BBC Studios partners with ZDF
BBC Studios has announced a long-term partnership with popular German broadcaster ZDF that will involve co-developing and co-producing scripted and factual content.
The two organisations have already worked together on the high-end factual wildlife series One Planet: Seven Worlds, which has been made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU).
BBC Studios and ZDF have also been involved with scripted drama The Mallorca Files, produced by Clerkenwell Films and Cosmopolitan Pictures.
As part of the long-term deal, ZDF will have the first opportunity to co-produce NHU projects. The broadcaster’s Terra X brand is already established as the home of NHU programmes on German TV.
“Producing ambitious, high quality TV content is all about partnerships,” said Paul Dempsey, president of global markets for BBC Studios.
“This strategic deal, bringing two of the leaders of European public service broadcasting closer together, is a hugely important and exciting opportunity.
Global hits like Planet Earth II wouldn’t have been possible without international partners like ZDF, which came on board early as a co-producer. ZDF has been Germany’s key investor in our content over the last few years, and is the ideal partner, sharing the same editorial values.”
BBC Studios is the commercial production and distribution arm of the BBC.
Image: BBC
Also on The Knowledge
Pact issues principles for using AI in production
Pact has issued a set of principles for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in TV and film production, urging members to champion human talent above the technology.
Global Production Awards – entry deadline extended!
The deadline for entries to this year’s Global Production Awards has been extended to 15 March.
UK indie film boosted as government announces 40% tax relief
The UK Government has announced it is to introduce tax relief of 40% for films with budgets of up to £15m, a move welcomed by industry bodies PACT and the BFI.
Global Production Awards – final call for entries!
The deadline to enter this year's Global Production Awards is 8 March, with the ceremony to be held during this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
BBC greenlights 12 new dramas
At a BBC event in London last night (21 February), director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt set out her vision as she confirmed the commission of 12 new dramas across BBC channels.
UK film offices join European sustainable-filming pledge
CineRegio, a network of regional European film funds, has launched a Manifesto for Sustainable Filming, with Film London, Screen Scotland and Ffilm Cymru Wales among the many signatories.