ZDF Studios takes over international distribution of the three-part documentary series ‘Maps of Power’
Mainz, 26 August 2025
ZDF Studios has taken over the worldwide distribution of the documentary series ‘Maps of Power’ (3x50') produced for ZDFinfo by Story House Productions.
The series focusses on an often underestimated but decisive motor of world history: geography. It shows in an impressive way how natural features such as mountains, seas, rivers and deserts shape political decisions, economic strategies and historical developments - from early times to the 21st century. Based on three influential nations - the USA, Russia and China - ‘Maps of Power’ explains how geographical conditions have favoured the rise of these states to world power: The United States benefited from its unique location between two oceans, Russia was shaped by a centuries-long search for ice-free seaports, and China's importance grew from its role as Eurasia's trading hub - from the ancient Silk Road to maritime expansion in the Pacific.
Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, says: "The USA, Russia and China are among the leading players in world affairs today. But why they have become what they are today cannot be understood without geography. ‘Maps of Power’ explains the connections and offers a well-founded geopolitical categorisation at the highest visual and narrative level. The series is a must-have for all broadcasters and platforms looking for currently relevant and grippingly narrated premium documentaries."
The documentary impresses with high-quality storytelling, impressive map animations and exclusive archive footage - and thus conveys a new, visually captivating understanding of global contexts.
The production comes from Story House Productions, which is known for its award-winning documentary productions such as ‘Myths: The Greatest Mysteries of Humanity’ (ZDF) - also in the ZDF Studios distribution catalogue. In addition to ZDF, its clients include international premium providers of high-quality documentary films such as National Geographic, Discovery and CBC.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com