When the most successful TV producers are selected at the end of the year, Cologne companies are always right at the top of the list. Shows such as “Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” and “Let’s Dance”, award-winning comedies and late-night programmes, the “Tatort”-episodes from North Rhine-Westphalia and many other high-quality television films, successful series and soaps, highly regarded documentary films and reports are the brainchildren of creative TV professionals in Cologne. The production companies include not only big national and international names with a long tradition, but also young and creative enterprises. They can rely on a dense network of experienced service companies and freelancers who cover all aspects of TV production – from casting through to post-production. One further major benefit of the location is the Coloneum, one of the largest and most modern studio centres in Europe. In the 19 studios TV professionals – and movie specialists – find ideal conditions. A great deal is also filmed on the streets and squares of the city: In this respect, too, Cologne plays a leading role in German television.