Scripted

New York-based Big Media, a leading factual production company and channel provider, has secured a multi-series output deal with ZDF Studios for German-speaking territories. The first show green-lit under the new deal is the historical investigation series Scanning History, in which German pubcaster ZDF’s documentary channel ZDFinfo is also involved as an editorial partner. The announcement was made by Big Media co-founder and Global Head of Production Martin Kaše and ZDF Studios’ Director Unscripted Nikolas Huelbusch.

Under the terms of the output agreement, ZDF Studios will have early-stage creative consultation on development projects greenlit under the agreement over the course of the next year. With a guarantee of 12 hours minimum, ZDF Studios will have exclusive rights to select original series for German-speaking territories. ZDF Studios is also taking 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 pre-sold 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. “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.”

Scanning History (6x60’) explores the technological revolution shaping modern archaeology. Innovations like drones, lidar, radar, 3D imaging and more have helped unearth new archaeological finds and are casting a new light on ancient civilizations.

“In these times where there is competition from multiple streamers, broadcasters and apps for audience share, it is vital to establish a pipeline for high-quality content that is exclusive in our market,” notes ZDF Studios’ Nikolas Huelbusch. “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.”

In addition to German-speaking territpries, Scanning History has also been pre-sold to AMC for their platforms in Spain, Portugal and Africa. As part of the licensing deal, AMC will also gain rights to Deadliest Weapons Declassified and Special Investigations series.