Enlightenment and reason. Open and curious. Fascinating and surprising, but never didactic or banal. Fun, gripping, entertaining. Transports emotion and fascination. Accessible and low-threshold, but always scientifically grounded. Serve the largest possible narrative level.
●Nature and environment with scientific foundation
●Future topics and innovations
●Always illuminate at least one NEW aspect
●Conversation-worthy — delivers added value to current discussions
What this format does NOT want
●Pure service pieces or self-help without scientific depth
●Superficial treatment without background
●Pure present-day reportage without scientific framing
●Investigative or political formats
●Social documentaries or milieu studies
●Personal portraits without overarching knowledge theme
●Didactic or banal
Visual expectations
Visually appealing and high-quality. Elaborate CGI reconstructions, drone shots, computer animations, expedition footage. Cinema look with high production value. Clear Terra X branding — recognizable as the brand in every frame. Platform-ready formatting (TV + digital).
Expected exposé structure
Logline with clear punchline
Exposé text with central knowledge question and stakes
Scientific background (what's the new aspect?)
Experts and locations
Visual execution (CGI, animations, shoot)
Cross-media exploitation (YouTube, Mediathek)
Broadcaster fit
Example productions
Terra X: Ein perfekter Planet
Terra X: Faszination Erde
Terra X: Die Reise der Menschheit
Terra X: Zeitreise — Die Welt im Jahr 1000
Terra X: Supercodes — Die geheimen Formeln der Natur
MrWissen2go Geschichte (YouTube)
Editorial notes
Terra X is a BRAND, not just a slot. Every piece of content must be attributable to the brand. Golden rules: scientifically grounded, relevant, enlightening, at least one new aspect, never superficial, always in-depth. Think cross-media exploitation (YouTube, ZDF Mediathek) from the start. Modular series concepts (3–5 episodes) preferred. High visual-effects share expected. Plan shoot permits at historical sites early. Orientation and knowledge gain are the goal — every viewer should learn something.
Ready to pitch to ZDF?
The Pitch Doctor generates a format-compliant exposé tailored to ZDF Terra X's exact editorial expectations.