Press Release
AUTENTIC ACQUIRES GEDEON MEDIA GROUP ASSETS AND ESTABLISHES GEDEON STUDIOS
Munich, 12.11.2026 – Autentic has acquired the assets of GEDEON Media Group (GMG), comprising GEDEON Programmes, Docland Yard and MC4, marking a new chapter in the history of one of France’s most respected names in factual production. GMG in renowned for its editorial excellence, creative ambition and a distinctive approach to documentary storytelling.
The acquisition includes GMG’s ongoing productions, an extensive catalogue of approximately 3,000 hours of factual content, and a portfolio of digital channels. GMG’s catalogue will be distributed by Autentic Distribution, while its digital channels will be managed by Autentic's Channels division. Production and development activities will continue under the newly established French subsidiary GEDEON Studios.
A new chapter built on continuity and creative excellence
GEDEON Studios will oversee all ongoing productions and project development, including approximately 25 hours of television programming currently in production and two feature-length documentaries. The new company will build on the talent and expertise that have been instrumental in GMG’s success. A seven-member team from the existing organisation will join GEDEON Studios, ensuring that the company’s creative expertise and editorial know-how remain at the heart of its future.
The team includes senior producers Laurence Favreau, Valérie Guerin and Coraline Roch and Head of Development Mina Cuche, bringing together extensive production experience, strong creative capabilities and long-standing relationships with France’s leading broadcasters. Carine Nonnenmacher, one of GMG’s established producers, will lead the new studio, working alongside the team to build on the company’s legacy and drive its future development. GMG’s founder and former president, Stéphane Millière, will also continue to work closely with the new company as Senior Consultant, Programme Development, contributing his invaluable experience and supporting the development of the studio’s future projects.
A legacy of international recognition
The foundations of GEDEON Media Group were laid with the creation of GEDEON Programmes in 1996, which went on to become one of France's most respected factual production companies. Over the years, GMG has won more than 500 international awards for its documentaries across the fields of science, archaeology, history, culture and heritage. Producing around 40 hours of content annually across a wide range of factual genres and subjects, the company has built a strong reputation among leading French and international broadcasters, including the BBC, CCTV, National Geographic, PBS, NHK, RADIO Canada, RAI, RTS, RTVE, SBS, SVT and ZDF.
Combining strengths to shape the future
With the acquisition, Autentic adds one of France’s most respected factual producers to its growing portfolio, combining GMG’s acclaimed catalogue, production expertise and creative talent with Autentic’s established international distribution network and digital capabilities. Both companies are long-standing experts in international coproductions.
“With GEDEON Studios in Paris, and Autentic in Munich, we will have teams in the two biggest markets in Europe” says Patrick Hoerl, Managing Director at Autentic. “By combining the expertise of both companies, and using significant synergies in the monetization of content, will make us more resilient in the current, challenging market environment. Over more than three decades, Stéphane Millière and the GEDEON team have built an extraordinary legacy, establishing the company as one of the most respected names in factual production. We are proud to continue that journey together with the team in France, preserving valuable expertise and creative excellence while laying the foundation for the next phase of growth.”
Stéphane Millière founder and former president of GEDEON Media Group adds: “I am very pleased that Autentic is taking over the assets of the GEDEON Group through a new company that will continue to build on the work of the outstanding editorial team that has worked alongside me to develop the brand, carry forward ongoing projects and distribute the catalogue established over the past 30 years. This alliance between two strong brands and two talented teams further strengthens the potential of Autentic for the years to come. I have the greatest respect for Patrick Hoerl, who has always been a passionate advocate for the documentary genre. I am delighted that he will become President of this new GEDEON.”
About Autentic:
Autentic is a leading global factual content company. The company produces and distributes documentaries and factual series for the global market, working closely with top producers, broadcasters, and digital platforms. Autentic also operates its own factual FAST and YouTube channels, bringing compelling non-fiction programming directly to audiences worldwide. Autentic is based in Munich and is part of Beta, one of Europe's leading independent film and television groups. Founder and Managing Director is Patrick Hörl.
For further information, please contact:
Louisa McClatchy
Head of Marketing
Autentic GmbH
l.mcclatchy@autentic.com
www.autentic.com
The acquisition includes GMG’s ongoing productions, an extensive catalogue of approximately 3,000 hours of factual content, and a portfolio of digital channels. GMG’s catalogue will be distributed by Autentic Distribution, while its digital channels will be managed by Autentic's Channels division. Production and development activities will continue under the newly established French subsidiary GEDEON Studios.
A new chapter built on continuity and creative excellence
GEDEON Studios will oversee all ongoing productions and project development, including approximately 25 hours of television programming currently in production and two feature-length documentaries. The new company will build on the talent and expertise that have been instrumental in GMG’s success. A seven-member team from the existing organisation will join GEDEON Studios, ensuring that the company’s creative expertise and editorial know-how remain at the heart of its future.
The team includes senior producers Laurence Favreau, Valérie Guerin and Coraline Roch and Head of Development Mina Cuche, bringing together extensive production experience, strong creative capabilities and long-standing relationships with France’s leading broadcasters. Carine Nonnenmacher, one of GMG’s established producers, will lead the new studio, working alongside the team to build on the company’s legacy and drive its future development. GMG’s founder and former president, Stéphane Millière, will also continue to work closely with the new company as Senior Consultant, Programme Development, contributing his invaluable experience and supporting the development of the studio’s future projects.
A legacy of international recognition
The foundations of GEDEON Media Group were laid with the creation of GEDEON Programmes in 1996, which went on to become one of France's most respected factual production companies. Over the years, GMG has won more than 500 international awards for its documentaries across the fields of science, archaeology, history, culture and heritage. Producing around 40 hours of content annually across a wide range of factual genres and subjects, the company has built a strong reputation among leading French and international broadcasters, including the BBC, CCTV, National Geographic, PBS, NHK, RADIO Canada, RAI, RTS, RTVE, SBS, SVT and ZDF.
Combining strengths to shape the future
With the acquisition, Autentic adds one of France’s most respected factual producers to its growing portfolio, combining GMG’s acclaimed catalogue, production expertise and creative talent with Autentic’s established international distribution network and digital capabilities. Both companies are long-standing experts in international coproductions.
“With GEDEON Studios in Paris, and Autentic in Munich, we will have teams in the two biggest markets in Europe” says Patrick Hoerl, Managing Director at Autentic. “By combining the expertise of both companies, and using significant synergies in the monetization of content, will make us more resilient in the current, challenging market environment. Over more than three decades, Stéphane Millière and the GEDEON team have built an extraordinary legacy, establishing the company as one of the most respected names in factual production. We are proud to continue that journey together with the team in France, preserving valuable expertise and creative excellence while laying the foundation for the next phase of growth.”
Stéphane Millière founder and former president of GEDEON Media Group adds: “I am very pleased that Autentic is taking over the assets of the GEDEON Group through a new company that will continue to build on the work of the outstanding editorial team that has worked alongside me to develop the brand, carry forward ongoing projects and distribute the catalogue established over the past 30 years. This alliance between two strong brands and two talented teams further strengthens the potential of Autentic for the years to come. I have the greatest respect for Patrick Hoerl, who has always been a passionate advocate for the documentary genre. I am delighted that he will become President of this new GEDEON.”
About Autentic:
Autentic is a leading global factual content company. The company produces and distributes documentaries and factual series for the global market, working closely with top producers, broadcasters, and digital platforms. Autentic also operates its own factual FAST and YouTube channels, bringing compelling non-fiction programming directly to audiences worldwide. Autentic is based in Munich and is part of Beta, one of Europe's leading independent film and television groups. Founder and Managing Director is Patrick Hörl.
For further information, please contact:
Louisa McClatchy
Head of Marketing
Autentic GmbH
l.mcclatchy@autentic.com
www.autentic.com