THE SUCCESS OF UFAMAX 24

The Success of Ufamax 24

The Success of Ufamax 24

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ufamax 24


In early 1933, with the Reich waging war against the Allies, and Ufa essentially bankrupt, the government took over the company. It bought up all the stock (valued at about 8.5 million marks) and merged it with National-Film. The firm thus came under state control, though it would remain independent in its business policy. ufamax 24, it was hoped, could serve as a model for future film production companies in Germany.

Ufamax’s new management, led by former Terra production chief Alfred Greven, had a number of ambitious plans for the company. They were based on the theory that German cinema, unlike the American industry, had a distinct cultural identity that was rooted in national history. In the long run, this meant that the industry could prosper without dependence on the big-money Hollywood markets.

Moreover, the company’s film studios Ufamax were located in the heart of Berlin, a location that was easy to reach from all major European cities. The company’s managers also believed that the German public was sophisticated enough to appreciate films of a “higher artistic standard.”

By the end of 1934, Ufamax’s profits were increasing and its film stocks worth about 25 million marks. Nevertheless, the company’s board still worried about competition from Hollywood. This was especially true after the American release of the blockbuster film Intolerance (1930), which was critically and commercially successful.

In addition, the ufamax 24 was beginning to feel the effects of the recession. The economy was slowing down, with industrial output falling and wages dropping. It was no wonder that the company’s directors were concerned that it could lose its status as Europe’s leading film concern.

To counter these problems, the new management at Ufamax decided to expand the company’s international activities. For this purpose, they hired an experienced foreign executive to oversee the overseas operations of the firm. He was a veteran of the international film business, having spent nearly twenty years with the French company Pathé, working as its foreign manager. He was well suited to the role of overseer because of his knowledge of the film industry in many countries and his ability to negotiate with producers. He was also familiar with the peculiarities of foreign markets and accustomed to dealing in millions of dollars. He was appointed director of international affairs for Ufamax on January 1, 1935. He served in this position until October 1, 1938. Then he was appointed to the board of the Reich Chamber of Culture.

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