Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces a new international co-production set in Queenstown, New Zealand – A Remarkable Place to Die. The 4 x 90’ murder mystery was created by Screentime New Zealand and is co-produced with Real Film Berlin in association with Banijay Rights. It will air across Germany, the US, and New Zealand with commissioning broadcasters ZDF, Acorn TV, and TVNZ and will be distributed globally by Banijay Rights. The title will be showcased at Banijay @ BAFTA today (The London TV Screenings).
Smart and savvy detective Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston-Crayford) returns to her hometown, Queenstown, to be met with a series of startlingly different and intriguing homicides amidst the backdrop of past ghosts. Among them are her ex-fiancé Luke (Charles Jazz Terrier), now married to her ex-best friend (Indiana Evans), her brittle, volatile but loving mother (Rebecca Gibney), and a handsome pathologist, alongside a mixed, wildly eclectic, and ever-changing population of tourists and locals that makes challenging investigations even more of a test. However, it’s the secrets surrounding her father and sister’s deaths that truly draw her back, and, as she sets about unravelling these most personal of mysteries, she will set in motion an even more desperate cover up – one that will ultimately threaten the only family she has left…
Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand says: “Queenstown’s stunning landscape paired with its tapestry of unconventional characters, provide the perfect backdrop for this gripping murder mystery. Viewers will be drawn into the world of Detective Anais Mallory as she uncovers intriguing secrets, and we’ve elevated the show for international audiences by collaborating with Real Film Berlin and Banijay Rights.”
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “With the global appetite for broad audience and crime drama growing, we see potential for this series, which will charm audiences with vibrant characters and mysterious crimes, all underpinned by a gripping detective, a breathtakingly scenic setting and whole host of intrigue and suspense.”
Nevak Rogers, Director of Content, at TVNZ, said: “TVNZ is thrilled to showcase yet another epic murder mystery shot on the ground here in Aotearoa, with such a star-studded cast against the spectacular backdrop of the gorgeous South Island.”
A Remarkable Place to Die builds on Screentime New Zealand’s international scripted expertise. The series was created by Philly de Lacey with writer John Banas. Directors are Peter Burger, Josh Frizzell, Caroline Bell-Booth, and Charlie Haskell. Philly de Lacey, Henning Kamm, and Sibylle Stellbrink serve as Executive Producers.
Recent international series from Screentime New Zealand include The Gulf, a co-production between Screentime New Zealand, Lippy Pictures and Letterbox Filmproduktion for TV3 and ZDF,and Straight Forward, a co-production between Screentime New Zealand, Yellow Bird Mastiff, and TVNZ and Viaplay.
Real Film Berlin is well-known for its quality, artistic productions which consistently deliver impressive ratings. The company stands as a trusted partner for exceptional talent, broadcasters, and streamers. Its notable works include the cinema adaptation of the ARD cult series Berlin, Berlin, and the Netflix miniseries Unorthodox, which garnered global acclaim, with nominations for eight Emmys and two Golden Globes, among other accolades.