Talking to... Sophie Toth
The producer talks about her jury duty at Seriencamp and her breakthrough with the hit series TSCHUGGER
27.05.2025
Producer Sophie Toth developed the fiction department at Shining Film and produced the hit series TSCHUGGER. She has been running her own production company, Shining Nice, since 2024. As a member of the Writers’ Vision Pitch Jury, she is jointly responsible for selecting the series projects in development that will be presented at the pitch session at Seriencamp Cologne.
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the Writers Vision Pitch Jury?
I’m really looking forward to Seriencamp – especially the close-knit, almost family-like vibe that makes the festival so appealing. You meet up with old acquaintances, get to know new and inspiring people, and conversations arise that often have a lasting impact long after the event. In the Writers Vision Pitch Jury, I’m excited to meet my fellow jury members and, above all, to see edgy material with substance – and writers who really have something to say; ideas that stick, like a good song.
Your production company Shining Nice has made its breakthrough with “TSCHUGGER”. The last season premiered in cinemas as a feature film. Are you tempted to produce feature films in addition to series in the future?
Cinema has a magic all of its own. Experiencing the audience’s reactions first-hand and seeing your own work on the big screen is incredible and very moving. Through the medium of cinema, we can transport people to another world. And it’s precisely this magic that fascinates me. Seeing the last season of TSCHUGGER in the cinema was a special highlight, and it definitely made me want to produce a feature film.
Speaking of which, have you been able to sell “TSCHUGGER” in “Denglisch”? Is an international release already planned?
The series is already available on Sky and Netflix in German-speaking countries. Internationally, deal proposals are just starting to come in. Such contracts are usually country-specific or based on language regions. As far as I know, a worldwide release date is usually only given for originals from globally active streamers or blockbusters and franchise films. It must be a pretty cool feeling when your own series or film is released worldwide at the same time – it’s on my bucket list.
What projects are you currently working on?
We’re sticking to the bucket list and working on the next logical steps towards a blockbuster. Currently somewhere between Hollywood vision, Miro board chaos and coffee consumption, but definitely with a lot of heart, expletives and humour.
You lived in the Netherlands for three years. How did that influence your work? And how about international coproductions?
Three years in the Netherlands not only gave me my son but also broadened my horizons. We definitely think far beyond national borders, but international coproductions are a bit like long-distance relationships: simple in theory, complex in practice. But when it works, it’s really good.