scene” are recorded, for example, in Cologne institutions such as the Forensic Medicine Institute or the police headquarters in the Cologne-Porz town hall.

Cologne film locations and their diversity

The backdrops that Cologne has to offer are hard to miss. From historical landmarks to modern urban flair, the city has filming locations that are equally attractive for films and series. A few of the most famous are the Cologne Cathedral, the old town and the Rheinauhafen. How stadtoasen-koeln.de mentioned, these places not only attract filmmakers, but are also part of Cologne's identity. The Film and Media Foundation NRW has taken on an important role in supporting projects to further establish the city as a creative center.

The international films that were shot in Cologne are impressive. The top films include “Inglourious Basterds”, “The Moving Man”, “Schtonk!”, “Lola Run” and “The Miracle of Bern”. Many of these projects were realized in the MMC Studios, which with its 22 studios is one of the central production facilities in Europe. It's not just the producers who have a good knack for creating exciting scripts, but also the location scouts who are constantly looking for suitable locations.

Challenges and support

However, filming in a lively city like Cologne also brings with it challenges. Curious passers-by and unpredictable weather conditions require precise planning. The city administration is responding by facilitating filming permits and the coordination of road closures. Loud myheimat.de Filming bans in certain parts of the city, particularly near mosques and brothels, can make filmmakers' work more difficult, but there are exceptions when circumstances permit.

The Cologne “Tatort” is an excellent example of the frequent use of local filming spaces. Series such as “Babylon Berlin” and “Alarm for Cobra 11” are also based in the city. These productions leave an impressive mark on the city's cultural memory and reinforce the perception of Cologne as a creative hotspot.

With a wide range of film and television productions as well as a supporting infrastructure, Cologne has brilliantly established itself as an important player in the German media landscape. A good deal for the city and its residents, while series fans and film enthusiasts continue to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Cologne film production.