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
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
The Alliance, the new partnership formed by leading European pubcasters to counter the growing power of Netflix and other players, is revving up with two new international dramas, “Around the World in 80 Days” and “Mirage.”
The Alliance was formed last year by France Televisions, Germany’s Zdf and Italy’s Rai. The partners unveiled their two new ambitious shows Wednesday at Series Mania in Lille, France.
For France Televisions in particular, the series are part of a wider move into high-end international drama that also includes French series like “Germinal,” based on Emile Zola’s classic novel, and the adaptation of Guillaume Musso’s bestseller, “La jeune fille et la nuit,” both of which France Televisions is developing outside of the Alliance.
The French pubcaster’s push has been spearheaded by Nathalie Biancolli, an industry veteran who helped created Snd, the commercial division of M6 network, and worked at...
The Alliance was formed last year by France Televisions, Germany’s Zdf and Italy’s Rai. The partners unveiled their two new ambitious shows Wednesday at Series Mania in Lille, France.
For France Televisions in particular, the series are part of a wider move into high-end international drama that also includes French series like “Germinal,” based on Emile Zola’s classic novel, and the adaptation of Guillaume Musso’s bestseller, “La jeune fille et la nuit,” both of which France Televisions is developing outside of the Alliance.
The French pubcaster’s push has been spearheaded by Nathalie Biancolli, an industry veteran who helped created Snd, the commercial division of M6 network, and worked at...
- 3/27/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.