week 49 / 4 December 2014
GROUPE M6 INVESTS IN
MAGIC POTION How Groupe M6 has set out to conquer the box offices with the help of the Gauls
The Netherlands France RTL Ventures acquires Restos du Cœur: majority shareholding RTL Radio supports in Dutch Learning those in need Company
France The Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club win the hearts of French fans week 49 / 4 December 2014
GROUPE M6 INVESTS IN MAGIC POTION How Groupe M6 has set out to conquer the box offi ces with the help of the Gauls
The Netherlands France RTL Ventures acquires Restos du Cœur: majority shareholding RTL Radio supports in Dutch Learning those in need Company
France The Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club win the hearts of French fans
Cover Asterix – The Mansions Of The Gods (Montage)
Publisher RTL Group 45, Bd Pierre Frieden L-1543 Luxembourg
Editor, Design, Production RTL Group Corporate Communications & Marketing
k before y hin ou T p r in t
backstage.rtlgroup.com backstage.rtlgroup.fr backstage.rtlgroup.de QUICK VIEW
RTL Ventures acquires majority shareholding in Dutch Learning Company RTL Nederland p.9–10 “Promoting a new dynamism within French cinema” Groupe M6 RTL Radio p.4–8 supports those in need RTL Radio (France) p.11
The Girondins win the hearts of French football fans Groupe M6 p.12
Big Picture p.13
SHORT NEWS PEOPLE p.14–15 p.16–17 Released on 26 November 2014 to movie theatres across France, Asterix – The Mansions Of The Gods is a feature-length, “PROMOTING 3D animated film, wholly produced and A NEW DYNAMISM distributed by Groupe M6. Backstage walks readers WITHIN FRENCH through the details of this ambitious production. CINEMA”
France – 4 December 2014 Groupe M6
Since its release, the film has taken the French box offices by storm, selling more than 930,000 tickets to date 4 Groupe M6’s production Asterix – The Mansions Of The Gods (Astérix – Le Domaine des Dieux) remains true to the unique humour and eccentric characters, and it is the first movie of the adventures of Asterix to be produced in 3D in France. In the same class as an American blockbuster, it is also the first animated French film to bring together an exceptional cast. The script, the adaptation and the dialogue are written by Alexandre Astier, creator of the successful M6 series Kaamelott. The role of director has been entrusted to Louis Clichy, a young filmmaker who Famous actor Élie Semoun is part of the French voice casting worked with Pixar for four years on the animation of films, including Wall-E, Up and Ratatouille. As The movie had a very promising first week. Since for the French voice casting, renowned actors such its release, it has taken the French box offices by as Roger Carel, Lorànt Deutsch, Laurent Lafitte, storm, selling more than 930,000 tickets to date Alain Chabat, Élie Semoun, Géraldine Nakache, (figures as of 2 December 2014). Having already François Morel, Alexandre and Lionel Astier, received positive reviews from the critics, the film is Baptiste Lecaplain and Florence Foresti vouch for now being embraced both by children and by adults the production’s success. who recall the Asterix of their childhoods. As the holiday season approaches, the film is expected to continue its upward trend at the box offices.
ABOUT THE MANSIONS OF THE GODS
Published in 1971, The Mansions Of The Gods (Astérix – Le Domaine des Dieux) is the seventeenth
volume in the Asterix comic book series by René Adjou/M6 Adé © Goscinny (story) and Albert Uderzo (illustrations).
A potent satire, the story narrates Julius Caesar’s latest plan to get rid of the indomitable Gauls once and for all. As his army has not been able to crush ‘the last pocket of resistance’, he decides to try a stealth invasion: absorb the villagers into Roman civilisation by building a new Rome called The Mansions Of The Gods next to Asterix’s village. Despite Asterix and Obelix’s sabotage attempts, the buildings quickly rise and the Roman citizens start to peacefully invade their surroundings, bringing chaos to Asterix’s village. Will Caesar manage to finally wipe out the Gaulish village? To be continued in a movie theatre near you…
Philippe Bony, Chairman of M6 Films and M6 Studios The €37 million investment into the powerful Asterix brand reflects Groupe M6’s ambition to become a major partner of the French animation market. “We have the tools to take our place in this market. This is about promoting a new dynamism within French cinema,” declares Philippe Bony, Chairman of M6 Films and M6 Studios, in Le Figaro newspaper on 25 November 2014. “To succeed, one must of course have strong brands, major cinematic events The Mansions Of The Gods (Astérix – Le Domaine des Dieux) and, therefore, big budgets,” he adds.
Next > 5 Investing into the powerful Asterix brand reflects Groupe M6’s ambition to become a major partner of the French animation market
In realising the ambitious production, Groupe M6 drew upon internal talent. The production was handled by M6 Studio, the video and cinema distribution by SND. The flagship channel M6, M6 Web, M6 Mobile and RTL Radio served as media partners.
In addition to screenings in nearly 700 cinemas across France, the film has also elicited the interest of international buyers. “We have already sold the film in 40 or so countries, including Russia, Germany, Greece, the Middle East and Turkey,” reports Thierry Desmichelle, Managing Director of SND, also in Le Figaro on 25 November 2014. Asterix In neighbouring Germany, RTL Group’s Universum Film will bring the Gauls to cinemas on 26 February 2015.
A WIDE-RANGING PRODUCTION:
80 per cent produced in France and 20 per cent in Belgium 150 jobs created © Adé Adjou/M6 Adé © 250 persons worked on the project over two and a half years an animation studio was created at Levallois specifically for the production of this film
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Thierry Desmichelle, Managing Director of SND
6
DID YOU KNOW? ASTERIX, THE GAUL BORN UNDER THE RADIO LUXEMBOURG STAR
Asterix, the character created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, made his first appearance in 1959 in the Radio Télé Luxembourg Almanach, which included an ad announcing the imminent arrival of Pilote, a weekly comic magazine for young people created by François Clauteaux and launched under the auspices of Radio Luxembourg (today RTL Radio in France). With this initiative the broadcaster was keen to break into the youth publishing market in an effort to develop young listeners’ loyalty to the station, and in fact had already targeted teenagers with its Thursday afternoon show Champion, of which Pilote magazine was an extension.
There was a genuine symbiosis between the radio station and the magazine, where comic authors Goscinny, Uderzo and Charlier ruled the roost, with editorial content provided by Radio Luxembourg’s star reporters, such as Lucien Barnier, Jean Carlier and Gilbert Cesbron. Presenters like Pierre Bellemare, André Bourrillon and Marcel Fort were in charge of the games and discovery columns. In fact, the ties were so close that in October 1960 the radio show Champion was renamed Pilote and the comic strip characters, including Asterix, were adapted for the airwaves.
In late 1960, Radio Luxembourg sold Pilote to publishing house Dargaud, but the links between the two entities endured.
08/1959 Radio Télé Luxembourg Almanach page 23
Speaking about the birth of Asterix, one of his creators, René Goscinny, said in the magazine Cahiers de la Bande Dessinée of 22 Octobre 1973: “Raymond Joly, Head of the Press Department at Radio Luxembourg, contacted us because the station wanted to experiment with launching a magazine with its own advertising materials. (…) Our aim was to change certain things we didn’t like in the youth press and to aim the future magazine at teenagers, not young children. That’s why we turned to major press Pilote magazine – 26 October 1961 journalists, many of whom came from Radio Luxembourg. It was necessary to create new series. (…) Uderzo and I had to come up with something.”
That “something” was Asterix, which would go on to experience phenomenal worldwide success.
Next > 7 PRESS COLLAGE FROM THE FILM’S POSITIVE REVIEWS FROM THE CRITICS © Julien Knaub/M6
Scan the QR code or click to watch the trailer (with english subtitles)
Alexandre Astier and Élie Semoun appear on M6’s main news bulletin Le 19:45 8 RTL VENTURES ACQUIRES MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN DUTCH LEARNING COMPANY RTL Nederland
On 2 December 2014, RTL Ventures announced that it had increased its shareholding in Dutch Learning Company (DLC), a provider of online courses and the founder of the Netherlands’ largest online portal for first aid courses, iedereenEHBO, from 37.3 per cent to 79 per cent. The Netherlands – 2 December 2014
Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director RTL Ventures
RTL Nederland’s investment department has thus acquired the majority of DLC, which offers first aid courses according to the principle of blended learning: participants learn the theory at home via e-learning modules, followed by practical, hands-on training during one of the 200 courses offered all over the Netherlands. The course fees are partly or fully covered by many insurance companies in the Netherlands.
Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director RTL Ventures, comments: “E-learning and e-health are two growth markets to which we direct a significant part of our attention. The DLC brings these two worlds
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9 together in an innovative way. Our investment will be used to accelerate the further growth of the company, with a focus on the development of products for both the business and the consumer market.”
The level of first aid knowledge in the Netherlands is still extremely low at three per cent, “while the self-reliance of the consumer with regard to first aid is becoming increasingly important,” adds Eglau, who sees growth potential for the DLC in the Dutch consumer market. The number of course participants has increased by 252 per cent compared to 2013. Furthermore, e-health is also an important subject within RTL Group and Bertelsmann. Eglau concludes: “The expertise regarding the further development of this market can be shared internationally as well.”
Further to this development step, Eugène Kuipers, the entrepreneur who founded the DLC, will be leaving the company, but will remain a shareholder. About this decision, Kuipers elaborates: “In only three years, the DLC has developed from a distinctive concept to the largest online provider of first-aid courses in the Netherlands. I am a serial entrepreneur at heart. I jump in wherever I see opportunities. Just like the company, I am now ready for the next step.” Frank Meijer, former Manager of the mobile content provider Sizz, will take over the DLC’s Click or scan to visit management in the interim. www.iedereenehbo.nl
FACTS & FIGURES
In December 2013, RTL Ventures acquired first shares in the DLC iedereenEHBO’s first aid courses for children are certified by the Red Cross Founder Eugène Kuipers and co-founder Jos Collignon will remain shareholders in the company. CTO Jos Collignon will continue to be part of the DLC management team. Eugène Kuipers will temporarily remain involved in the DLC in a consultative capacity Deloitte has listed the DLC as a Fast50 growth company in EMEA On 21 October 2014, RTL Group’s parent company Bertelsmann announced a move into the e-health market, and has taken over the American e-health provider Relias Learning for this purpose
ABOUT RTL VENTURES
RTL Ventures is the investment arm of the RTL Nederland multimedia and entertainment company, and concentrates on developing new business opportunities in consumer markets. RTL Ventures includes the online education portal Squla and the Dutch Learning Company, as well as the dating platform Pepper, the restaurant reservation system Couverts, and the online fashion platform Miinto (a joint venture with Miinto International).
10 RTL RADIO SUPPORTS THOSE IN NEED RTL Radio (France)
As a regular supporter of good causes, RTL Radio (France) is once again linking up with the association Restos du Cœur by prominently covering the charity’s 30th winter campaign. France – 2 December 2014
On 24 November 2014, the charity’s 30th winter campaign was launched in an increasingly difficult economic and social environment. Following on from its previous campaign, which offered shelter to more than one million people and served more than 130 million meals across its 2,090 centres, the charity association continues to support the poorest on the path towards social inclusion.
Presenter Yves Calvi live from the logistics site of Restos du Cœur
To support this cause, which RTL Radio holds very dear to its heart, the station devoted its programming to the association’s actions the day of the launch. Starting at 7:00, presenter Yves Calvi visited the logistics centre of Restos du Cœur in Rungis for a special broadcast from the enourmous platform, where 8.5 million meals are prepared every year. He was accompanied by economic journalist François Lenglet, who analysed the economic crisis and its impact on the most needy.
A special section was also published on the RTL.fr site, containing useful information and reports, and the station’s presenters supported the campaign by reminding listeners what the campaign was about and calling on them to make a donation.
11 THE GIRONDINS WIN THE HEARTS OF FRENCH FOOTBALL FANS Groupe M6
According to an Ifop survey published on 2 December 2014 in France Football magazine, 91 per cent of the football fans surveyed have expressed a positive opinion about the Girondins de Bordeaux, the football team owned by Groupe M6. France – 4 December 2014 © Gilles Arroyo/Girondins de Bordeaux © Gilles
The Girondins de Bordeaux football team
The Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club shares the top position with its neighbour, Nantes, ahead of Saint-Etienne (89 per cent) and Reims Bordeaux currently shares the fourth (88 per cent). Paris Saint-Germain comes in at the 19th spot (with position in the French Championship 48 per cent), while Bastia takes the last place. The Bordeaux club Ligue 1 (premier division) with Stade scored six points more than it did in last year’s survey. Interviewed Reminais FC. To meet the club’s needs, by France Football, the President of the Girondins, Jean-Louis Triaud, a new 43,000-seater stadium is is delighted with this ranking and believes that “people see us as a being built. Featuring a functional and positive club with real values”. versatile enclosure, the new stadium will offer the high level of flexibility The survey also asked people to rate leading figures. Willy Sagnol, required in order to stage major, Bordeaux coach, came eigth with 89 per cent, while football players high-profile events such as the Euro Bixente Lizarazu and Christophe Dugarry were 19th and 20th 2016. respectively.
12 Teaming up with online video hero
Click or scan to watch Mertabi’s Youtube channel (in Dutch)
On 27 November 2014, RTL Nederland’s multi-channel network RTL MCN closed a two-year contract with Youtube phenomenon Mertabi. His hilarious sketches have attracted more than 22 million views to date. Pictured: RTL Nederland CEO Bert Habets (left), with Youtube phenomenon Mertabi. SHORT NEWS 1/2
StyleHaul: deal closed RTL Group
RTL Group has completed the acquisition of a 93.6 per cent majority stake in StyleHaul, the largest fashion, beauty and women’s lifestyle network in online video. With this agreement, RTL Group further accelerates its rapidly growing presence in the online video space and its position in North America – the largest and most innovative media market worldwide. Luxembourg – 2 December 2014
Deutschland sucht den Superstar on tour RTL Television
On 7 January 2015, the 12th season of the successful German singing show kicks off with a new jury, new rules and lots of surprises. Unlike previous seasons, the ten best singers do not have to prove themselves in the live shows in the Cologne TV studio, but will go directly on tour with a Night liner. The jury will fly with the best 34 candidates to Thailand, where the Top 10 competition will take place. Germany – 11 November 2014
20,000 runners come together for road safety Atresmedia
On Sunday 30 November 2014, Atresmedia organised the sixth edition of its largest Corporate Responsibility campaign: Carrera Ponle Freno (Hit the brakes), a charity run that aims to raise awareness about road safety. Spain – 3 December 2014
14 SHORT NEWS 2/2
The Belgian Royal Palace opens its doors Groupe M6
On 3 December 2014, to mark the 500 days of the reign of Philippe, the 7th King of Belgium, RTL-TVI cameras were allowed into the Belgian Royal Palace to follow the activities of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, in a special prime time programme entitled Philippe – 500 jours de règne (Philippe – 500 days of reign). Belgium – 3 December 2014
From the sea into your home FremantleMedia
On 5 December, FremantleMedia’s hit reality series Deadliest Catch will be featured on ShopHQ, an interactive digital shopping and entertainment experience, offering an exclusive line of savory seafood and kitchen cookware, as part of the Deadliest Catch collection. North America – 4 December 2014
15 PEOPLE NEW APPOINTMENTS WITHIN GROUPE M6 Groupe M6
France – 2 December 2014
First row (from left to right): David Larramendy, Ronan de Fressenel, Guillaume Charles and Jean-Xavier Bouxom Second row (from left to right): Michèle Benzemo, Ronan Dubois, Henri de Fontaines and Barbara Steinert
On 27 November 2014, Groupe M6 announced a series Other appointments have also been made by Groupe of appointments including the assignment of David M6. Within M6 Publicité, Guillaume Charles, 39, who Larramendy as Managing Director of M6 Publicité and started out within RTL Group’s M&A team, has been M6 Interactions, and of Ronan de Fressenel as Managing appointed Deputy Managing Director in charge of Director of Pôle Ventadis. Marketing, Research and Digital. Jean-Xavier Bouxom is named Deputy Managing Director in charge of Trade, David Larramendy, 40, currently Managing Director Michèle Benzemo has been appointed Director of M6 of Pôle Ventadis, appointed Managing Director of M6 Publicité Digital, and Ronan Dubois has been given the Publicité and Managing Director of M6 Interactions as of post of Director of Global Strategies and Creation as of 8 December 2014. He will be put forward for membership 1 January 2015. Within Groupe M6, the Group’s strategic of the Board of Directors at the next Supervisory Board, development has been entrusted to Henri de Fontaines, which will meet on 17 February 2015. David Larramendy appointed Director of Strategy, Development and joined Mistergooddeal at the time of its creation in 2000. Distribution, while at M6 Web, Barbara Steinert has been He then worked for Goldman Sachs before joining Groupe named Director of M6 Mobile while retaining her position M6 in 2008 as Director of Trade for Pôle Ventadis, of which as General Secretary. he became Managing Director in 2010.
Ronan de Fressenel, 46, has been appointed Managing Director of Pôle Ventadis as of 1 January 2015 and will replace David Larramendy. He will report to Éric d’Hotelans, Chief Executive Officer of Ventadis. Ronan de Fressenel joined M6 Publicité in 2006, as Marketing Director before being appointed Deputy Managing Director in charge of Marketing and Research in 2009. 16 PEOPLE
NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF RTL RADIO (FRANCE) RTL Radio
France – 28 November 2014
From left to right: Jacques Esnous, Guillaume Astruc and Fabrice Nozières
On 25 November 2014, the Supervisory Board of Guillaume Astruc, 50, joined the company in 2007 as RTL – Ediradio, chaired by Rémy Sautter, made new Managing Director of IP France and Chairman and CEO appointments to the Management Board of RTL Radio of IP Régions. He has also been Managing Director of (France), chaired by Christopher Baldelli. It has chosen RTL Radio (France), since July 2014. Jacques Esnous as Vice-Chairman of the Board, whilst Guillaume Astruc and Fabrice Nozières were made Fabrice Nozières, 46, joined RTL Radio (France) in 2001 members of the Board. filling the post of Administrative and Financial Director, and thus becoming a member of the Executive Committee. He Jacques Esnous, 58, has been Director of News is also General Manager of BMG Rights Management Programming since 2004 and a member of the Management France and member of the Board of Xilam Animation. Board since 2005. He joined RTL Radio (France), in 1987 Furthermore, Nozières was also the Chairman of the as an economics journalist, and subsequently as Editor Société Nouvelle de Cinématographie from 2002 to 2005. in Chief and presenter in the morning slot from 1989 to 1995, and presenter of the programme Opinion publique between 1995 and 1997. In 1997, he returned to prime time presenting and became Assistant Editor in Chief.
17 More about Backstage
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