The TV executive will be responsible for the sale of ZDF’s drama output, international co-productions and for the group’s own programme developments starting November 1, 2015.
Prior to joining ZDF Enterprises, Robert Franke (34), was Chief Content Officer and General Manager of Viewster Deutschland GmbH in Berlin and Head of Content of MyVideo (Pro7Sat1 - Magic Internet GmbH). He said: "I am very excited about the new exciting challenge to take over the management of the Drama Department at ZDF Enterprises. In such a dynamic market as the media industry, it is always important to identify the best ideas for successful programmes and to consistently implement them."
ZDFE.drama generates a yearly turnover of more than €40 million and its investments amount to approximately €25 million. The group has a long-standing relationship with Scandinavia and is a key co-production partner. Scandinavian TV dramas included in ZDF Enterprises’ fall/winter 2015 catalogue comprise the third season of Bron/Broen, the Rolf Lassgård’s crime mini-series Death of a Pilgrim and The Fourth Man and the award-winning series Viva Hate.
Recent deals signed with foreign broadcasters include the sale to Arte of DVD rights for French speaking territories of the first season of The Team, plus the two seasons of Thicker Than Water.
The Israeli media group HOT also acquired TV and VoD rights to the European crime series The Team for a three-year licence.