BBC Worldwide/All3 Germany prodco rejigs for MIP

Tower Productions, the BBC Worldwide and All3Media Germany production label, is restructuring ahead of MIPCOM, with both parents’ unscripted catalogues consolidated into one collection.

Arne Kreutzfeldt has been named managing director of Tower, with Marc Lammek, the MD of All3Media’s German subsidiary MME exiting in the restructure. Philipp Schmid, previously an executive producer at the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC, is now creative director and deputy MD of Tower.

Tower will continue to produce under its current branding, and have access to the BBCWW and All3 catalogues in Germany exclusively. However, MME, which is part of All3Media Germany, will no longer represent itself as a separate company in the market, and its staff will join Tower.

This has led to Lammek’s departure, but will “ensure a clear market presence and a single point of call for customers of both format catalogues”, according to the partners.

New chief Kreutzfeldt was previously executive producer and head of factual entertainment programming at both Tower and MME.

BBCWW’s formats include Dancing with the Stars and Top Gear, while All3 owns Undercover Boss and Gogglebox.

“It is an honour for us and underscores the international reputation of the All3Media Group, as well as our market position in Germany, that BBC Worldwide has decided to renew its co-operation with us,” said All3 Germany MD and MME Moviement COO and CFO Markus Schäfer.

“This represents another important step for us in implementing our strategy of continuing to grow in Germany with strong formats and partners, while at the same time enhancing the profile of the All3Media Group.”

Tobi de Graaff, executive VP, western Europe, global markets at BBCWW, said: “Combining the two great format catalogues under one banner will make Tower a production powerhouse. I can’t imagine there being a more interesting and successful catalogue, with international hits ranging from Dancing with the Stars and Top Gear to Four in a Bed and Undercover Boss, to rival this partnership. With this new direction for Tower Productions in place we look to explore further opportunities in Western Europe.”

Tower launched in 2009 as a JV between All3, which majority owns MME, and BBCWW.