Longtime Beta Cinema executive Thorsten Ritter, who oversaw international film sales for more than a decade before stepping down last year, is joining German production company Weydemann Bros.
In his new role, Ritter will establish and lead the company’s new Munich office, adding to its existing hubs in Berlin and Cologne. His goal will be to strengthen and expand the company’s international production and co-production activities.
His appointment comes at the right time after Germany’s drive to up its game as an international shooting destination with more commitments and more funding announced by the culture minister last week.
Weydemann Bros has delivered a steady stream of high-quality independent features since it was created by brother Jakob D Weydemann and Jonas Weydemann in 2012, as well as recent international titles including Chile’s Academy Awards entry. The Mysterious View of a Flamingo (2025), Nora Fingscheidt’s Outrun (2024), and winner of Cannes’ Semaine de la Critique Tiger Stripes (2023) by Amanda Nell Eu.
Ritter, who served as Senior Vice President at Beta Cinema from 2012 to 2025, first worked with Weydemann Bros. System Crasherproduced by the company.
An extensive list of Ritter’s commercial films during his time at Beta Cinema is also included Amrum, From Hilde, With LoveTthe Prince was happy, There is no special place, Caliberagain A Woman in War.
He is also the founder of the Oldenburg International Film Festival and former Head of Bavaria Film International, where he helped deliver landmark titles including Farewell, Lenin!, Sophie Scholl, A Person Without a Past, head onagain Enter the Right One worldwide attention.
“Thorsten Ritter and I have a long history together, not just since he succeeded in marketing the world System Crasher,” said Jonas Weydemann.
“His vast experience, creativity, and commitment to filmmaking convinced us to bring him on board as a producer, especially to develop our international production and co-production activities, focusing on UK and English films in general. At Weydemann Bros, it’s all about the team, and we’re delighted to welcome Thorsten to join us.”
Ritter said he will be using his marketing experience and international contacts to fulfill his role, making meaningful films.
“Working with Jonas, Jakob, and the team at Weydemann Bros is a dream come true. They are as determined as they are sharp, always finding an opportunity in every challenge,” he said.
“I’m excited to contribute my UK contacts and sales perspective, which enables us to find inspired talent together and collaborate with established filmmakers across a wide range of projects – from films that dare to challenge us, move us, and change the way we see the world to films that simply put a smile on our faces.
