Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do in order to obtain information about ZDF / ZDF Studios coproduction projects and their availability for my territory?

Under each genre (Fiction, Documentaries, Children’s Programs) and also in the section on Programs in Development you will find a contact box that will put you in touch with the relevant person at the click of a mouse. Please indicate briefly what it is you are looking for, and we will immediately send you detailed information on content, style and availability of the relevant project.

Can ZDF / ZDF Studios projects only be coproduced by international TV broadcasters?

The most usual form of coproduction involves the financial participation of international TV broadcasters (generally from the UK, the USA, France, Italy, Australia or the Netherlands) in the project, in return for advance access to the rights they want. However, other very successful forms of coproduction have been developed, with producers in Canada, Spain or France, for example. The best thing to do is approach us; we’ll find the appropriate solution!

Do ZDF Studios coproductions only involve TV rights?

TV rights are the core of our business, but many projects make available rights in other forms of utilization as well - such as AV or non-commercial rights - which can also be included in the coproduction negotiations.

Is every project in the ZDF Studios portfolio broadcast at some point by ZDF?

ZDFS is the most important source of projects for the ZDF Studios portfolio. However, there is an increasing tendency for other German and international producers to entrust their projects to us, so that ZDF Studios can make a pitch for these projects on the market.

What do I have to do in order to offer ZDF or ZDF Studios a project or a finished program?

You can do this at any time without considering any particular dates or formalities. You will find the contact person responsible for the genre in question in the contact box next to the relevant section on this website.

In the case of documentaries you can view the brochure Factual Programming on ZDF, available as a PDF file, for information about the main documentary slots on ZDF and on the program policy of ZDF and ZDF Studios. Please bear in mind that there is a marked difference in the kind of work that will be of interest in the various documentary genres. If you then feel that your project or program may be compatible with the requirements of ZDF or ZDF Studios, please send the relevant information, including comments on the rights that are available, to Ralf Rückauer in the case of finished programs (Ralf.Rueckauer@zdf-studios.com) or Nikolas Hülbusch for projects in development or production (Nikolas.Huelbusch@zdf-studios.com).