ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services.
The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights.
The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted at ZDF Studios, talks through the company’s international partnerships and alliances, his programme highlights for this fall, and how the unscripted market is changing.
How important are international partnerships to ZDF Studios’ global strategy?
They are essential. It was not without reason that ZDF set up an acquisitions and sales subsidiary 30 years ago to play a more active role in the international market. Over the decades, we have acquired stakes in numerous production companies, founded companies for digital marketing and, with Off the Fence, invested in a company that not only wins Oscars and Emmys but is also – like us – a very successful international distribution company.
It is ingrained in our DNA that we operate internationally. Strong partnerships are very important to us. We are less interested in the quick deal than in long-term, intensive, close and sometimes demanding partnerships. At the same time, we always put loyalty and common interests at the top of our agenda, even in difficult times.
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