Yi Qiao leaving German broadcaster’s commercial arm after five years
ZDF Studios’ director of drama is stepping down after five years in the role, Broadcast International has learned.
Yi Qiao took up the position at the commercial arm of the German broadcaster in 2020 and was responsible for series acquisitions for international distribution and sales activities across Scandinavia and the English-speaking territories.
Her remit included identifying scripted projects at early stage for co-productions and financing opportunities, while also initiating pre-sale conversations and sales of finished content.
Projects included Channel 5’s upcoming Phyllis Logan-starring drama The Puzzle Lady, which has been picked up by PBS in the US, and Clean Sweep, the Irish drama acquired by BBC4.
Qiao is leaving to pursue a new challenge, wither next move not yet known. ZDF Studios said details about her replacement would be unveiled in the coming weeks.
ZDF Studios is behind shows including supernatural scripted series SUPERmad for RTL+, new launch Lily’s Disappearance and crime drama Blood Red Thread.
The commercial arm also recently extended its scripted pact with BBC Studios that has delivered hits including The Chelsea Detective and A Good Girl’s Guide.
The extension came after the BBC, Netflix and ZDFneo confirmed they were working on a second season of the Moonage Pictures-produced young adult mystery thriller.
ZDF, which also recently unveiled a high-end drama pact with the BBC, will also co-produce a third series of BBCS-backed Expectation’s The Chelsea Detective.
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