Philipp Käßbohrer Recognized as German TV Innovator at Seriencamp
Philipp Käßbohrer, a multifaceted producer, writer, and director who also leads the independent production company bildundtonfabrik (btf), is set to be celebrated as Deadline’s 2025 German TV Disruptor at the upcoming Seriencamp in Cologne. This event is especially significant as it takes place in the same city where btf is headquartered.
Käßbohrer, alongside Matthias Murmann, another key figure at btf, crafted the critically acclaimed Netflix series How To Sell Drugs Online (Fast). This series, known for its dynamic 30-minute episodes, combines striking visual effects and graphic overlays to enrich its narrative about a teenager’s venture into selling ecstasy via the dark web. The series concluded with its final episodes earlier this year.
Securing a drama series with Netflix marked a significant achievement for btf, which was previously recognized mainly for producing a well-known late-night talk show in Germany and had not ventured into scripted series before.
Expanding Horizons
Käßbohrer shared with Deadline that he was eager to explore new genres, which led him to pitch How To Sell Drugs Online (Fast) to Netflix. At that time, Netflix was just beginning to introduce German original productions and was looking to make a mark, aligning perfectly with btf’s innovative approach. The collaboration proved to be a success, spanning four seasons and making a notable impact on television history.
Despite its partnerships with major streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix, btf maintains its status as one of the few truly independent production companies in Germany. It operates outside the larger producer-distributor networks and continues to produce a diverse range of content including talk shows, documentaries, films, dramas, and music videos.
Among btf’s recent projects are the drama series Späti for ZDFneo, Perfekt Verpasst (The Perfect Miss) for Prime Video, and the documentary about Bayern Munich titled FC Hollywood.
In recognition of his contributions to television, Käßbohrer will participate in a Q+A session with Deadline at Seriencamp, where he will officially receive his accolade as the German TV Disruptor of the year.
The Seriencamp festival is scheduled to run from June 3 to June 5, promising a gathering of television enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
