Leonine & ex-Constantin MD Koestler launch documentary prodco

Jochen Koestler (Source: Leonine, Katja Broemer)

Leonine Studios in Germany is bolstering its factual division by launching a new label to be led by former Constantin Entertainment chief Jochen Koestler.

Leonine Documentaries will operate alongside the group’s fellow unscripted companies, Beetz Brothers (fka Gebrueder Beetz) and i&u TV.

The new unit will be led by Koestler, who became Leonine’s EVP of non-fiction at the start of the year. Executive producer Janek Romero and line producer Andreas Tuerpe are responsible for the development and production of shows from the division.

The trio has already worked in various roles on docs including Jan Ullrich – Der Gejagte for Prime Video and Der Anschlag – Anfgriff Auf Den BVB for Sky.

Koestler joined Leoinine following a six-year stint at Constantin Entertainment, where his credits included local remakes of Prime Video format Las One Laughing and reality series Germany Shore.

The move comes 18 months since the German group acquired a controlling stake in local factual production firm Gebrueder Beetz. It renamed itself Beetz Brothers last year.

Koestler said Leonine Documentaries “stands for topics and people that shape the zeitgeist” and had a goal “to produce premium commercial documentaries for a broad audience with a perfect blend of information, entertainment and great production value.”