In a notable development within the film industry, former managing director of Wiedemann & Berg, Justyna Muesch, is embarking on an exciting new venture alongside her esteemed collaborators, Sofie Scherz-Fleischer and director Alireza Golafshan. Together, they have established Story Garden, a dynamic independent production company located in Munich. This collaboration marks a significant reconfiguration in the German film landscape, promising to produce high-quality films and series that resonate with the German-speaking audience. The trio’s strong professional history and collective vision are set to invigorate the market across diverse genres.
The synergy between Muesch, Scherz, and Golafshan is built on years of successful collaboration. Their most recent project, the comedic film “Alles Fifty Fifty,” garnered the Bavarian Film Award for Best Director in 2024, highlighting the group’s collective prowess in storytelling and filmmaking. Previous achievements include critically acclaimed titles such as “The Goldfish” and “JGA: Jasmin.Gina.Anna,” laying a solid foundation for their new company. The triumphs of their past endeavors illustrate a shared commitment to creating meaningful and entertaining narratives that captivate audiences.
In a strategic move, the founding members of Story Garden are also incorporating the resources and expertise of Horse&Fruits Film Productions, a company that has been a labor of love for Thomas Herberth and Florian Brünning for the past decade. This integration of operations allows Story Garden to tap into established relationships and industry experience, enhancing their production capabilities. Furthermore, while the Munich office will serve as the company’s primary hub, Horse&Fruits’ Vienna operations will continue to thrive independently, creating opportunities for transnational collaborations and growth.
A key aspect of Story Garden’s mission is to cultivate new talent while ensuring the delivery of innovative content. The current productions, including “on Sheep,” a series featuring talking sheep for ZDF and ORF, exemplify the company’s ambition to blend creativity with commercial viability. The intent to explore German-Austrian co-productions reflects their understanding of the European market’s complexities and opportunities. This focus on co-productions not only broadens their distribution potential but also strengthens cross-border collaborations.
Muesch expressed excitement regarding this new chapter, acknowledging the remarkable professional relationships she has developed along the way. She emphasizes the diverse skills brought by her partners, highlighting the collaborative nature that will characterize Story Garden. This initiative not only serves as a testament to the power of teamwork in the creative industry but also represents a proactive approach to navigating the evolving landscape of film production in Europe.
As the film industry continues to grapple with changes and challenges, Story Garden stands poised to make a significant impact, fostering innovation while honoring the art of storytelling. With a talented team at its helm and a clear vision for the future, the company is well-equipped to carve out a niche in the competitive realm of high-end film productions.