Disney inks exclusive pact with RTL

BERLIN -- Disney has inked a wide-ranging, multi-year free-TV output deal with RTL Deutschland, Germany's leading commercial broadcasting group. The exclusive licensing agreement, which marks an end to Disney's previous free-TV pact with rival ProSiebenSat.1, includes the German free-TV premieres of 2012 theatrical releases from Disney, Pixar and Marvel as well as live-action features from DreamWorks. In addition, the deal includes U.S. series from ABC Studios, Disney Channel Original Movies and classic titles from the Mouse House's vast library. Among the Disney highlights that will be premiering on RTL are "John Carter," which hits local theaters in March, "Brave," "The Avengers" and the local romantic comedy "Frisch Gepresst," as well as ABC's hit fairytale series "Once Upon a Time." Joerg Graf, RTL's head of programming acquisitions, said the deal "especially strengthens the broadcaster's feature film division." Robert Langer, Disney's GSA country manager, called RTL "a perfect TV partner for our highly attractive series and film highlights in Germany," adding that the pact brought together "two leading brands." The companies did not disclose the financial details of the agreement. RTL, which has enjoyed top ratings with such series as "CSI: Miami," "House," "Royal Pains" and "White Collar," also has current deals with Warner Bros., NBC Universal and Studiocanal. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com