RTL Deutschland Lands “Huge” ZDF Streaming Package
German broadcaster RTL Deutschland has secured a “huge” package of series to stream from compatriot ZDF Studios. The deal comprises nearly 1,000 episodes, giving RTL+ a bump to its offer from September 15. ZDF shows such as Wilsberg, Der Bergdoktor and Das Traumschiff are included. “As a leading German private broadcaster and streaming service, we want to be the first port of call for all partners in Germany,” said RTL Deutschland COO Andreas Fischer. “That’s why we are very pleased that we have now been able to agree a new licensing deal with ZDF Studios.” Unscripted series such as Wilsberg and Nord Nord Mord will launch mid-September before dramas such as Der Bergdoktor, Die Bergretter and Bettys Diagnose will follow a month later on October 15. Family-friendly fare including Das Traumschiff, Ich Heirate eine Familiey and Die Schwarzwald-Klinik round off the package on November 15. “We are very pleased about the cooperation with RTL Germany,” said Markus Schäfer, spokesman for the management of ZDF Studios: In the future, series fans will have an additional opportunity to enjoy their favorite series from ZDF — the market leader among German television channels for twelve years — around the clock on RTL+.”
Simon’s Cat Feeds On Crypto
Simon’s Cat, the Banijay UK-owned company behind the eponymous animated franchise, is entering the crypto world. It has teamed with web3 marketing agency Anonymous Labs launch a meme token, $CAT, with the plan to introduce the Simon’s Cat brand to crypt enthusiasts. The token, which launched last week, has the support of web3 ecosystem Floki, with pre-sales shopped exclusively through its Real World Asset and ‘tokenization’ platform TokenFi. A donation will be made to Cats Protection through the pact. Simon’s Cat has been working with the animal welfare society for a decade, including on web series such as Cat Logic. Created by Simon Tofield, Simon’s Cat launched on YouTube in 2008 and was acquired by Banijay in 2015.
European Film Academy To Honor Wim Wenders
European Film Academy will fete Wim Wenders with a Lifetime Achievement award at 37th European Film Awards in December. The Berlin-based academy hailed Wenders as one of the most important German directors on the international scene, citing his films such as Wrong Move (1975), The American Friend (1978), Paris, Texas (1984), Wings Of Desire (1988), Pina (2011) and The Million Dollar Hotel (2000). He was also one of the founding members of the European Film Academy, its Chairman from 1990 until 1995 and President until 2020. “With this award, we celebrate Wim Wenders’ outstanding body of work which keeps exploring and experimenting with a curious eye and an open mind,” said Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director of the European Film Academy. “Wim Wenders has a strong connection to the European Film Academy and we’re additionally happy to also celebrate his outstanding commitment and say thank you,” he added. The EFA awards ceremony will take place on December 7 in Lucerne.
Paramount Exec Akhila Khanna To Head Up ITV Distribution
Paramount exec Akhila Khanna is heading to ITV to become Director of Distribution. Khanna will lead the network’s Media and Entertainment division’s UK distribution strategy following a restructure that has seen the implementation of around 200 layoffs. Martin Goswami, ITV Group Strategy Partnership & Distribution Director, will remain to support Khanna in an advisory capacity until he steps down at the end of the year after 14 years with ITV. Khanna joins from Paramount where she is currently SVP for Partnerships and Business Development, leading the distribution of Paramount’s streaming portfolio across the UK. She will work closely with ITV Chief Viewer Officer Jane Stiller. Khanna said: “After an exciting and fulfilling 7 years at Paramount International, I am thrilled to take on my next challenge at the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster. The experience I have acquired in my different roles to date will help to further grow ITV’s linear and streaming services and I’m looking forward to working with Jane, the team and the distribution partners.”
