12.02.2025 – 11:01

Max Wiedemann Appointed as Head of AI for Mediawan Group

Max Wiedemann Appointed as Head of Artificial Intelligence for Mediawan Group

Paris/Munich, February 12, 2025 — Mediawan Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Max Wiedemann as its new Head of Artificial Intelligence.

We are entering a new era driven by artificial intelligence, which is not only reshaping our world but also transforming the way we produce content. This shift creates a growing demand for innovative and forward-thinking formats, as well as new opportunities to produce content more efficiently.

To tackle these new opportunities, Max Wiedemann, who will continue to perform as LEONINE Studios' Chief Production and Chief Business Development Officer, has been appointed to lead AI activities as Head of Artificial Intelligence for the Mediawan Group. In his expanded role, Max Wiedemann will spearhead efforts to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies across the group's diverse business activities.

Pierre-Antoine Capton, Mediawan Group CEO commented, "The integration of AI into film production is arguably one of the most crucial challenges our industry will face moving forward. We aim to leverage its transformative and disruptive potential in a smart and efficient manner. Max's vast experience, remarkable understanding and in-depth knowledge of AI and filmmaking makes him the perfect choice to lead our AI endeavors. His appointment as Head of Artificial Intelligence underscores our commitment to harnessing technology to further elevate our content creation and storytelling capabilities. We are confident that Max will open new avenues for driving value across all companies in the Mediawan Group."

LEONINE Studios CEO Fred Kogel adds: "Max’s appointment is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Mediawan and LEONINE Studios in exploring innovative ways to work together. By leveraging AI, we will enhance our creative and operational capabilities and drive further growth.”

Max Wiedemann, Head of Artificial Intelligence of Mediawan Group and Chief Production and Business Development Officer of LEONINE Studios: "Both Mediawan and LEONINE have already cultivated significant expertise in AI, and I am eager to collaborate with our highly skilled international teams. By uniting our strengths and expertise, I am confident that we will be well-equipped to adapt to the rapid pace of this technological advancement."

About Max Wiedemann

Max Wiedemann studied production and media management at the University of Television and Film (HFF) Munich from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he co-founded Wiedemann & Berg Film with Quirin Berg, followed by W&B Television in 2010. As a managing director, shareholder, and executive producer, Max has been responsible for over 160 cinema and television productions. His impressive portfolio includes the Oscar®-winning THE LIVES OF OTHERS, the two-time Oscar®-nominated NEVER LOOK AWAY and No. 1 German box-office hits such as WELCOME TO GERMANY to name just one. He was also behind iconic TV projects like 4 BLOCKS, PAGAN PEAK and the groundbreaking first German Netflix Original DARK.

Max Wiedemann has been recognized with numerous professional honors, including the European Film Award, British Academy Film Award, German Film Award, and the Bavarian Film Prize, German Television Prize, Bavarian Television Award, LA Critics Award, Golden Camera, and the Bambi. He is also an active member of the German Film Academy, the European Film Academy, and the British Film Academy.

In his role as Chief Business Development Manager, Max Wiedemann has been a driving force behind the integration of AI into the film industry. He has actively focused on implementing AI initiatives at LEONINE Studios over the past years, creating an AI unit at LEONINE Studios and successfully leading numerous projects that have optimized creative and operational processes. Through leading interviews in the industry press and beyond, keynotes, and panel discussions—including appearances at the German Ministry of Economics, the French Embassy in Berlin, the European Producers Club, Seriencamp Cologne, and the Technical University of Munich—Max Wiedemann has become one of the leading experts on AI in the media industry.

About Mediawan | mediawan.com

Launched in late 2015 by Pierre-Antoine Capton, Xavier Niel and Matthieu Pigasse, The Mediawan Group is Europe’s leading independent studio producing film, television and digital content. The Group brings together best-in-class talent to create award-winning entertainment for global audiences and operates throughout the entire value chain: production of film, series, unscripted, documentary and animated original content—thanks to more than 80 production labels in France, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Canada, Senegal and Ivory Coast (Mediawan Studios); distribution of filmed entertainment (Mediawan Rights); publishing of channels and digital services (Mediawan Thematics); and the development and production of original digital content (Mediawan Digital).

About LEONINE Studios | leoninestudios.com

LEONINE Studios is Germany’s leading independent media company – the one stop shop for premium content. We partner with outstanding talent to create content that inspires audiences around the world.

Together, the LEONINE Studios companies produce, co-produce, distribute and license premium content – covering the entire value chain of the content business. We produce films, series and content for social media – from entertainment to infotainment, fiction and non-fiction.

LEONINE Studios distribution and licensing brings content to theaters, home entertainment, television and streaming networks, and social media channels. Our market-leading license library includes programs in all formats and genres.

LEONINE Studios is part of The Mediawan Group.

Press contacts

Mediawan

Caroline Guillot, Head of Communication Mediawan Pictures

c.guillot@mediawan.eu

LEONINE Studios

Henriette Gutmann, SVP Corporate Communication & Sales Marketing

communication@leoninestudios.com

LEONINE Holding GmbH • Taunusstr. 21 • 80807 Munich, Germany • Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung • Sitz der Gesellschaft: München • Amtsgericht München HRB 246 195 • Managing Directors: Fred Kogel (Vorsitzender), Quirin Berg, Sarah Fischer, Max Wiedemann, Bernhard zu Castell • VAT-No. DE 323 800 450