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Today, more than ever, images determine the success of a format.

Whether as thumbnails on streaming platforms, in TV trailers, on smart TVs (HbbTV), and, still, in TV guides: powerful images sell our content.

 

Images evoke emotions, generate attention, and create the first impression.

Only a strong, high-quality, and targeted image makes it onto the homepage - and gets clicked.

A good image is the key to visibility.

 

Striking, emotional, exciting – these are the basic requirements.

 

A good photograph thrives on light, composition, and the ability to capture a story or atmosphere.

 

This can be achieved, for example, through:

  • exceptional lighting moods
  • strong contrasts
  • unusual perspectives
  • deliberate contrasts
  • the courage to use iconic, memorable motifs

 

Professionally edited film stills can, in some cases, provide better episode images than classic still photos – the quality of the post-production is crucial.

 

The starting point for successful photos is a photo briefing (initial kick-off meeting) developed collaboratively by the editorial team and audience/photo + design team. This guide does not replace such a briefing; it can only serve as a foundation for it. It is also essential that sufficient time is allocated for photography during the shoot.

 

All selected and fully edited images must be delivered 12 weeks prior to the initial publication date.

 

The ZDF streaming portal always features a main image that should function as both a hero image and a teaser/episode preview image. All images should be delivered in at least 4K resolution (3840x2160).

There are two image positions:

  • Hero image at the top of the Smart Collection (program page), as well as at the top of the homepage (carousel)
  • Teaser image as a preview image in banners (automatically enhanced with a centered logo or title) or as an episode preview/episode image

All images must function in both positions.

Hero images and teaser images are displayed in 16:9 (big screen, desktop, tablet) and 8:9 (e.g., phone). 9:16 images are also desirable for social media applications.

Standard image sizes are 3840 x 2160px for 16:9 and 1152 x 1296px for 8:9.

 

Zdf-bg streamingportal bildformate

A logo is automatically inserted into Heroes and Teasers by the system.

Hero images in 16:9 format are overlaid with a black gradient from the left, in 8:9 format from below. This must be taken into account when designing.

Zdf-bg mediathek hero-images
  • Technical Formats

    Photographed in Raw format, delivery as TIFF raw files must be available for a period of 2 years.
    Title motifs and key visuals for print purposes in DIN A3, 300dpi. The motifs must work in the formats 16:9, 8:9 and 9:16.

     

    Scope of delivery

    Title motifs/key visuals: 1-2 motifs per production, series or (new) season, including the individual cut-outs and blank shots. The final title motif in landscape AND portrait format.

    Portraits: Number of motifs depending on the cast.

    Shooting start photo: 1 motif during the first week of shooting.

    Still photos: landscape format, pre-selection of the best and most expressive motifs of the production by the photographer (max. 50 photos in total).
    Depending on the scope of production and length, delivery of 5-10 fully edited motifs.

     

    Copyright:

    Each photo must be labelled with the full copyright notice (first name and surname of the photographer in correct upper and lower case) in the ‘Creator’ field. The place and country must also be stated.

    The photographer must complete the IPTC (the file information). The labelling of the images must be as follows and must be entered in the ‘Image description’ or ‘Caption’ field:

    Scene photos/portraits: role name, name of the actress/actor (first name and surname in correct upper and lower case please). The file name may only contain the name of the file and no caption or other information.

    The image material is to be supplied exclusively to ZDF and is not to be passed on to third parties.

  • Delivery

    Image delivery initial selection: The pre-selection made and approved by the production/photographer is sent to the ZDF editorial team and pressefoto@zdf.de via a link (e.g. Picdrop or by arrangement). From this, the ZDF editorial team will make the final selection of images, which will then be transmitted via FTP client. The image folders must be labelled as follows:
    Title (in whole words)_Image category (e.g. key visual)_Production number

     

    Delivery of the image material via FTP:

    During the first half of the production, approx. 10 photos are to be sent to ZDF via FTP for technical quality control. Any first-look rights remain unaffected.

    A one-time registration via the ZDF press portal (http://presseportal.zdf.de) is required.

    An FTP client programme is required for transmission via FTP. The following access data must be entered in the connection settings of the FTP client programme: Server/Host/Hostname: presseportal.zdf.de Protocol: FTP Encryption: explicit FTP via TLS (FTPS).

    You will receive your user name and password via the accreditation https://presseportal.zdf.de.

    If necessary, ZDF reserves the right to request all production images (in RAW, TIFF, JPG or other formats).

    The delivery of all selected and finished motifs must take place 12 weeks before the first publication. 

Key Visuals and Episode Images