Robert Franke is leaving his role as VP Drama at ZDF Studios to focus on his role as co-managing director of Intaglio Films.
Franke has served as MD of Intaglio Films, ZDF Studios’ joint venture with Beta Film, alongside Jan Wünschmann since 2018. In the wake of his departure from ZDF Studios, the leadership of the drama division will be assumed in the interim by Tim Gerhartz, chief commercial officer.
Dr. Markus Schäfer, president and CEO of ZDF Studios, commented: “For ten years, Robert Franke has successfully overseen the development, financing, and distribution of fictional programming at ZDF Studios. Under his leadership, our fiction business has grown significantly. Through targeted investments in new content and the expansion into new business areas and clients, Robert and his team have continuously increased our business volume. We respect his wish to refocus on his producing talents and are delighted that he will bring his deep expertise and experience in developing and financing international fiction projects to Intaglio Films. Robert leaves behind a well-positioned division that Tim Gerhartz, together with the team, will continue to strengthen in this key genre.”
Franke added: “After more than ten rewarding years with the company, it is time for me to redefine my priorities. Expanding my role at Intaglio Films brings together the core aspects of my previous work while giving me the freedom to focus on topics that will shape my work in the coming years. At the same time, it opens up opportunities to set new impulses beyond traditional production business. I would like to thank my team and ZDF Studios for their trust and collaboration over the past years.”
