Autentic launches new content unit, led by ProSieben Sat. 1 alum Tom Zwiessler

Tom Zwiessler

Germany factual production and distribution house Autentic is launching a new content unit, Autentic Studios, to be headed up by ProSiebenSat.1 and Storyhouse Productions alum Tom Zwiessler.

The new unit will build upon existing production strategy to focus on documentaries for the international market, while becoming “even more involved” as a financing partner for documentary content.

Autentic MD Patrick Hörl said that the company is “responding to the increasing demand for factual content on ever more diverse playout channels.”

Zwiessler, will manage Autentic Studios, with responsibility for the further expansion of one-offs and series production, both linear and non-linear. He will also work with Autentic Distribution to explore possibilities for co-financing larger projects. Andreas Martin will remain head of production.

Zwiessler takes the helm with more than two decades of factual production experience, including as MD of development & sales at Storyhouse Productions, where he worked on titles including flagship formats Terra X, ZDFzeit and Wissen Yor Acht.

Previously, Zwiessler was SVP at ProSiebenSat.1, where he was in charge of the factual division of the entire broadcasting group, while as EVP of programming at TV channel RTLZWEI, he set titles such as Endlich Klartext! – Der große RTLZWEI Politiker-Check.

“Documentary makers are currently experiencing a golden age: the combination of streamers, VOD services, pay-TV and the still strong linear TV has given documentaries a new significance,” said Zwiessler.

“We will bring together creative storytelling talent and the power of our international financing and co-production partners to make what broadcasters and platforms need: gripping and entertaining documentaries that engage their audiences with relevant content.”