ZDF Studios Inks Output Deal with Big Media

ZDF Studios has secured a multi-series output deal with the New York-based factual production company Big Media.

Per the deal, ZDF Studios will have early-stage creative consultation on development projects greenlit under the agreement over the course of the next year. The first greenlit program is Scanning History, exploring the technological revolution that has shaped modern archaeology and helped cast a new light on ancient civilizations.

Also under the deal, ZDF Studios will have exclusive rights to select original series for German-speaking territories, with a guarantee of 12 hours minimum. Additionally, ZDF Studios has picked up 80 hours of existing original content from Big Media’s library for exclusive distribution in German-speaking territories, including Warriors Way, Empire Games and M.A.D. World.

“Over the years, Big Media has co-produced with or presold series to ZDF Studios, including such successful shows as The Celts Untold Stories, Knights Templars and CIA vs Bin Laden,” said Big Media’s Martin Kaše, co-founder and global head of production. “This deal is an extension and formalization of our already mutually productive and beneficial relationship that provides ZDF Studios with exclusive content in their market, allowing them to remain highly competitive, and Big Media with the resources to continue producing top-quality series that can be licensed in other parts of the world as well.”

“In these times where there is competition from multiple streamers, broadcasters and apps for audiences share, it is vital to establish a pipeline for high-quality content that is exclusive in our market,” added ZDF Studios’ Nikolas Huelbusch, Director Unscripted. “Our long cooperation with Big Media has provided us with that competitive edge. This new agreement allows us to have first-look rights and be even more active in the development of shows well-suited for our market.”