Autentic takes distribution control

MIPCOM: German producer Autentic has taken full ownership and control of its distribution arm, which was previously a joint venture with broadcast group WDR.

Autentic Distribution, based in Cologne, will be wholly owned and controlled by Munich-based Autentic from January 1. Autentic itself is owned by the Beta Film Group, run by Patrick Hoerl and Jan Mojto.

The sales house will maintain its close working relationship with WDR as the exclusive distributor of its documentaries. WDR said the move was part of a realignment of its group and investment portfolio.

Autentic Distribution is at Mipcom in Cannes this week with 150 hours of new factual programming, including future-gazing series 2077 – 10 Seconds to the Future (4×60’) and Secrets of Arabia (4×52’).

Hoerl, CEO of Autentic, said: “Throughout recent years, Autentic and the WDR media group have built up a fast-growing distribution entity. Autentic will hold on to its strategy to invest in high-quality content to allow managing director Anne Hufnagel and her team to pursue this growth course.”