Markus Schaefer will assume the role of president and CEO of Zdf Studios, succeeding Fred Burcksen, who is leaving the company after more than 26 years. Together with co-director Karoline Meichsner-Sertl, Schaefer will be in charge of Zdf Studios’ future plans.
Announced less than a fortnight after Zdf Enterprises rebranded as Zdf Studios on April 1, the change of leadership sees the departure of an iconic executive who was at Zdfe from its near launch in 1993, helping to shepherd its transformation from a sales and acquisition arm into a veritable production force in Germany.
From 1998, Zdfe has taken stakes in 28 affiliated production companies including Intaglio Films, Nadcon, headed by Nordic Noir pioneer Peter Nadermann, and Real Film, producer of Netflix hit “Unorthodox.”
Schaefer’s challenge is how to take Zdf Studios to the next level, as a production player with the potential to consolidate its status as one of the foremost players in Europe.
Announced less than a fortnight after Zdf Enterprises rebranded as Zdf Studios on April 1, the change of leadership sees the departure of an iconic executive who was at Zdfe from its near launch in 1993, helping to shepherd its transformation from a sales and acquisition arm into a veritable production force in Germany.
From 1998, Zdfe has taken stakes in 28 affiliated production companies including Intaglio Films, Nadcon, headed by Nordic Noir pioneer Peter Nadermann, and Real Film, producer of Netflix hit “Unorthodox.”
Schaefer’s challenge is how to take Zdf Studios to the next level, as a production player with the potential to consolidate its status as one of the foremost players in Europe.
- 4/12/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Zdf Studios CEO and President Fred Burcksen is leaving after 26 years with the company and will be replaced by Markus Schaefer in July.
Schaefer, a former CEO of All3Media Deutschland and Deputy Chairman of the Alliance of German Producers – Film and Television, will shape the studio’s future strategy alongside Co-director Karoline Meichsner-Sertl.
“In Markus Schaefer, we have an experienced media manager taking over the management of the Zdf Studios Group,” said Norbert Himmler, Director-General of owner Zdf, the German public service broadcaster. “With his knowledge of the industry and strategic skills, he will drive forward the digital development of the group.”
Burcksen joined the company as Senior Sales Manager in 1995, rising to Vice President Sales, Merchandizing and Co-productions within three years, before becoming EVP and COO in January 2013 and President/CEO in January 2018.
The company has undergone huge change during his tenure, creating multiple shows not only for the...
Schaefer, a former CEO of All3Media Deutschland and Deputy Chairman of the Alliance of German Producers – Film and Television, will shape the studio’s future strategy alongside Co-director Karoline Meichsner-Sertl.
“In Markus Schaefer, we have an experienced media manager taking over the management of the Zdf Studios Group,” said Norbert Himmler, Director-General of owner Zdf, the German public service broadcaster. “With his knowledge of the industry and strategic skills, he will drive forward the digital development of the group.”
Burcksen joined the company as Senior Sales Manager in 1995, rising to Vice President Sales, Merchandizing and Co-productions within three years, before becoming EVP and COO in January 2013 and President/CEO in January 2018.
The company has undergone huge change during his tenure, creating multiple shows not only for the...
- 4/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio 100, a leading studio for kids and family entertainment, and Zdf Studios, the commercial arm of the German public broadcaster, have joined forces to offer kids and family programs on Amazon Prime Channels under the channel brand Pash.
The collaboration on Amazon Prime Channels will kick off in the U.K., Italy and Spain, with further territories in the planning. The programming lineup from both Zdfs’ and Studio 100’s catalogs will include well-known series and kids’ brands such as “Maya the Bee,” “Mia and Me,” “Heidi,” “Peter Pan,” “H20” and “Find Me in Paris.”
The Pash brand was created by Zdf Studios, which has already launched Amazon Prime Channels in various countries. In each territory, the Pash content catalog features hundreds of shows and movies for kids.
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO, Zdf Studios, said: “Studio 100’s programs perfectly complement our programming offering, allowing us to provide a great...
The collaboration on Amazon Prime Channels will kick off in the U.K., Italy and Spain, with further territories in the planning. The programming lineup from both Zdfs’ and Studio 100’s catalogs will include well-known series and kids’ brands such as “Maya the Bee,” “Mia and Me,” “Heidi,” “Peter Pan,” “H20” and “Find Me in Paris.”
The Pash brand was created by Zdf Studios, which has already launched Amazon Prime Channels in various countries. In each territory, the Pash content catalog features hundreds of shows and movies for kids.
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO, Zdf Studios, said: “Studio 100’s programs perfectly complement our programming offering, allowing us to provide a great...
- 4/1/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Zdf Enterprises, a key production-distribution component of one of Europe’s biggest public broadcaster powerhouses, Germany’s Zdf, is set to operate under the new name of Zdf Studios.
Effective from April 1, the title, announced by Zdf Enterprises President and CEO Fred Burcksen on Monday in Mainz, captures much better Zdfe’s current business reach, scale and ambitions.
“We are a studio, we cover all elements of our industry, from early development to longtail sales. The new name fits our business model much better and reflects our production and distribution expertise,” Burcksen said.
Zdf Enterprises was launched in 1993 to handle worldwide program distribution as new content-avid private TV networks sprang up in Europe and beyond and also to deal with the business affairs of the acquisition of programs from around the world. Since then, however, Zdfe has diversified energetically.
Its brief now covers national and international production where it works...
Effective from April 1, the title, announced by Zdf Enterprises President and CEO Fred Burcksen on Monday in Mainz, captures much better Zdfe’s current business reach, scale and ambitions.
“We are a studio, we cover all elements of our industry, from early development to longtail sales. The new name fits our business model much better and reflects our production and distribution expertise,” Burcksen said.
Zdf Enterprises was launched in 1993 to handle worldwide program distribution as new content-avid private TV networks sprang up in Europe and beyond and also to deal with the business affairs of the acquisition of programs from around the world. Since then, however, Zdfe has diversified energetically.
Its brief now covers national and international production where it works...
- 2/14/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Acquisition
Expanding on their already fruitful non-fiction partnership, Zdf Enterprises and Studio Hamburg Production Group have agreed to a closer working relationship in fiction production starting in January of next year, when Zdf Enterprises will acquire a 49% stake in Real Film, a Studio Hamburg subsidiary. The purchase is currently awaiting approval from German antitrust authorities.
“I am pleased to now extend the excellent collaboration that already exists in the non-fictional area with the Studio Hamburg Production Group to the fictional genre,” said Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen. “Real Film is a great addition to our investment portfolio in fiction programs. I wish the two managing directors of Real Film Michael Lehmann and Henning Kamm every success.”
“We are delighted to be working with Zdf Enterprises to further strengthen the successful Real Film brand,” said Studio Hamburg’s Michael Lehmann and Johannes Züll. “Real Film already produces a wide variety of productions for cinema,...
Expanding on their already fruitful non-fiction partnership, Zdf Enterprises and Studio Hamburg Production Group have agreed to a closer working relationship in fiction production starting in January of next year, when Zdf Enterprises will acquire a 49% stake in Real Film, a Studio Hamburg subsidiary. The purchase is currently awaiting approval from German antitrust authorities.
“I am pleased to now extend the excellent collaboration that already exists in the non-fictional area with the Studio Hamburg Production Group to the fictional genre,” said Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen. “Real Film is a great addition to our investment portfolio in fiction programs. I wish the two managing directors of Real Film Michael Lehmann and Henning Kamm every success.”
“We are delighted to be working with Zdf Enterprises to further strengthen the successful Real Film brand,” said Studio Hamburg’s Michael Lehmann and Johannes Züll. “Real Film already produces a wide variety of productions for cinema,...
- 10/19/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Zdf Enterprises (Zdfe) has acquired the international distribution rights to Spanish horror anthology “Stories to Stay Awake,” in Spanish “Historias para no dormir,” for all territories outside of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Latin America, which will be handled by series producer ViacomCBS International Studios.
50 years ago, Chicho Ibáñez Serrador became a household name in Spain thanks to his creation “Historias Para No Dormir,” a Spanish series which aired from 1966 to 1968 and again in 1982. In 2005, the IP was reformatted for the big screen as a group of shorts in “Peliculas Para No Dormir” (Movies to Stay Awake), with Ibáñez’s contribution “La Culpa” being the filmmaker’s final directorial work. He was joined then by several other Spanish genre masters on the project in Álex de la Iglesia (“30 Coins”), Jaume Balagueró (“[Rec]”), Mateo Gil (“Open Your Eyes”), Enrique Urbizu (“The Ninth Gate”) and, back for this new series reboot, Paco Plaza.
50 years ago, Chicho Ibáñez Serrador became a household name in Spain thanks to his creation “Historias Para No Dormir,” a Spanish series which aired from 1966 to 1968 and again in 1982. In 2005, the IP was reformatted for the big screen as a group of shorts in “Peliculas Para No Dormir” (Movies to Stay Awake), with Ibáñez’s contribution “La Culpa” being the filmmaker’s final directorial work. He was joined then by several other Spanish genre masters on the project in Álex de la Iglesia (“30 Coins”), Jaume Balagueró (“[Rec]”), Mateo Gil (“Open Your Eyes”), Enrique Urbizu (“The Ninth Gate”) and, back for this new series reboot, Paco Plaza.
- 10/13/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Bo Stehmeier, president of distributor Red Arrow Studios International, has been appointed joint-ceo of Zdf Enterprises-owned producer and distributor Off the Fence, alongside company founder Ellen Windemuth.
The appointment marks a return to Off the Fence for Stehmeier, who rejoins on January 1, 2021.
Stehmeier initially worked in purchasing and sales at Tvf International, Zodiak Media and Optomen, before moving to Off the Fence in 2007, where he held various positions, and was most recently responsible for global sales.
He was appointed as head of world sales at Red Arrow Studios International in 2016 and has been president since January 2019.
Netherlands-based Off the Fence specializes in factual content, and was acquired by Zdf in early 2019, appointing Ralf Rückauer, VP Zdfe.unscripted at Zdf Enterprises, as its co-ceo.
Rückauer will return to focus on his core work as VP Zdfe.unscripted at Zdf Enterprises.
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO of Zdf Enterprises and chairman...
The appointment marks a return to Off the Fence for Stehmeier, who rejoins on January 1, 2021.
Stehmeier initially worked in purchasing and sales at Tvf International, Zodiak Media and Optomen, before moving to Off the Fence in 2007, where he held various positions, and was most recently responsible for global sales.
He was appointed as head of world sales at Red Arrow Studios International in 2016 and has been president since January 2019.
Netherlands-based Off the Fence specializes in factual content, and was acquired by Zdf in early 2019, appointing Ralf Rückauer, VP Zdfe.unscripted at Zdf Enterprises, as its co-ceo.
Rückauer will return to focus on his core work as VP Zdfe.unscripted at Zdf Enterprises.
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO of Zdf Enterprises and chairman...
- 5/13/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Zdf Enterprises, a division of German broadcasting powerhouse Zdf, has partnered with independent production outfit Neue Deutsche Filmgesellschaft (“Mountain Medic”), to form FictionMagnet Producktions.
The new entity will develop and produce fictional TV formats for Zdf. Ndf will hold 51% of the joint venture and Zdf 49%. The company will be based in Unterfohring and will be managed by the two Ndf CEOs, Eric Welbers and Matthias Walther (pictured).
First up from FictionMagnet will be “In Their 50s,” a TV movie based on 1995 property “Um die 30,” for which writers Dominik Raacke and Ralf Huettner won the TeleStar award for best writer for a series. Raacke and Huettner will reunite for “In Their 50s.”
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO of Zdf Enterprises, said: “Pooling the program-making expertise, international experience and corporate commitment of our two companies creates the ideal conditions for making successful German productions for the domestic and international markets.”
Welbers and...
The new entity will develop and produce fictional TV formats for Zdf. Ndf will hold 51% of the joint venture and Zdf 49%. The company will be based in Unterfohring and will be managed by the two Ndf CEOs, Eric Welbers and Matthias Walther (pictured).
First up from FictionMagnet will be “In Their 50s,” a TV movie based on 1995 property “Um die 30,” for which writers Dominik Raacke and Ralf Huettner won the TeleStar award for best writer for a series. Raacke and Huettner will reunite for “In Their 50s.”
Fred Burcksen, president and CEO of Zdf Enterprises, said: “Pooling the program-making expertise, international experience and corporate commitment of our two companies creates the ideal conditions for making successful German productions for the domestic and international markets.”
Welbers and...
- 2/17/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Wild Sheep Content, the content business set up by former Netflix international exec Erik Barmack, is developing an adaptation of Australian teen novel On the Jellicoe Road.
The company, which Barmack, who was VP International Originals for Latin America, Emea and India, set up earlier this year after leaving the Svod service, is working with Germany’s Zdf Enterprises and Australia’s Werner Film Productions, on the young adult drama series.
The book, written by Australian author Melina Marchetta, was first published in Australia in 2006 and in the U.S. in 2008. It centers around 17-year-old Taylor Markham, leader of the boarding school underground community on Jellicoe Road. Taylor was abandoned by her mother when she was 11, and her only recollection of her father is a brief memory of standing on her father’s shoulders. The only adult influence in her life is her mentor and guardian Hannah, who lives in...
The company, which Barmack, who was VP International Originals for Latin America, Emea and India, set up earlier this year after leaving the Svod service, is working with Germany’s Zdf Enterprises and Australia’s Werner Film Productions, on the young adult drama series.
The book, written by Australian author Melina Marchetta, was first published in Australia in 2006 and in the U.S. in 2008. It centers around 17-year-old Taylor Markham, leader of the boarding school underground community on Jellicoe Road. Taylor was abandoned by her mother when she was 11, and her only recollection of her father is a brief memory of standing on her father’s shoulders. The only adult influence in her life is her mentor and guardian Hannah, who lives in...
- 12/2/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Cannes – Germany’s Zdf Enterprises and Japan’s Fuji TV have picked their team for soccer drama “The Window.”
Mel Raido (“Deep State”), Tommy Bastow (“Agatha Raisin”), stage actor Samuel Jordan, Lynn Van Royen (“Tabula Rasa”), Jodie Tyack (“The Feed”), and Carole Weyers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) will all star in the show. It heads into production in the U.K. next week, before moving to Belgium and Malta.
Co-production is commonplace in the international drama market, but not among European and Asian partners. Having pacted, Zdf Enterprises, the commercial arm of German pubcaster Zdf, and Japanese broadcaster Fuji will share international sales duties.
The pair first worked up the idea of teaming on drama at Mipcom three years ago. They unveiled the cast and full team on the show at the 2019 edition of the TV market. Berlin-based production company Boogie Entertainment developed “The Window,” and will make it with Belgium-based Velvet Films.
Mel Raido (“Deep State”), Tommy Bastow (“Agatha Raisin”), stage actor Samuel Jordan, Lynn Van Royen (“Tabula Rasa”), Jodie Tyack (“The Feed”), and Carole Weyers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) will all star in the show. It heads into production in the U.K. next week, before moving to Belgium and Malta.
Co-production is commonplace in the international drama market, but not among European and Asian partners. Having pacted, Zdf Enterprises, the commercial arm of German pubcaster Zdf, and Japanese broadcaster Fuji will share international sales duties.
The pair first worked up the idea of teaming on drama at Mipcom three years ago. They unveiled the cast and full team on the show at the 2019 edition of the TV market. Berlin-based production company Boogie Entertainment developed “The Window,” and will make it with Belgium-based Velvet Films.
- 10/14/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios and German pubcaster Zdf have formed a strategic partnership to develop and co-produce “world-class content,” the two companies announced Thursday.
The new long-term partnership will bring BBC Studios, the British pubcaster’s commercial arm, and Zdf together to co-develop scripted TV series, such as “The Mallorca Files,” created by Dan Sefton. Both companies will pitch scripted projects with international appeal.
The deal also gives Zdf an exclusive first-look option in Germany to co-produce new landmark titles from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, such as the upcoming “One Planet, Seven Worlds,” as well as a first option on BBC Studios’ factual catalog.
Norbert Himmler, chief content officer at Zdf, said the two companies shared “the aspiration to offer the highest-quality programs across all genres.”
“The new substantial agreement consolidates the traditional and successful cooperation between the two broadcasters and strengthens our position against increasingly fierce competition – especially in times of limited financial resources,...
The new long-term partnership will bring BBC Studios, the British pubcaster’s commercial arm, and Zdf together to co-develop scripted TV series, such as “The Mallorca Files,” created by Dan Sefton. Both companies will pitch scripted projects with international appeal.
The deal also gives Zdf an exclusive first-look option in Germany to co-produce new landmark titles from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, such as the upcoming “One Planet, Seven Worlds,” as well as a first option on BBC Studios’ factual catalog.
Norbert Himmler, chief content officer at Zdf, said the two companies shared “the aspiration to offer the highest-quality programs across all genres.”
“The new substantial agreement consolidates the traditional and successful cooperation between the two broadcasters and strengthens our position against increasingly fierce competition – especially in times of limited financial resources,...
- 4/18/2019
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
While the international media industry grapples with the tectonic shifts triggered by the growing proliferation of streaming services, Zdf Enterprises is riding the wave of change by seizing opportunities, creating new business models and forging partnerships with the likes of Netflix and other digital players.
As the world sales, licensing and co-production arm of German broadcaster Zdf, Zdfe has long established itself as an independent player in both domestic and global markets and it is quickly adapting to the sector’s new reality.
The company has also expanded its sales and production operations through key acquisitions as part of its overall growth strategy.
“We have tried to embrace the changes, the disruption that these platforms have brought to the market through digitization and streaming possibilities, to recognize the opportunities rather than the threat,” Zdfe President and CEO Fred Burcksen tells Variety. “We have so far been able to profit from that.
As the world sales, licensing and co-production arm of German broadcaster Zdf, Zdfe has long established itself as an independent player in both domestic and global markets and it is quickly adapting to the sector’s new reality.
The company has also expanded its sales and production operations through key acquisitions as part of its overall growth strategy.
“We have tried to embrace the changes, the disruption that these platforms have brought to the market through digitization and streaming possibilities, to recognize the opportunities rather than the threat,” Zdfe President and CEO Fred Burcksen tells Variety. “We have so far been able to profit from that.
- 4/8/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Boasting animation, live-action shows and tween series, Zdf Enterprises’ Zdfe.junior division offers a diverse catalog of domestic and international productions.
The unit is attracting strong global interest with such titles as “The Worst Witch,” “The Bureau of Magical Things”
and “Find Me in Paris,” particularly on the VOD front, says Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen.
Zdfe’s recent kids’ titles have all attracted leading VOD partners.
Nickelodeon was quick to pick up global linear and non-linear rights to Jonathan M. Shiff Prods.’ Australian teen fantasy series “The Bureau of Magical Things.” Co-produced by Zdf and Zdfe, the show is already set for season two.
Hulu nabbed U.S. streaming rights to Cottonwood Media’s tween drama “Find Me in Paris,” about a Russian ballerina in 1905 Paris who is flung into the future by a magical pendant and forced to adapt to modern technology, fashion and teen slang while...
The unit is attracting strong global interest with such titles as “The Worst Witch,” “The Bureau of Magical Things”
and “Find Me in Paris,” particularly on the VOD front, says Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen.
Zdfe’s recent kids’ titles have all attracted leading VOD partners.
Nickelodeon was quick to pick up global linear and non-linear rights to Jonathan M. Shiff Prods.’ Australian teen fantasy series “The Bureau of Magical Things.” Co-produced by Zdf and Zdfe, the show is already set for season two.
Hulu nabbed U.S. streaming rights to Cottonwood Media’s tween drama “Find Me in Paris,” about a Russian ballerina in 1905 Paris who is flung into the future by a magical pendant and forced to adapt to modern technology, fashion and teen slang while...
- 4/8/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
With a muscular lineup of factual programming, recent acquisitions and expanded catalogs, Zdf Enterprises’ Zdfe.unscripted division is expecting strong business this year.
Consisting of two main arms, factual and entertainment, Zdfe.unscripted covers a broad range of genres, from history, wildlife and science, to music, arts and sports.
“The division is very solid for us,” says Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen, adding that its global success makes it a very profitable unit for the group.
Zdfe beefed up its non-scripted business in January with the acquisition of leading Dutch production and sales company Off the Fence (Otf), which just signed a global, multi-year distribution deal with Red Bull’s Terra Mater Factual Studios.
The company wanted to achieve two things with the acquisition of Otf, says Burcksen: strengthen its global sales power and bring Otf’s production operations into the Zdfe fold.
“It should remain an independent unit,...
Consisting of two main arms, factual and entertainment, Zdfe.unscripted covers a broad range of genres, from history, wildlife and science, to music, arts and sports.
“The division is very solid for us,” says Zdfe president and CEO Fred Burcksen, adding that its global success makes it a very profitable unit for the group.
Zdfe beefed up its non-scripted business in January with the acquisition of leading Dutch production and sales company Off the Fence (Otf), which just signed a global, multi-year distribution deal with Red Bull’s Terra Mater Factual Studios.
The company wanted to achieve two things with the acquisition of Otf, says Burcksen: strengthen its global sales power and bring Otf’s production operations into the Zdfe fold.
“It should remain an independent unit,...
- 4/8/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Zdf Enterprises has bought into Nadcon, the German film and TV banner that co-produced upcoming Berlinale opener “The Kindness of Strangers.” Nadcon was co-founded by Peter Nadermann, one of the pioneers of the Nordic Noir genre.
The company was created in 2012 by Nadermann and German film and TV giant Constantin. Zdfe is the commercial arm of German pubcaster Zdf and said Monday that it had taken over Constantin’s stake in Nadcon. The deal gives it a 49% stake in the business.
Former Zdf and Zdfe executive Nadermann holds the remainder and stays on as managing director. His extensive credits include genre-defining Scandi series “The Killing” and “The Bridge” as well as Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium” trilogy. Cologne-based Nadcon’s recent work includes the buzzy Swedish-Danish series “Greyzone” and the highly anticipated Lone Scherfig movie “The Kindness of Strangers.”
“I’m really looking forward to the renewed collaboration with Zdf Enterprises,...
The company was created in 2012 by Nadermann and German film and TV giant Constantin. Zdfe is the commercial arm of German pubcaster Zdf and said Monday that it had taken over Constantin’s stake in Nadcon. The deal gives it a 49% stake in the business.
Former Zdf and Zdfe executive Nadermann holds the remainder and stays on as managing director. His extensive credits include genre-defining Scandi series “The Killing” and “The Bridge” as well as Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium” trilogy. Cologne-based Nadcon’s recent work includes the buzzy Swedish-Danish series “Greyzone” and the highly anticipated Lone Scherfig movie “The Kindness of Strangers.”
“I’m really looking forward to the renewed collaboration with Zdf Enterprises,...
- 1/28/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Aiming to expand its reach in the factual content landscape, Zdf Enterprises has fully acquired Off the Fence, a leading Dutch production and distribution company dedicated to nonfiction programming.
Off the Fence Productions has created over 500 hours of TV content across a wide range of genres, including science, history, human stories and natural history. Boasting a catalogue of more than 6,500 hours’ worth of content, the company has delivered programming to global broadcasters, including History Channel, MTV, the BBC, Channel 4, MSNBC, PBS, National Geographic Channel, Discovery, The Weather Channel and Zdf.
Some of its recent titles include the documentaries “Untamed Romania” and “Besa: The Promise,” about the men and women of Albania who faced down the Nazis and saved the lives of nearly 2,000 Jews.
Under the deal, Off the Fence’s CEO and founder Ellen Windemuth will remain in the post.
“We are very excited to join such a clever and dynamic group.
Off the Fence Productions has created over 500 hours of TV content across a wide range of genres, including science, history, human stories and natural history. Boasting a catalogue of more than 6,500 hours’ worth of content, the company has delivered programming to global broadcasters, including History Channel, MTV, the BBC, Channel 4, MSNBC, PBS, National Geographic Channel, Discovery, The Weather Channel and Zdf.
Some of its recent titles include the documentaries “Untamed Romania” and “Besa: The Promise,” about the men and women of Albania who faced down the Nazis and saved the lives of nearly 2,000 Jews.
Under the deal, Off the Fence’s CEO and founder Ellen Windemuth will remain in the post.
“We are very excited to join such a clever and dynamic group.
- 1/8/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Germany’s Zdf Enterprises has acquired Dutch producer and distributor Off The Fence.
The commercial arm of the German public broadcaster, which is known for distributing series such as The Killing, has bought 100% of the company, which produces series such as Destination Wild and Stan Lee’s Superhumans.
Off The Fence CEO and Founder Ellen Windemuth will remain with the company, which was founded in 1994. The company has produced more than 500 hours of TV and also distributes 6,500 hours of programming including Love & Hip Hop and Kendra on Top. It has sales offices in Amsterdam, London, Cape Town and Mainz.
Ellen Windemuth, CEO of Off the Fence, said, “We are very excited to join such a clever and dynamic group. We have worked closely together for twenty years, and there is a lot of mutual respect. We have developed a synergistic common strategy, and I look forward to realising it together.
The commercial arm of the German public broadcaster, which is known for distributing series such as The Killing, has bought 100% of the company, which produces series such as Destination Wild and Stan Lee’s Superhumans.
Off The Fence CEO and Founder Ellen Windemuth will remain with the company, which was founded in 1994. The company has produced more than 500 hours of TV and also distributes 6,500 hours of programming including Love & Hip Hop and Kendra on Top. It has sales offices in Amsterdam, London, Cape Town and Mainz.
Ellen Windemuth, CEO of Off the Fence, said, “We are very excited to join such a clever and dynamic group. We have worked closely together for twenty years, and there is a lot of mutual respect. We have developed a synergistic common strategy, and I look forward to realising it together.
- 1/8/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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