FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL How FremantleMedia brands travel across the world. week 36 / 5 September Helden

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1 week 36 / 5 September 2013 FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL How FremantleMedia brands travel across the world Luxembourg Interview with s Co-CEOs about the Employee Survey 2013 results Luxembourg / Germany moves up into MDAX The Netherlands The Voice of Holland returns for its fourth season Germany RTL Television debuts eventscale movie Helden

2 week 36 / 5 September 2013 FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL How FremantleMedia brands travel across the world Luxembourg Interview with Co-CEOs about the Employee Survey 2013 Luxembourg moves up into MDAX The Netherlands The Voice of Holland returns for its fourth season Germany RTL Television debuts eventscale movie Helden Cover Montage with logos of FremantleMedia formats Publisher 45, Bd Pierre Frieden L-1543 Luxembourg Editor, Design, Production Corporate Communications & Marketing before yo ink up Th t rin backstage.rtlgroup.com backstage.rtlgroup.fr backstage.rtlgroup.de

3 QUICK VIEW Interview with Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch about the results of the Employee Survey 2013 p moves up into MDAX p. 11 New coaches, new features, more entertainment on The Voice of Holland RTL 4 p. 12 Flying Producers experts in offering pathos, joy and hope FremantleMedia p.4 7 RTL Television ups the action in Germany RTL Television p Big Picture p.15 SHORT NEWS p

4 As FremantleMedia recently announced the launch of hit format Got Talent in three new countries Afghanistan, Brazil and Kazakhstan marking a total of 55 local versions, Backstage talked to Flying Producers, Sheldon Bailey, about supporting FremantleMedia s entertainment productions across the globe. EXPERTS IN OFFERING PATHOS, JOY AND HOPE United Kingdom 5 September 2013 FremantleMedia Season eight of America s Got Talent premiered on 4 June 2013 on NBC attracting 11.2 million viewers. The Fremantlemedia format was the mostwatched on American television that evening 4

5 The X Factor... Sheldon Bailey, one of FremantleMedia s Flying Producer What exactly is the job description of a Flying Producer (FP)? How does it differ from a normal producer s job? Sheldon Bailey: Our offi cial job titles are Executive Producers or Supervisory Producers, but as we travel so much, people informally refer to us as Flying Producers. We travel the world supporting the production of local versions of FremantleMedia s entertainment formats, such as The X Factor, Got Talent and Idols. The role covers production consultancy, protection of the formats, fostering relationships with broadcasters and sponsors and, very often, a shoulder to cry on for a frustrated producer. In countries where we don t have a production offi ce, we are often also the only local representative of FremantleMedia. We do not actually produce the shows. In fact, we provide support and advice on all aspects of the production to the producers and their teams around the world. How does one become a FP? What main skills are required? Production experience in a variety of TV genres is needed without a doubt. But also patience, adaptability, tolerance, the ability to fi nd solutions and compromises, be open-minded, fl exible and accept that small budgets and limited resources can still produce a great show....and Idols, two of FremantleMedia s most exported brands Additionally, it is very useful to be able to sleep on planes and accept endless delays when travelling, as well as having the stamina to start the day at 4:30 and still be going strong in a studio somewhere in the world at 2:00 the following morning! What are the major challenges you face when adapting a format locally? When formats travel to a new territory, we are very often told it is necessary to make changes as things are different in this country. We are of course aware of the cultural and religious differences, and we take these into account where needed, but as one of the world s top producers we know that the key point lies in the fact that basic human emotions, hopes and dreams are universal. These universal key points are present in every FremantleMedia format and it s our job to foster them and to make sure local formats convey them. How do you break the religious, cultural and language barriers? Professionals who want to do this job know that a pre-requisite is to have a natural interest in other cultures and this, coupled with courtesy, respect and clear communication helps break down any barriers encountered. Next > 5

6 Got Talent recently reached its 55th local adaptation and became the most locally adapted talent format in history. Does this mean that compared to other FremantleMedia shows it is the most exportable format? Formats such as Got Talent and Idols work in every culture because they are essentially celebrations of the people and talent of that country. They are truly democratic in the sense that they are open to all, regardless of social status, wealth, ethnic origin, connections, or whether you are male or female. Both formats are simple and clear to understand. They offer comedy, pathos, joy, hope and the opportunity to see a true star emerge. They are the ultimate fairy stories. Would you qualify Palestinian Mohammed Assaf s victory in Arab Idol an ultimate fairy tale? Did you expect him to win? I was delighted to see him win as Mohammed is such a positive winner for the show. I honestly never expected such a huge response to his victory in the Arabic region and worldwide, especially after more shows of this genre are in existence and also after so much upheaval in the region. Sometimes, someone captures the public s heart and offers hope and the sense of a new beginning. Mohammed, with his wonderful voice, his personality and his sheer guts and perseverance is a marvellous role model and deserves his great success and rewards. How did Arab Idol come about? The fi rst time the show was broadcast it was known as Superstar. It launched in 2003, shortly after the fi rst Pop Idol in England, and was a huge success, running for several series up until Mohammed Assaf, winner of the second season of Arab Idol The broadcaster MBC brought the show back to life in 2011, renaming it Arab Idol. The response of applicants and viewers was fantastic. The Idol format was still deeply embedded in the hearts of our old viewers and we captured the devotion of a new generation of viewers. What was the most rewarding part of working on this show? What I really enjoyed was working with such a fantastic team and broadcaster, who were all passionate about the format. I loved the panregional nature of the show, the fact that we had contestants from everywhere from Iraq to Algeria, from Gaza to the Yemen, from Saudi Arabia to Syria, including a Syrian girl whose bus to Lebanon was bombed but who still made it to the auditions in Beirut. Music was the unifying force and the chance to change their lives. In this production, the show takes on a new meaning. It becomes more than just the sum of its parts, more than a singing or talent contest/reality show. It comes to represent the true strengths of that culture and its younger generation. It creates pride and a stronger self-belief in countries which have lost faith in themselves and their youth. I know this sounds grandiose, but this is honestly the impact that shows like Idols and Got Talent have had in certain countries. Dating show Take Me Out is adding another territory to its roster: France. Starting this autumn, W9 will broadcast Séduis-moi si tu peux! Next > 6

7 FLYING PRODUCERS FACTS & FIGURES Officially known as Executive Producers, FremantleMedia s Flying Producers are part of the Worldwide Entertainment production support team FremantleMedia counts five Flying Producers. For each format, there is a production bible, a document that outlines the way each show works, from structure and style through to casting and costumes, as well as technical details relating to the studio, lighting, audio and crew Whether a show is in its first or its tenth series, Flying Producers offer support to local productions by, for example, holding workshops, updating teams on format developments or providing them with new ideas that have proved successful in other international versions FREMANTLEMEDIA S GOT TALENT Got Talent has been adapted around the globe, namely in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas In June 2013 FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment celebrated hit international format Got Talent reaching its 55th local adaptation a record unequalled by any other talent show in history Further local versions of the talent show are on the way, with total sales of the blockbuster format having reached 58 territories to date More than 620 million viewers have watched the Got Talent format since it first launched in 2006 The US version, America s Got Talent has been sold to 180 countries by FremantleMedia International 7

8 HIGH LEVELS OF MOTIVATION AND IDENTIFICATION WITH THE COMPANY, A CLEAR UPWARD TREND AND STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE Backstage interviewed s Co-CEOs Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch about the results of the Employee Survey 2013 at. Luxembourg 5 September 2013 Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch, Co-CEOs of You received the first results from the Employee Survey 2013 a few days ago. How does the trend look for as a whole? Anke Schäferkordt: The fi rst result that we look at is of course the participation rate. Only if as many colleagues as possible participate and express their opinions can the Employee Survey develop its full impact, trigger discussions and lead to positive change. In this year s survey, the participation rate increased by 8.4 percentage points to 86.9 per cent. This is a new record for. Guillaume de Posch: It s particularly pleasing that participation at most of our units has risen a clear confi rmation of how much employees appreciate this instrument and want to be actively involved. As you know, I joined at the end of 2011, so I was very curious to see how these new results compare to the 2010 survey. And the overall picture that has emerged is positive, in terms of how people rate their personal tasks and responsibilities, as well as cooperation in the teams and satisfaction with their immediate supervisors. Scores here have generally remained stable or improved. Above all, our employees like their work! 84 per cent of the respondents say that they enjoy their work. Next > 8

9 One s personal work is one thing, but what about identification with the company? Anke Schäferkordt: We mustn t forget that at Group level, we re looking at an overall picture average results, that is. And really the most important thing is that the local results are worked with intensively in our companies, in the departments and individual teams, because this is where the reality of daily work happens. At level, the questions of staff identifi cation and commitment are of great importance. In this overall assessment, we are very happy to note that at we have motivated employees who identify strongly with both their personal work and their respective companies. Let s look at some specifi c results: 84 per cent indicate that they are proud to work for their company. 77 per cent would recommend their company as a good employer. 82 per cent would choose to work for their company again today I see this as a key question in every survey. Confi dence in the senior management of our companies has increased signifi cantly compared with the 2010 survey. Poster of the Employee Survey 2013 More information in English... Guillaume de Posch: and 90 per cent of employees surveyed say: Yes, I am prepared to go the extra mile to contribute to my company s success. Why? Because they believe in the future of our companies. For instance, about three-quarters of our employees are optimistic about the future of their company, and at the same time say that their company is focused on long-term success rather than short-term profi t maximisation. 61 per cent believe that their company offers them job security. We have to look at these positive results against the backdrop of a very uncertain economy in recent years, just think of the Euro and debt crises. Our employees continue to believe in the strength of our business. That is a major responsibility for us in the management team, because in our creative business this motivation, this employee confi dence is our greatest asset! Three years ago, responses indicated that there was significant room for improvement in matters of continuing training and career development. Has satisfaction increased in these areas?...german... Guillaume de Posch: Yes, in both areas the results were consistently better. On the one hand, this is a welcome confi rmation that the measures taken are having an initial impact. For the fi rst time, questions about whether direct supervisors are providing access to adequate training opportunities, and whether the training offered is regarded as useful for one s work, scored positive results of over 50 per cent, but there is no reason for euphoria we are on the right track, the results show we are heading in the right direction, but there is still a whole lot of work to be done....or French Anke Schäferkordt: I can only second that. This year, questions were added about how satisfi ed employees are with the improvement measures that resulted from the 2010 survey. Here the positive ratings were 37 to 38 per cent. Let me put it this way: we can improve on that! In short, we are happy about, and thank the staff for, the positive overall picture that s been refl ected back to us. But for us on the 9

10 management team, there will be no sitting back and relaxing. Both of us will also take great care to ensure that our managers look at the results in detail. For instance, only 49 per cent of employees say that they are familiar with their company s strategy so that they could explain it to a new colleague. Only 52 per cent believe that their respective senior management takes employees criticism, complaints and ideas seriously. Satisfaction with the work schedule is still high at 71 per cent, but has fallen compared to the previous survey. These are points where we need to delve deeper into the results. As Guillaume has already said, the real work starts now. We look forward to an intensive dialogue with our employees, employee representatives, and executives, and at all levels of. Significant improvements compared to the Employee Survey % 62% 67% 79% +5 84% 48% (2010) (2013) (2010) (2013) (2010) (2013) I benefit appropriately from the company s financial success I fully trust my company s senior management My supervisor discusses my responsibilities and performance objectives with me at least once a year Where we want to further improve or change the trend +5 60% 60% 76% -5 71% 41% 46% (2010) (2013) (2010) (2013) (2010) (2013) At my company, performance is rewarded My supervisor regulary gives me feedback on my work I am satisfied with my work schedule 10

11 RTL GROUP MOVES UP INTO MDAX has been informed by Deutsche Börse AG that the Group will be included in the German MDAX stock index as of 23 September This decision follows the regular index review held on 4 September 2013 and refl ects both the free-fl oat market capitalisation and the order book volume of shares listed in Frankfurt. Luxembourg 5 September 2013 Elmar Heggen, Chief Financial Officer of, says: We are pleased that s shares have been included in the prestigious MDAX index. This follows our successful public offering and listing in Frankfurt which already led to the inclusion in the SDAX. With our leading market positions and high levels of profi t and cash fl ow, has a strong track record of delivering value for its shareholders. Our inclusion in the MDAX index is recognition of this and should also provide additional interest for shares in the future. s shares have been listed on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 30 April 2013, in addition to the existing listings on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and Euronext Brussels. In June 2013, the company s shares were included in the SDAX index. Since the fi rst day of trading in Frankfurt, s share price has been up 33.8 per cent, outperforming both the DAX index (+4.1 per cent) and MDAX index (+8.3 per cent) in the same period. Following the public offering in April 2013 which has been the largest in Europe so far this year and the biggest media IPO since 2004 Bertelsmann now holds 76.4 per cent of s ordinary shares. The free fl oat increased signifi cantly to 22.8 per cent. The remaining shares are treasury shares. 11

12 NEW COACHES, NEW FEATURES, MORE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE VOICE OF HOLLAND RTL 4 THE NEW JUDGES Ilse Delange Dutch singer Ilse Delange made a name for herself in the music industry with hits such as Miracle, So Incredible and Hurricane, over ten platinum albums and numerous accolades including Edisons, TMF Awards (The Music Factory Award), 3FM Awards and a Gouden Harp (Gold Harp). Ali B The rapper had his breakthrough in 2004 with the song Wat Zou Je Doen sang with fellow judge Marco Borsato. Hits such as Rampeneren and Leipe Mocro Flavour followed and earned him a Popprijs (Pop Price), a Mobo-Award and a Zilveren Harp (Silver Harp). He is also the host of music show Ali B Op Volle Toeren and has signed several artists with diverse musical influences to his music label SPEC. The fourth season of The Voice of Holland (TVOH) started on 30 August 2013 with good ratings. Indeed, numerous viewers tuned in to RTL 4 to watch the fi rst blind auditions and meet the new coaches. The Netherlands 2 September 2013 The Netherlands number one talent show was in fact watched by 2.29 million people, which corresponds to a total audience share of 35.9 per cent. This season s viewers could see that TVOH returned with a few novelties in store. While the presenters team hasn t changed, Wendy van Dijk and Martijn Krabbé who will be joined by Winston Gerschtanowitz during the live shows the turning chairs hid two new faces: Ilse Delange and Ali B. The other novelty is the Blind-Blinds. During the blind auditions stage, singers are hidden behind a screen and neither the public nor the viewers are able to see him or her perform unless one of the judges turns around. In previous seasons, TVOH attracted an average of 3 million viewers every Friday in prime time on RTL 4. The fi nal of the Talpa produced show will be broadcast on 20 December 2013, after a series of blind auditions, battles and live shows. TVOH judges: Trijntje Oosterhuis, Ilse Delange, Ali B and Marco Borsato (from left to right) 12

13 RTL TELEVISION UPS THE ACTION IN GERMANY RTL Television RTL Television hosted an exclusive press screening of the event-scale movie Helden Wenn dein Land dich braucht (Heroes When Your Country Needs You). Germany 3 September 2013 Hannes Jaenicke saves a child from the rubble For years, physicists at the world s largest particle accelerator in Geneva have been trying to simulate the Big Bang. Although their research is generally seen as completely harmless, it has garnered criticism from a few notable scientists. Their concern: black holes could arise and would pose a serious threat to humanity. Against this backdrop, Helden shows how people pull together in the face of disaster and courage becomes stronger than fear. Stefan Raiser, Producer at Dreamtool, says: Prompted by the 2006 Football World Cup, a whole new feeling of we swept through Germany, a fresh form of patriotism, this time positive down the line. We wanted to capture this: Helden Wenn dein Land dich braucht is a modern-day Heimatfi lm. For Yvonne Catterfeld, who plays Andrea Weber, this was one reason she wanted to be involved in the project: I liked the idea of producing a modern Heimatfi lm. I very much liked the character, and it was a very exciting topic. Next > 13

14 Helden doesn t just have a convincing story. Though produced for TV, it can absolutely hold its own against cinematic features. Action fans will love the countless stunts and special effects, and the fi lm proves that German productions are quite capable of being outstanding in the action genre. Starring Hannes Jaenicke and Christiane Paul, the cast also features Armin Rohde, Jannis Niewöhner, Emilia Schuele, Yvonne Catterfeld, Heikko Deutschland, Ingo Naujoks, Christine Neubauer, Dominic Boer and Sebastian Ströbel, while Heiner Lauterbach plays the German Chancellor. Heiner Lauterbach as the German Chancellor Says Lauterbach: I ve always wanted to play the Chancellor. We actors are constantly on the lookout for different roles. Besides, as I grow older I m getting more and more interested in physics, and I fi nd quantum physics very exciting. This subject is what makes the movie special for me. It s a big story about people, science, the world... The 140-minute event-scale movie was produced by Dreamtool Entertainment for RTL Television. Dieter Pochlatko of Epo-fi lm is its co-producer. The fi lm was directed by Hansjörg Thurn (Die Wanderhure) and based on a screenplay by Derek Meister and Simon X. Rost. Barbara Thielen, Head of Fiction at RTL, and Sascha Mürl lead-managed the project at RTL Television. Helden Wenn dein Land dich braucht airs on 3 October 2013 at 20:15 on RTL Television. 14

15 The X Factor returns, revamped and refreshed Britain s most talked-about entertainment show is back for its tenth season. The revamped tenth season of The X Factor boasts a number of changes, including brand-new double auditions, a weekly fl ash vote and the welcome return of veteran judge Sharon Osbourne! The X Factor was the UK s highest rated show of the day among 16-34s and won a 57.7 per cent share of the market.

16 SHORT NEWS 1/2 The German TV market in August 2013 Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland The Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland family of channels together attracted 29.3 per cent of the 14- to 59-year-old viewer market in August, putting them 3.9 percentage points ahead of the ProSiebenSat1 channels (25.4 per cent). Germany 3 September 2013 The French TV market in August 2013 Groupe M6 In August 2013, M6 registered a total audience share of 11 per cent the highest increase, all channels included. W9 was number one with viewers under 50 with a 5 per cent audience share, while 6ter was the leading new DTT channel with housewives under 50. France 4 September 2013 The Dutch TV market in August 2013 RTL Nederland In August, the month the new season was unveiled, RTL Nederland achieved a combined audience share of 29.9 per cent in the target group of viewers aged 20 to 49, a 2.3-percentage point increase compared to August 2012 (27.6 per cent). The family of channels remained ahead of the public service broadcasters (24.1 per cent) and the SBS Group (20.6 per cent). The Netherlands 5 September 2013 Tree Fu Tom nominated for Environmental Media Association Award FremantleMedia The animated fantasy adventure show Tree Fu Tom has been shortlisted for this year s Environmental Media Association Awards (EMA), which honour fi lm and TV productions that convey environmental messages in the most creative and influential ways. United Kingdom 4 September

17 SHORT NEWS 2/2 RTL + has grown RTL-TVI On 2 September 2013 on RTL-TVI, a rejuvenated formula of the daily programme that analyses the news, RTL +, made its debut a second youth for the show. Belgium 4 September 2013 Changing how we look at current events RTL Belgium At RTL Belgium, the start of the new season brings a wave of positivity and solutions. The editorial department of RTL Belgium s family of channels worked with the association Reporters d Espoirs (Reporters of Hope) to create a special campaign bringing hope and good news. Belgium 3 September 2013 A new TV commercial bursting with conviviality Bel RTL For the back-to-school season, the journalists and presenters at Bel RTL have prepared a new TV commercial for their listeners called Vivrensemble. Belgium 2 September 2013 E-book innovation on RTL II RTL II Just in time for the second season of Die Bauretter, RTL II is releasing an e-book tie-in the fi rst with integrated video. Germany 2 September 2013 Pepper takes singles to the movies RTL Ventures RTL Nederland s dating site Pepper organised a fi lm festival on 30 and 31 August The 48 uur van de liefde (48 hours of love) event will screen movies revolving around a single topic: Love. The Netherlands 30 August

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