Deal Includes More Than 60 Hours of Programming Including News Seasons of Popular Series Alaska State Troopers and Hard Time

ZDF Enterprises announced today a new contract for the acquisition of a second major package of 63 hours of programming from National Geographic Channels U.S. at MIP TV in Cannes (1 to 4 April).

The package includes a variety of successful series and specials originally commissioned by NGC U.S. which ZDF Enterprises will distribute worldwide outside the US. Following on from the first deal between the companies in 2010, the new slate adds 33 hours in series including seasons 3-4 of Alaska State Troopers (adding to ZDF Enterprises’ catalogue which contains the first two seasons). Hard Times is also extended with season four being picked up in the package. New series to be introduced to ZDF Enterprises’ catalogue include Rocket City Scientists, Najavo Police and CIA Confidential.

“This new deal furthers our commitment to growing relationships with important international partners,” said David Lyle, CEO of National Geographic Channels U.S. “ZDF Enterprises is an important partner for our networks in acquisitions, co-productions and distribution, and we look forward to not only continuing but expanding our work together.”

President and CEO of ZDF Enterprises, Alexander Coridass, adds: “The success we’ve encountered with the first 60 hours of programs has proven National Geographic’s ‘magical touch’ with respect to program concepts and realization. The unique mix of serious information, action, quest, humor and mystery makes these factual programs winners among all demographics. They’re a truly important complement to our existing catalogue.”

The new agreement solidifies the longstanding, successful collaboration between German pubcaster ZDF, ZDF Enterprises and National Geographic Channel in co-production and distribution. Most recently, National Geographic Channel acquired the contemporary history series Secrets of the 3rd Reich for NGCI and NGC US.

Picture:
From left to right: Fred Burcksen (Vice President Sales, Merchandising and Coproductions, ZDF Enterprises), Germaine Deagan Sweet (VP Global Content Sales, National Geographic Channels), Kristina Hollstein (Director Coproductions and Development / ZDFE.factual, ZDF Enterprises) and David Lyle (CEO National Geographic Channels)