Gaumont - Who we are
Every film is a promise, it pledges entertainment, emotions and inspiration. Every film becomes part of the viewer’s individual biography and outstanding works become part of cultural history. All of this is part of the magic of cinema. Gaumont is one of the most important sponsors and designers in the world, and in 2018, Gaumont extended that magic to a satellite office in Cologne, Germany.
From development to distribution, Gaumont combines all stages of film production under one roof. Gaumont has achieved milestones such as “The Fifth Element”, “Léon: The Professional”, “La Boum – The Party” and “The Intouchables”. The company looks back on more than a hundred years of history and is as old as the cinema itself.
Simply charming: In this image, our most famous film heroes lead you through more than 100-years of Gaumont history. All in just 50 seconds!
Unser Fundament: Our foundation: a tradition as old as cinema itself
At the end of the 19th century, images began to come alive: film is invented. At the same time, a young man in Paris acquired a business for cameras and other film equipment. Léon Gaumont (1864-1946) is a technology enthusiast. Likewise, he recognizes the creative potential of the new medium. Gaumont wants to tell stories, soon he begins producing his own films and series, including the series “Fantômas” (1913) and “Les Vampires” (1915). The company expands and locations in England and the US are added.
The medium developed rapidly in the following decades – and Gaumont contributed to this: Léon Gaumont is a dynamic entrepreneur who picks up and develops technical innovations at an early stage. Among other things, he invented his own systems for recording and reproducing sound and color films. With “Gaumont Palace” he opened a breathtaking cinema in Paris, with many more film palaces across France to follow. By doing so, Gaumont strengthens the position of the film as collective experience.
On the hunt for the most powerful drug cartel in the world: „Narcos“ combines tension, drama and a lot of zeitgeist to a compelling series. Produced by Gaumont for Netflix.
Our pride: productions that shape the zeitgeist
Gaumont produces top-quality comedies, dramas, murder mysteries, science-fiction, westerns, cartoons and series. Early masterpieces of film art such as “ L’Atalante“ by Jean Vigo and „The 39 Steps“ by Alfred Hitchcock are part of the portfolio, as is Mel Brooks’ cult film “Robin Hood – Men in Tights“. Director Luc Besson shot groundbreaking works with Gaumont, such as „La femme Nikita“ and „The Big Blue“. Actors who shine in Gaumont productions include Louis de Funès, Danielle Darrieux, Gerard Depardieu, Jean Gabin, Jeanne Moreau, Ingrid Bergman, Lino Ventura and many more.
Defining trends in audiovisual storytelling continues to drive Gaumont to this day. Contemporary productions such as “Samba”, “The Neon Demon”, “Only God Forgives” and Volker Schlöndorff’s “Return to Montauk” inspire at festivals and in movie theaters all over the world. In 2011, Gaumont International Television was founded in Los Angeles, producing hit series “Narcos” and “Hemlock Grove” for Netflix and “Hannibal” for NBC.
Gaumont is also involved in the preservation of cinematics and historically significant film recordings. By purchasing the catalog from director Louis Malle (1932 – 1995), Gaumont ensures that masterpieces such as “Elevator to the Gallows” and “Au revoir les enfants” are available in excellent quality on DVD and Blu-Ray. In addition, valuable audiovisual documents of contemporary history are preserved in the Gaumont Pathé Archives.
Breathtaking series about one of the most complex villains of all time: „Hannibal“ brings the cult character Hannibal Lecter closer than ever to the audience. Mads Mikkelsen shines in the leading role. Produced by Gaumont for NBC.
Our vision: top-class entertainment made in Germany
Since 2018 Gaumont also produces from a German branch under the management of Sabine de Mardt. Based in Cologne and with an office in Berlin, exceptional productions are being created. The passion, expertise and innovative spirit of the German team combine to create first-class entertainment made in Germany.
Immediately after its founding, Gaumont Germany produced one of the most elaborate German Netflix originals with “Barbarians” and broke new ground: There had never been a German historical action series before.
And never before has a non-English language series started more successfully on Netflix. The visually stunning and gripping production of the Varus Battle was streamed in more than 37 million households in the month after its release – a record! The series also caused a stir internationally. The New York Times, Forbes and Entertainment Weekly, among others, reported enthusiastically.
At the same time, the award-winning television film „9 Days Awake“ (Pro7) about an actor’s struggle with his crystal meth addiction was made – based on the true story of Eric Stehfest.
When it comes to the realization of ambitious content, Gaumont is now firmly established in Germany with an experienced team of producers. “The Wasp” (2021, Sky) , a top-class comedy series about a likeable underdog from the darts player milieu was one of the most successful German Sky Originals. “Westwall” (2021, ZDF, Neoriginal), the captivating adaptation of the thriller by Benedikt Gollhardt, shows uncompromisingly how terrorism and radicalization can penetrate the mainstream of society. Projects like these exemplify our aspiration to perfect the art of storytelling while constantly pushing it forward.
Gaumont Germany is currently producing “German House” on behalf of Disney+, the mini-series “What counts” for ZDF, and the television film “Nothing that happens to us” on behalf of WDR.