German broadcaster RTL Deutschland has recently announced a significant milestone in its streaming offerings by securing a substantial package of series from compatriot ZDF Studios. This deal, consisting of nearly 1,000 episodes, is poised to elevate the content available on RTL+ starting from September 15. Popular ZDF shows like Wilsberg, Der Bergdoktor, and Das Traumschiff will be among the offerings included in this agreement.
Andreas Fischer, the COO of RTL Deutschland, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “As a leading German private broadcaster and streaming service, we want to be the go-to destination for all partners in Germany. That’s why we are thrilled to have successfully negotiated a new licensing deal with ZDF Studios.”
The rollout of content from this partnership will be staggered, with unscripted series like Wilsberg and Nord Nord Mord premiering in mid-September, followed by dramas such as Der Bergdoktor, Die Bergretter, and Bettys Diagnose on October 15. Family-friendly favorites like Das Traumschiff, Ich Heirate eine Familie, and Die Schwarzwald-Klinik will round off the package on November 15.
Markus Schäfer, the spokesman for the management of ZDF Studios, echoed the positive sentiment, saying, “We are delighted about the collaboration with RTL Germany. Series enthusiasts will now have an additional avenue to enjoy their beloved ZDF series on RTL+ around the clock.”
Simon’s Cat, the renowned animated franchise owned by Banijay UK, is venturing into the world of cryptocurrency. In a strategic move, the company has teamed up with web3 marketing agency Anonymous Labs to introduce a meme token, $CAT, aiming to introduce the Simon’s Cat brand to crypto enthusiasts. This token, which was launched recently, has garnered support from the web3 ecosystem Floki, with exclusive pre-sales facilitated through its Real World Asset and ‘tokenization’ platform TokenFi.
A notable aspect of this initiative is the commitment to donate to Cats Protection through this venture. Simon’s Cat has a long-standing relationship with the animal welfare society, collaborating on projects like the web series Cat Logic. Created by Simon Tofield and acquired by Banijay in 2015, Simon’s Cat has been a beloved presence since its inception on YouTube in 2008.
The European Film Academy is set to honor acclaimed filmmaker Wim Wenders with a Lifetime Achievement award at the 37th European Film Awards scheduled for December. Recognized as one of the foremost German directors on the global stage, Wenders’ illustrious career includes iconic films like Wrong Move (1975), The American Friend (1978), Paris, Texas (1984), Wings Of Desire (1988), Pina (2011), and The Million Dollar Hotel (2000).
Wenders’ significant contributions extend beyond his directorial work, as he was a founding member of the European Film Academy and held leadership positions within the organization. Reflecting on this accolade, Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director of the European Film Academy, praised Wenders’ continuous exploration and experimentation in his filmmaking, stating, “Wim Wenders has a strong connection to the European Film Academy, and we are thrilled to celebrate his exceptional body of work and his unwavering dedication.”
The prestigious EFA awards ceremony is slated to take place on December 7 in Lucerne, marking a moment of recognition for Wenders’ unparalleled impact on the cinematic landscape.