A comprehensive and unique photographic account of almost 100 years of (Neu-)Babelsberg film studio history is available. Among others, pictures of the "glass studio" – which was first used for the shooting of "Dance of the Dead", the first part of the Asta Nielsen series – document the early years (Bioscop). The studio′s rise to prominence during the Ufa period of the 1920s and 1930s is illustrated with pictures of the "large studio", the Tonkreuz and the plans for "Babelsberg film city".
In 1945, a short period of Soviet administration (LINSA) began, yet very few pictures of this interim exist. Afterwards, the studio became the DEFA headquarter until 1992. This development is covered well by photos in the general archive. Constructional changes, special technology, specific shooting locations and production plans have been documented. Aerial views of today′s media city Babelsberg complement the stock.
Several brigade diaries (e.g., of the sound department) shed light on the social interactions in the DEFA studios. Models developed during the architecture competition in 1993 provide details of the not realised reconstruction plans for the area.
Further items in the archive: Ufa football, dishes from the DEFA cafeteria, company signs, models of the Tonkreuz and the entire studio (1990).