ZDF Enterprises Signs Licensing Agreement With FremantleMedia Licensing Germany

ZDF Enterprises - Dezember 2008

 
FLG Acquires Full Third Party Rights To Jonathan M. Shiffs Production H2O - Just Add Water

FremantleMedia Licensing Germany (FLG) today closed a deal with ZDF Enterprises which will it see acquire exclusive licensing rights to the highly successful international teen format H20 – Just Add Water in Eastern Europe.

H2O – Just Add Water is produced by Jonathan M. Shiff productions in Australia where it originally aired on the major broadcaster Network.Ten The show has been a hit on Germany’s ZDF attracting a 76% higher than average audience of young adults (14-29 years) to the channel during its morning slot. It has also been an exceptional performer for children (3-13 years), exceeding the channel average by more than four times. H2O – Just Add Water is currently airing in over 120 territories on a wide range of channels including France 2, RTI/Mediaset, Antena 3, Nickelodeon US, Nickelodeon UK, Nickelodeon France, Nickelodeon Spain, Cartoon Network Latin America, Jetix Europe, ORF, YLE, NRK, KBS and TG4, forming a captive audience for brand extensions in the region.

H2O – Just Add Water follows the story of three normal teenage girls who stumble upon an ancient cavern and undergo a transformation that will change their lives forever. H2O - Just Add Water, sees three very different girls facing everyday teen problems with an added twist – they’re mermaids with incredible powers as soon as thy get in touch with water.

Interest in the brand has already been strong with possible merchandising deals set to close in Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Slovakia across a number of diverse categories from publishing to stationery. FLG will also retain exclusive rights to the following categories: off-air and on-air promotion, sponsorship, music( subject to third parties´ rights therein) and mobile content (excluding the television rights).

Sylvia Brucker, ZDF Enterprises’ Director Merchandising, adds: “FremantleMedia Licensing Germany has been our partner in German-speaking territories for many years. We are delighted to extend this partnership to Eastern European countries. H2O – Just Add Water is a highly successful program in international television and we have no doubt about its success for Fremantle in the licensed territories.”

Diana M. Dieckmann, Vice President Licensing Germany & Eastern Europe and Antje Röstel ,Merchandising Manager Germany & Eastern Europe at Fremantle Licensing Germany , said of the deal “We are extremely pleased to welcome this brand to FLG’s portfolio. With such a captivating subject matter for children the show has a very strong following in Eastern Europe and we think this will translate very successfully into the areas of licensing and merchandising. We look forward to working closely with ZDF Enterprises to maximise the brand’s full potential.”