Bernd Eichinger (born April 11, 1949 in Neuburg an der Donau) is a German film producer and director. He attended the University of Television and Film Munich in the 1970s, and bought a stake in the fledgling studio company Neue Constantin Film in 1979, becoming its executive director. Under his leadership, Constantin Film evolved into one of the most successful German movie businesses. As of 2005, he is chairman of the supervisory board and still owns a substantial stake in the company. Eichinger also produced some movies independently (for example Downfall). He has only directed two movies himself. Eichinger has announced he would be making a film about the left-wing terrorist group Red Army Faction (RAF) based on the book Der Baader-Meinhof-Komplex ("The Baader-Meinhof Complex") by Stefan Aust.
According to George A. Romero (I), the rejection of his Resident Evil (2002) script was due to Eichinger. Everyone else associated with the pre-production apparently liked the script.
Received the Bayerischer Verdienstorden, the highest order in the state of Bavaria (5 July 2006).
Longtime companion of Katja Flint for some years in the 1990s.
Longtime companion of Corinna Harfouch from 1999 to 2004.
Due to blockbuster movies such as Bewegte Mann, Der (1994), Untergang, Der (2004) and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006), he is considered Germany's most successful producer.
Married his wife Katja, a journalist, at his estate in Beverly Hills (December 2006).
After living in hotels for many years, he bought his own apartment at the age of 40.
Was also romantically linked to Hannelore Elsner and Barbara Rudnik.
Suggested founding the German Film Academy (2003).
Attended the School of Television and Film in Munich from 1970 to 1973.
Father of TV host Nina Eichinger.
