Bavaria, Telepool launch Global Screen

ZURICH -- Teutonic programming giants Bavaria Film and Telepool are merging their world sales divisions to form Global Screen, one of the largest distribution companies in Europe. The new company will handle the worldwide distribution of theatrical and TV programming outside of German-speaking European territories. Based in Munich and with an authorized capital of Euros 3 million ($4 million), Global Screen will launch in January, and make its international market debut at the Berlinale's European Film Market. Rolf Moser, managing director of Bavaria's licensing division Bavaria Media, and Telepool topper Thomas Weymar will serve as Global's managing directors. Moser and Weymar will both be in charge of acquisitions, with the former also handling commercial matters and the latter overseeing programming distribution. With this distribution team and our professional network we will become big enough to stand our ground in the highly competitive program market, and still remain small enough to individually take care of our clients," said Weymar. Global Screen will essentially take over the responsibilities and operations of Bavaria Film International and Cinepool, Bavaria and Telepool's current international theatrical sales units. Thorsten Ritter, currently head of Bavaria Film Intl., will oversee Global's international theatrical sales. The move marks a significant step toward consolidating the vast sales operations of pubcaster behemoth ARD and its many regional affiliates. Bavaria is owned by regional pubcasters WDR, BR, SWR and MDR, while Telepool's shareholders include BR, MDR, SWR and Swiss pubcaster SRG SSR. MDR topper Udo Reiter, who also serves as Telepool's shareholder committee chairman, said "a contemporary form of consolidation has finally been launched for ARD's distribution activities," after several attempts in the past. Bavaria Media not only holds the distribution rights from the Bavaria Film group, but also has distribution deals with shareholders WDR and SWR, as well as broad mandates from domestic and international rights owners. Likewise, Telepool handles distribution of feature films and TV content from its main shareholders, BR, MDR and Swiss pubcaster SRF, a subsidiary of SRG and SSR, as well as ARD's acquisition and production arm Degeto, commercial web RTL and various rights owners from Germany and abroad. The existing libraries and program licenses will remain with the shareholders, but will now be marketed internationally by Global Screen, which will also acquire and distribute new film and TV rights. Bavaria Film Group managing director Matthias Esche said: "This joint venture on equal terms will strengthen our international market position. In this way, a wide range of programs from various sources can be bundled and distributed in an effective manner." Moser added, "Global Screen will not only continue the success story of its two shareholders, which bring in the combined experience of almost a hundred years in foreign distribution, but will also receive a significant boost by joining of forces." Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

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