EMS FILMS Holland

What EMS FILMS Holland does

EMS FILMS Holland B.V. is a privately held Dutch nature documentary production company founded in 1980 and headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands. The company produces cinematic-quality nature documentaries for theatrical cinema release, television broadcast, streaming platforms, museum installations, and educational use. Its signature work is the Dutch nature trilogy — De Nieuwe Wildernis (2013), Holland: Natuur in de Delta (2015), and De Wilde Stad (2018) — which collectively earned a Golden Calf and multiple Golden Film awards and drew hundreds of thousands of cinema visitors. The catalogue has expanded into urban, industrial, underground, and marine ecosystems, with new releases continuing through 2026.

Production relies on advanced cinematography techniques including cable cams, macro, time-lapse, and high-speed cameras, complemented by premium audio technology (notably Dolby Atmos, which EMS FILMS deployed first among Dutch films). The company monetizes content through six distinct revenue streams: theatrical cinema box office, physical media sales (Blu-ray/DVD/books via own webshop, priced €15–€18), Vimeo On Demand streaming rentals (€7.50–€7.99) and purchases (€14.99–€15), broadcast and streaming licensing to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, RTL, BNNVARA, ARTE, ZDF, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel, venue-based content production (THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flight experience in Amsterdam), and educational licensing for schools and museums.

EMS FILMS operates with a lean team of approximately 10 personnel, co-owned and led by director Mark Verkerk (with the company since 1990, London International Film School educated) and producer Ignas van Schaick (co-owner since 2011, with prior BBC/Discovery Channel and National Geographic experience). The business model is structured around long production cycles (300–600 shooting days per major film), exclusive access arrangements with protected nature reserves (notably Staatsbosbeheer for Oostvaardersplassen), and co-production partnerships with specialty producers such as Veldkijker Films, Dutch Maritime Productions, and 360 of Innovation.

Name

EMS FILMS Holland

Legal name

EMS FILMS Holland B.V.

Website

https://emsfilms.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

EMS FILMS Holland is a Dutch production company that produces cinematic nature documentaries for cinema, streaming platforms, broadcasters, museums, and educational use, monetizing content across theatrical release, VOD, physical media, licensing, and venue attractions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Documentary Film Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPADADAM

Travel & Adventure Documentaries

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Film & Video Production/Distribution/Documentary & Nonfiction Production

SECONDARYMPADADAI

Arts & Culture Documentaries

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Film & Video Production/Distribution/Documentary & Nonfiction Production

SECONDARYMPADAJAB

Theatrical Distribution (International)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Film & Video Production/Distribution/Distribution (Theatrical, Home Entertainment, International Sales)

SECONDARYMPADAJAJ

Non-Theatrical Distribution (Educational, Airlines, Cruise, Community)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Film & Video Production/Distribution/Distribution (Theatrical, Home Entertainment, International Sales)

Keywords

• Nature documentary production
• Cinema film distribution
• Wildlife cinematography
• Broadcast licensing
• Immersive film attractions

Headquarters

HQ city

Hilversum

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Physical media sales: Sale of Blu-ray and DVD products through the EMS FILMS webshop and retail channels. Products include nature documentaries and companion books.
2. VOD rental and purchase: Films available for rent (48-hour streaming window) or purchase (permanent streaming/download access) via Vimeo On Demand platform, priced in euros.
3. Cinema release and film festival licensing: Theatrical releases of nature documentaries (De Nieuwe Wildernis, Holland: Natuur in de Delta, De Wilde Stad, Onder Het Maaiveld) generate box office revenue. Films are shown at international festivals.
4. Broadcast and streaming licensing: Licensing of film catalogues to broadcasters including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, RTL, BNNVARA, ARTE, France Television, ZDF, The Discovery Channel, and National Geographic.
5. Venue-based attraction: THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flight experience attraction in Amsterdam, which EMS FILMS produced the film for. Visitors pay for the immersive experience (9-minute flight over Dutch locations).
6. Educational licensing and programs: Development of educational modules and materials around films; school programs where students create films inspired by EMS productions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

EMS FILMS Holland produces cinematic nature documentary films for cinema, television, streaming platforms, and immersive venues, with a specialization in Dutch natural heritage. The company develops, produces, and distributes documentary films, then monetizes them through theatrical release, broadcast and streaming licensing (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, RTL, BNNVARA, ARTE, National Geographic), physical media sales (Blu-ray/DVD), Vimeo VOD streaming, museum installations, educational programs, and venue-based attractions such as the THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flight experience.

Product overview

EMS Films Holland produces internationally acclaimed nature documentaries for cinema, television, and museum exhibition. The core portfolio centers on a Dutch nature trilogy (De Nieuwe Wildernis 2013, Holland Natuur in de Delta 2015, De Wilde Stad 2018) and expanding into specialized productions covering urban wildlife, underground ecosystems, ports, and the North Sea. Products include theatrical documentary films, a 5D flight attraction (THIS IS HOLLAND), physical media (Blu-ray/DVD), and a VOD streaming service via Vimeo. The company also produces educational content and books. Films are distributed through theatrical release, retail sales, streaming platforms, and museums.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• De Nieuwe Wildernis (The New Wilderness) Cinema nature documentary film about the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, the first Dutch wilderness film. Shot over 600 days with 350 hours of footage. Won the Golden Calf award and attracted nearly 700,000 cinema visitors. Distributed through cinema, broadcast, streaming, physical media, and educational channels.
• Holland, Natuur in de Delta (Nature in the Delta) Cinema nature documentary about Dutch rivers and coastal areas, the second in the Dutch nature trilogy. First Dutch film to use Dolby Atmos sound technology. Narrated by Bram van der Vlugt and Carice van Houten. Achieved Golden Film status with over 100,000 cinema visitors and distributed globally through streaming platforms and broadcasters.
• THIS IS HOLLAND Flight Experience 5D virtual flight experience attraction near Amsterdam's A'DAM Tower. A 9-minute immersive film over Dutch landscapes projected on a curved screen with motion seats and special effects including wind, mist, and scents. Produced by EMS FILMS for the venue and has attracted 1.5 million visitors since 2017.
• De Wilde Stad (The Wild City) Urban nature documentary showing Amsterdam wildlife through the eyes of house cat Abatutu. The third film in the Dutch nature trilogy. Achieved Golden Film status with over 100,000 cinema visitors and distributed globally through Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other streaming platforms.
• De Schooltuin (The School Garden) Educational documentary following children growing vegetables and flowers through the seasons in urban school gardens. Directed by Mark Verkerk and Ignas van Schaick. Designed for both educational distribution and home viewing.
• Wild Port of Europe Dramatized documentary about wildlife in the Rotterdam and Moerdijk ports. Shows nature in Europe's largest transport and industrial area from animal perspectives. Co-produced with Veldkijker Films and released for theatrical, broadcast, and streaming distribution.
• Onder Het Maaiveld (Under The Surface) Documentary revealing underground ecosystems including roots, larvae, worms, fungi, and bacteria, showing how soil life communicates and supports surface life. Cinema release on 2 March 2023. Distributed through theatrical, broadcast, streaming, and physical media channels.
• De Wilde Noordzee (The Wild North Sea) Nature documentary about the North Sea as a nature reserve, revealing the marine life of one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Co-produced with Dutch Maritime Productions. Released for cinema, broadcast, and streaming distribution.
• WOW! - Dutch Caribbean Uncovered Upcoming cinema documentary showcasing nature across the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten), including tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, dolphins, flamingos, coral reefs, and unique flora and fauna. Co-produced with 360 of Innovation.
• Blu-ray and DVD Products Physical media versions of nature documentaries available for purchase in the EMS FILMS webshop, including Blu-ray (€17.99 for Holland Natuur in de Delta and De Wilde Stad) and DVD (€16.99 for De Wilde Stad) formats, with English subtitles on selected titles.
• Video On Demand (VOD) Streaming Rental and purchase service for streaming films via Vimeo platform. Rentals allow 48-hour streaming access (€7.50 for Holland The Living Delta, €7.99 for De Wilde Stad); purchases allow permanent streaming and download access (€14.99 for De Wilde Stad, €15 for Holland The Living Delta). Accessible internationally.
• Book Wild Amsterdam 112-page paperback book by Koos de Wilt featuring 25 stories about Amsterdam wildlife from the perspective of Abatutu the cat. Includes photographs by Frans Lemmens and Maartje Roos. Priced at €14.95 and distributed through the EMS FILMS webshop.

Quantifiable outcome

• De Wilde Stad achieved Golden Film status (100,000+ cinema visitors)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 360 of InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producer of the WOW! (2026) documentary film about the nature of the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten). EMS FILMS and 360 of Innovation are co-producing this theatrical release.
• Veldkijker FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for Wild Port of Europe (2022), a dramatized documentary about the nature in the Rotterdam and Moerdijk port and industrial areas. Veldkijker Films collaborated with EMS FILMS on this project.
• Dutch Maritime ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partner for De Wilde Noordzee (The Wild North Sea, 2024), a spectacular nature film about the undiscovered underwater world of the North Sea — the Netherlands' largest nature reserve.
• StaatsbosbeheercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStaatsbosbeheer (Dutch State Forestry Commission) granted EMS FILMS exclusive and unlimited access to the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve for filming De Nieuwe Wildernis over two years. This was a unique arrangement for a typically closed nature area.
• THIS IS HOLLANDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMS FILMS produced the film content for the THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flight experience attraction next to the A'DAM Tower in Amsterdam. The attraction uses cutting-edge projection technology on a massive curved screen plus motion seats and special effects.
• Superwings B.V.minorOthersRelated company / sister entity. Listed alongside EMS FILMS in privacy policy as operator of https://www.emsfilms.com website. Both companies share contact information and appear to share ownership.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Windfall Films: International factual production company producing blue-chip natural history and science documentaries for broadcasters and streaming platforms. Directly comparable to EMS FILMS in scale, genre focus and global distribution model.
• Silverback Films: UK independent production company known for premium natural history documentaries (e.g., Our Planet, David Attenborough series). Directly comparable to EMS FILMS as a high-end nature documentary producer using cinematic techniques for theatrical and streaming platforms.
• NHNZ (Natural History New Zealand): Specialist factual and natural history production company producing premium content for global broadcasters. Directly comparable to EMS FILMS in scale and genre focus, with similar broadcaster-driven revenue model.
• Submarine: Amsterdam-based independent production company specializing in feature documentaries, animation and series across cultural, scientific and environmental subjects. Closely comparable to EMS FILMS as a Dutch independent producer of premium documentary content with theatrical and international distribution.
• Plimsoll Productions: UK independent documentary producer behind natural history series for Apple TV+, Netflix and BBC. Comparable to EMS FILMS as a mid-sized specialist producer focused on premium nature/wildlife content for streaming platforms.
• Off the Fence: Amsterdam-headquartered international factual content producer and distributor with deep catalogue across nature, science and history. Directly comparable to EMS FILMS as a Dutch-headquartered independent producer-distributor of premium documentary content.
• Terra Mater Studios: Austrian nature and science documentary producer and distributor behind brands like Wild Earth. Comparable to EMS FILMS as a European specialty producer of premium nature content for cinema, TV and streaming.
• Autentic Distribution: European factual and documentary distribution company specializing in nature, science and history content. Comparable to EMS FILMS as a competitor for premium broadcaster commissions and as a potential distribution partner within the European factual ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• National Geographic Studios: Production arm of National Geographic Partners, producing premium nature and science content for linear channels and Disney-owned platforms. Comparable to EMS FILMS as both a customer (licensing partner) and a broad incumbent competitor in nature documentary supply.
• BBC Studios Natural History Unit: Industry-leading natural history documentary producer within BBC Studios. Comparable to EMS FILMS as the dominant global player in nature documentary production, against which EMS competes for streaming platform commissions and international theatrical audiences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/onderhetmaaiveldfilm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ems-films
• Instagraminstagram.com/onderhetmaaiveld

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EMS FILMS Holland