Disney Signs Exclusive Pact with Germany’s RTL

BERLIN: The Walt Disney Company has firmed up a wide-ranging exclusive deal with Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland that includes the German free-TV premieres for a range of titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Disney/Pixar, Marvel and DreamWorks.

The pact also includes series from ABC Studios, Disney Channel original movies and titles from the archives. Disney classics are covered as well. RTL Deutschland gets the first-window free-to-air TV rights for Disney’s cinematic co-productions in Germany also. Upcoming highlights include the sci-fi adventure John Carter, which opens in German theaters next month; Disney/Pixar’s Brave; Marvel’s superhero film The Avengers; and the Germany co-production Frisch Gepresst. The new hit series Once Upon A Time is also headed to the channel.

Jörg Graf, the head of pogram buying at Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, said: "We are pleased that we were able to sign this extensive deal with Disney. This investment especially strengthens the film line-up of our Mediengruppe channels. We are proud to present upcoming Disney blockbusters on Germany free-to-air TV.”

Robert Langer, the country manager for The Walt Disney Company GSA, added: “We are delighted about this far-reaching agreement and our future co-operation. RTL is a perfect TV partner for our hit series and film highlights in Germany. The co-operation between Disney and RTL is a marriage of two brands that each lead their respective sectors.”