German production company Augenschein is advancing in Hollywood with high-profile projects featuring stars like Anne Hathaway, Ethan Hawke, and Kristen Stewart.
Recent Projects and Collaborations
Following the success of 'Mother Mary' with Anne Hathaway and Michaela Cole, Augenschein, led by Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo, launched 'The Weight', starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, at Sundance and Berlin. 'Flesh of the Gods', starring Kristen Stewart and Wagner Moura, is another project underway. The vampire thriller, set in 1980s L.A., is being filmed in Tenerife, Germany, and Los Angeles under director Panos Cosmatos, with a script by Andrew Kevin Walker.
Producing Partnerships and A24 Involvement
Leo describes 'Flesh of the Gods' as a mix of 'Eyes Wide Shut' and 'The Lost Boys', complete with a dream-like atmosphere and a stylish, atmospheric approach. The film involves producing partners Hyperobject Industries, Nevermind Pictures, and XYZ Films, with A24 securing U.S. rights.
More Star-Driven Projects
Apart from 'Flesh of the Gods', Augenschein is behind 'Left Seat', starring Michelle Rodriguez and Richard Gere, directed by Ben Younger. Shot in Bavaria, it recently wrapped filming. Augenschein collaborates with Jason Michael Berman's A/Vantage and Mandalay Pictures, with Anton managing international sales and WME Independent handling North America.
Diverse Film Portfolio
Augenschein also explores smaller projects like 'Bloody Tennis', which is screening at Cannes. The company balances financing between larger and smaller films, leveraging European funds to support creative risks without overwhelming financial pressures.
Germany's revamped film incentives, including a 30% tax shelter yield, have bolstered production activity. Leo notes that combining the German Film Fund with regional funds makes Germany a preferred shooting location, offering high quality at lower costs compared to Eastern Europe.
Augenschein's approach allows them to attract renowned filmmakers from the U.S. and U.K., even amid a challenging financing market. Leo highlights that 'The Weight' and 'Flesh of the Gods' have elevated the company's production level, allowing them to work with higher-profile filmmakers and projects.
Despite market challenges, Augenschein continues to thrive by assembling strong packages and leveraging its financial strategies to produce bold and innovative films.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/augenschein-anne-hathaway-ethan-hawke-kristen-stewart-1236750731/
