David Bernad, ‘White Lotus’ Executive Producer, Joins Forces with UFA in New Collaboration

David Bernad, the Emmy-winning executive producer of "The White Lotus," has partnered with German production company UFA to develop a new series called "Hotel Neptun." UFA, a part of Fremantle, is expanding its international presence under the leadership of CEO Sascha Schwingel.

The series "Hotel Neptun" will feature journalists Joshua Davis and Joshuah Bearman and is set in a hotel in former East Germany where spies from around the world converge. Nataly Kudiabor, known for her work on UFA’s dark comedy "Where’s Wanda?" for Apple TV+ and as the managing director of UFA Fiction, is also involved in the project.

David Bernad is recognized for his work on projects like the Amazon Freevee mockumentary "Jury Duty" and the HBO limited series "White House Plumbers" starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux.

Sascha Schwingel shared UFA’s strategic focus on protecting and expanding its core business while venturing into innovative areas to cater to new audiences. He emphasized the importance of international expansion, citing the success of "Maxton Hall," a series based on a bestseller by German author Mona Kasten, which became the top-performing international show on Amazon Prime Video.

Schwingel highlighted the global reach achieved with "Maxton Hall" through a robust influencer campaign, noting its popularity in over 120 territories. He also mentioned the success of "Where’s Wanda," UFA’s first Apple show, which resonated well with audiences globally.

UFA’s diverse portfolio includes "Sam – A Saxon," the first German-language original for Disney+, released in April 2023. Schwingel emphasized UFA’s versatility in producing various genres and its strong relationships with both traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms.

Despite the growing competition in the market, Schwingel sees opportunities in the increasing appetite for content consumption. He acknowledged the challenges of standing out in a crowded content landscape but stressed the importance of creating compelling and focused storytelling to engage audiences effectively.

UFA’s lineup also includes shows like "Der Upir" on Joyn and "Gute Zeiten. Wilde Zeiten" on Super RTL, catering to different target demographics. Before joining UFA, Schwingel held key positions at RTL and VOX in Germany, overseeing entertainment formats and streaming services.

Schwingel’s extensive experience in the industry, from content production to program management, has shaped his approach to leading UFA’s international expansion and fostering relationships with creators in the evolving media landscape.