Sky Arte Documentary Chronicles Hansa Studios' Legendary History

On January 10, Sky Arte HD will air the first part of a two-episode documentary produced by the Sky Arts Production Hub, dedicated to Berlin's Hansa Studios. The film debuts on the anniversary of David Bowie's death, who famously recorded there and made the studios legendary by choosing them over American counterparts. Bowie wrote about the Berlin Wall in "Heroes," while Iggy Pop conceived "The Passenger" inspired by U-Bahn and S-Bahn rides. Beyond Bowie and Iggy Pop, Nick Cave and U2 recorded the album Achtung Baby at Hansa. The studios were uniquely located on the desolate Potsdamer Platz, just meters from the Berlin Wall. Through a rich archive of images and exclusive access, the film features interviews with solo artists, bands, engineers, and producers, tracing the studios' evolution from a German pop hit factory to a symbol of a generation seeking sonic experimentation. The German band Einstürzende Neubauten created a new type of music there using metal sheets, jackhammers, scaffolding tubes, and even a toilet lid to sample unusual sounds. This experimental approach also attracted Depeche Mode, who recorded at Hansa and composed 1980s hits like "People Are People."