Yi Qiao: ZDF Commissioning Role – International Expansion
- Yi Qiao, an international executive recognized for her expertise in sales and financing, has been named Commissioning Editor at ZDF, a German public broadcaster.
- In her new role, Qiao will report to Seyberth, ZDF’s Head of Co-Production and International Fiction.
- Earlier this month, qiao announced her departure from Robert Franke’s team at ZDF Studios, where she developed a slate of English-language programs. Her move to ZDF underscores the...
Yi Qiao steps into a pivotal commissioning role at ZDF, driving the German broadcaster’s international expansion efforts. This appointment signifies a strategic shift and global content focus after her departure from ZDF Studios. Qiao,with a strong background in sales and financing,will spearhead co-productions and dramas,reinforcing ZDF’s commitment to worldwide programming for streaming and linear platforms. She’ll work closely with Frank Seyberth’s team, known for triumphant projects. News Directory 3 reports on how her expertise in sales and international experience aligns with ZDF’s objectives. Qiao’s move signals a drive towards more global content. Wondering what’s next for ZDF and their enterprising plans? Discover what’s next …
Yi Qiao Takes Commissioner Role at ZDF After ZDF Studios Exit
Yi Qiao, an international executive recognized for her expertise in sales and financing, has been named Commissioning Editor at ZDF, a German public broadcaster. This move follows her departure from ZDF Studios, where she served as Director of Drama. Qiao will now be part of Frank Seyberth’s team.
In her new role, Qiao will report to Seyberth, ZDF’s Head of Co-Production and International Fiction. Seyberth’s team is known for its investments in international dramas, including “Around the World in 80 Days” and “Harry Wild.” The unit also manages a co-production agreement with the BBC and ZDF’s involvement in the European Alliance and the New8 initiatives. Her role has a similar international focus, but Seyberth’s team commissions for several linear slots and the ZDF streaming platform.
Earlier this month, qiao announced her departure from Robert Franke’s team at ZDF Studios, where she developed a slate of English-language programs. Her move to ZDF underscores the broadcaster’s increasing focus on international content and co-productions to enhance its programming for both traditional linear channels and its streaming platform.
Seyberth emphasized the importance of qiao’s sales background in the current market. “Yi is the first member of our editorial team who has a background in sales,” Seyberth said. He added that this hire reflects “current market dynamics,” where an “endless variety of financing options” are on the table for broadcasters.
“These extraordinary shows will need good teamwork,” Seyberth said. “We as an editorial team and as a broadcaster have proven to be capable of those necessities and provide the right skill set in this regards. As our goal is to bring the world to Germany the more our commissioners are familiar with distinctive cultural environments, the better.”
Before her five years at ZDF Studios, Qiao spent eight years at Red Arrow Studios, progressing to a senior sales role based in the United Kingdom. Red Arrow Studios is now part of Seven.One Studios.
ZDF has recently launched a division focused on audience behaviour, which Seyberth said is helping the network navigate diffrent aspects of its fiction portfolio.
What’s next
ZDF’s international co-productions team maintains regular contact with colleagues who order domestic drama and comedy, with both sides reporting to ZDF Program Director Nadine Bilke. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen ZDF’s position in both the local and global markets, ensuring a diverse and competitive content offering.