Journalistic, close to people, North German sober but not cold. Stories from people's lived reality. Clear stance without lecturing. Mix of reportage proximity and documentary depth.
●Regional economic topics and their impact on people
●Environment and coastal protection (North Sea, Baltic Sea, climate change)
●Integration and migration in rural areas
●Investigative regional research
What this format does NOT want
●Purely historical documentaries without present-day connection
●Science formats without social anchor
●International topics without North German connection
●Entertainment formats or lifestyle
●Abstract analysis without protagonists
Visual expectations
Reportage style, documentary observation. Shooting locations in North Germany preferred. Protagonists in their everyday life, work, environment. Landscape shots as counterpoint. Sober, not over-staged aesthetic.
Expected exposé structure
Logline
Protagonist(s) and their story
Social relevance
Regional connection
Narrative approach
Visual execution
Broadcaster fit
Example productions
45 Min: Die Pflegefalle
45 Min: Wohnungsnot — Wenn Mieten arm macht
45 Min: Bauern am Limit
45 Min: Überfischt — Die Lüge vom nachhaltigen Fisch
45 Min: Schule ohne Lehrer
Editorial notes
Regional connection to NDR broadcast area (Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) almost always required. Protagonists from the region preferred. Co-productions with Radio Bremen or other regional broadcasters possible. Typical shoot period 2–4 months.
Ready to pitch to NDR?
The Pitch Doctor generates a format-compliant exposé tailored to NDR 45 Min's exact editorial expectations.