Robert Franke Moves from ZDF Studios to Join Intaglio Films
Robert Franke Departs ZDF Studios After a Decade
Robert Franke is stepping down from his role as Vice President of Drama at ZDF Studios after ten years with the German public broadcaster’s commercial division. His tenure concludes as he prepares to take on a new challenge as Co-Managing Director of Intaglio Films, a joint venture between ZDF Studios and Beta Film, starting in 2026. Franke has already been serving in this capacity alongside Co-Managing Director Jan Wünschmann since 2018.
In the interim, Tim Gerhartz, the Chief Commercial Officer of ZDF Studios, will oversee the drama division, which is responsible for scripted programming, international co-productions, and original development.
“After more than ten rewarding years with the company, it is time for me to redefine my priorities,” Franke stated. “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.”
During Franke’s leadership, ZDF has established itself as a significant player in international co-productions throughout Europe, notably as a member of The Alliance, a three-broadcaster collaboration that includes France Télévisions and Rai from Italy. This partnership has resulted in notable productions such as Around the World in Eighty Days and The Swarm, the latter featuring Intaglio as a producer. He also played a crucial role in the rollout of The Bridge and other major European dramas over the past decade.
Dr. Markus Schäfer, President and CEO of ZDF Studios, remarked, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Before joining ZDF Studios, Franke co-founded and served as executive producer of Cmate Entertainment in Potsdam. He was also Head of Content at Viewster Digital Video Access in Zurich and held the same position for ProSiebenSat.1 Media-backed streamer MyVideo. Franke returned to Viewster in Germany as Chief Content Officer and Managing Director before joining ZDF in 2015.
