Broadcast / Streaming Content Market: SWR launches 'Heli-Retter' series on ARD Mediathek

SWR has developed a multi-part documentary series titled "Die Heli Retter - Ulmer Notärzte im Einsatz", expanded from a former "Landesschau" report. Produced by movingpicturez, the series will stream on the ARD-Mediathek from 23 September and begin linear broadcasts on SWR Fernsehen from 12 October, airing Mondays at 21:00. Episodes follow the crew of the rescue helicopter "Christoph 22" in Ulm, filmed with drones, 360-degree cameras and bodycams; filming included a 14-day accompaniment by a cameraman. Episodes use on-scene audio (radio traffic and team discussion) rather than a narrator, include post-incident interviews, and aim to explain emergency-medical decisions to viewers without prior medical knowledge. The format expansion (episode length increased from 15 to 45 minutes last year) motivated the move to a dedicated series intended to drive high Mediathek views.