Tag Archive: ZDF

  1. Screentime New Zealand Solves Murder Mystery Drama with ZDF, Acorn TV and TVNZ

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    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.

  2. ABC and ZDF Journey into the Super Happy Magic Forest

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    Banijay Kids & Family today announces its sales division, Zodiak Kids & Family Distribution, has agreed pre-sales with ABC (Australia) and ZDF and ZDF Studios (Germany) for its upcoming animation Super Happy Magic Forest. Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, with Movimenti Production (both Banijay Kids & Family companies), the recent sales follow the announcement of the project earlier this year, with broadcast partners BBC and Rai Kids, and pre-sale with Canal+, already confirmed.

    Super Happy Magic Forest is a comedy quest adventure featuring five heroes, brought together by their mutual love of questing, picnics, and frolicking. Led by the outgoing and courageous faun, Hoofius, they battle villains, share journeys, and have a jolly good time along the way as they learn how to be true heroes and how to quest sensibly. The series is based on the popular picture books of the same name by Matty Long, which were first published by Oxford University Press in 2015.

    Julia Rowlands SVP Sales, Co-Productions and Acquisitions Banijay Kids and Family says: “From the incredibly talented teams at Tiger Aspect Kids & Family and Movimenti Production, Super Happy Magic Forestis a funny and joyful series and it’s no surprise that it is generating so much interest internationally. Both ABC and ZDF are trusted homes in their respective markets for high-quality kids TV, so this is a perfect match for their audiences.”

    Roberta Allan, Head Content Curation and Distribution ABC says: “We’re Super Happy to be bringing this delightful series to Australian audiences.”

    Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions for Children and Youth at ZDF says: “ We are delighted to see how the skilled production teams brought the wonderful books of Matty Long to life. Our young audiences will be excited to join in on the fun of the Super Happy Magic Forest. It is fresh, funny and original. The series is simply the perfect fit for ZDF.“

    The 52×11’ series will bring to life the world created in the books, in a colourful 2D animation for 7+ years. Series Director is Ruth Ducker (Oddbods, Floogals), Series Producer is Georgia Dussaud (Best & Bester, Watership Down), Head Writers are Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Ninja Express), and Exec Producers are Tiger Aspect Kids & Family’s MD Tom Beattie (Mr Bean: The Animated Series, Corpse Talk) and Jeff ‘Swampy’ Marsh (Phineas and Ferb , Milo Murphy’s Law).

  3. EndemolShine Germany Highlights Low Literacy Levels with Banijay’s The Write Offs

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    Banijay, the content powerhouse, today announces that EndemolShine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, will adapt The Write Offs for ZDF. The format created by Banijay UK’s Shine TV will be known locally as Lost for Words (w/t) and presented by Sabine Heinrich.

    The Write Offs gives a group of adults the incredible opportunity to change their lives and address the one thing that may be holding them back. Can you imagine not being able to navigate public transport or read a text? For many, this is a reality, as globally a large proportion of people struggle with the basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. In this empowering format, adults receive one-to-one tuition and embark on an eye-opening journey as they face tasks that encourage them to go outside of their comfort zones. The series concludes with a heart-warming and dramatic performance for their loved ones.

    Fabian Tobias, Managing Director at EndemolShine Germany says:The Write Offs shines a light on an issue that affects 6 million people in Germany and up to now rarely discussed. Just as in the UK, Denmark, and Australia, we hope this new series will provide uplifting and relevant content whilst also inspiring those who do struggle with their literacy.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay says: “The Write Offsresonates worldwide, because shockingly-low literacy rates are not exclusive to one country. This is a daily reality for many people globally, and the show raises awareness and starts discussions among the wider public. It is powerful, empowering, stigma-reducing, and we’re looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”

    Originally created by Shine TV for UK broadcaster Channel 4, this commission marks the fourth adaptation of the factual series with The Write Offs having travelled to Denmark and Australia where a second series recently aired on SBS. Described in the UK as ‘a heart-warming, inspiring and education watch’, by Stylist UK and in Australia as ‘an unexpectedly joyous documentary series’, by The Saturday Paper Australia, the show has received international acclaim. In addition, the show had a positive social impact – a study from SBS found that 94% of Australians felt more aware of adult literacy following series one, and 91% said it gave hope to Australians with lower literacy.

    EndemolShine Germany is a leading production and entertainment company in Germany and is behind some of the nation’s best-loved non-scripted shows, with titles such as Big Brother VIP, Kitchen Impossible, Limitless Win, The Masked Singer, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

  4. Endemol Shine Israel’s Emmy Award- winning Comedy, Nevsu, to be Adapted in Germany

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    Banijay today confirms that Endemol Shine Israel’s fictional comedy series, Nevsu, will be adapted in Germany. Produced by Neuesuper GmbH for ZDF, the format will be known locally as I Don’t Work Here.

    The family comedy format sees three generations from two worlds come together to form one family in I Don’t Work Here. Revolving around Dawit and Laura, a young multi-racial couple, and their daughter, the pair are battling living with her parents and facing huge scrutiny from her mother-in-law. Exploring culture clashes, generational frustrations, and everyday racism with humour, endearing characters and family warmth, the standout series is now set to make a splash in Germany.

    The German adaptation will be directed by Arman Riahi and written by Romina Ecker and Malina Nnendi Nwabuonwor.

    Amir Ganor, CEO of Endemol Shine Israel comments: “The Israeli audience was charmed by this comedy series as not only is it funny, but Nevsu also cleverly highlights the importance of building bridges, appreciating our differences, and family. There is a universality to the story, and we’re excited to see the show adapted for a new audience in Germany.”

    Jasmin Maeda, Managing Director ZDFneo: “We’re excited to announce, I Don’t Work Here, a NEUESUPER series production, adapting the Israeli show Nevsu by Endemol Shine Israel. The series will tackle important themes with wit and charm. Viewers will be taken into the lives of Laura and Dawit, where family warmth is emphasized and prejudices are challenged with a playful approach”.

    Florian Kamhuber, executive producer for Neuesuper: “The funniest conflicts usually arise from the most banal everyday situations. The writers of Nevsu have taken this art to the extreme. That’s why we’re honored to have been able to lovingly adapt the format with its entertaining storylines and quirky characters for the German-speaking market”.

    Created by Shay Ben Atar, Yossi Wassa, Liat Shavit and Gal Zaid, and produced by Endemol Shine Israel for Reshet 13, the International Emmy Award-winning show first premiered in 2017 and has since aired a second series. The company is also behind premium scripted titles such as Queens, Fifty, and Valley of Tears; as well as non-scripted titles including Big Brother.

  5. The Mystery Continues with Silverpoint

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    Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK, part of Banijay Kids & Family, today announces it will produce a second season of the gripping mystery sci-fi adventure series, Silverpoint. A co-production with CBBC, ZDF and ZDF Studios, the 13 x 22’ sci-fi drama starts filming in Northern Ireland from August and will launch next year.

    The returning cast includes Katy Byrne (Meg), Oliver Cunliffe (Louis), Aoife Hughes (Bea), Krish Misra (Glen) and Maiya Silveston (Kaz).

    At the end of series one, Louis, Kaz, Meg and Glen discover they’re not so special after all. In fact, they’re only one of four groups of kids, each with their own alien Artefact. What they sensed would be the end of their adventure, becomes the beginning of an even more impossible journey.

    Series two of Silverpoint follows these four eclectic groups, some who will become friends and others rivals, as they train for a game set in four alternate realities controlled by a mysterious extra-terrestrial presence. And the prize they’re fighting for? To save the world.

    Cheryl Taylor, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK says:Silverpoint is a visually powerful drama with compelling characters and a unique and finely crafted storyline that has resonated with audiences globally. We’re fortunate to have many of the most talented creatives in the industry working on Silverpoint alongside a supremely talented cast of young actors. Zodiak Kids & Family is delighted to be bringing more tantalising sci-fi adventures to our audience in this second series”.

    Created by Lee Walters and Steven Andrew, the show will be Executive Produced for Zodiak Kids & Family Productions UK by Cheryl Taylor and Benoit Di Sabatino. The Series Producer is Trevor Klein, and the Directors are Amy Coop, Aidan Largey and Louise Ní Fhiannachta.

  6. MadeFor Announces Latest Contemporary Scripted Slate

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    MadeFor, the scripted arm of Banijay Germany, confirms it is producing two new shows, Loving Her and Mirella Saves the World (Mirella Schulze rettet die Welt), set to air later this year.

     

    A LGBTQ+ female love story, Loving Her centres around Hanna (Banafshe Hourmazdi) a woman in her early twenties. In six episodes, we follow Hanna’s journey through different romances, affairs, heartbreak and ultimately (self-) love.

     

    On the weekend when Hanna moves out of her apartment, heading into an unknown future in pandemic times, she runs into her childhood sweetheart Franzi (Lena Klenke). This reunion sets Hanna on a journey of reflection as she considers what each of her ex-girlfriends have taught her and how they have shaped the person she is today. Produced by Tasja Abel and Philine Zebralla, this new drama will air on ZDFmediathek and ZDFneo and is an adaptation of Dutch series, Anne+.

     

    Eight-part dramedy, Mirella Saves the World, will be available on TVNOW this spring. Mirella is an uncompromising 13-year-old environmental activist, and her acts against climate change do not always go down well at home. With a selfie queen sister, a fast-food loving brother, and parents in not very eco-friendly occupations, the family is driven to the edge with Mirella’s crusade. Will Mirella’s determination convince those around her to start thinking beyond themselves or will she come up against a brick wall? Ralf Husmann will be the showrunner on this new production.

     

     

    Nanni Erben, Co-CEO of MadeFor comments: “I am very happy that with Loving

    Her and Mirella we are producing two extremely entertaining series. Even though the focus of both series is very different – they both deal with very relevant topics and capture the contemporary zeitgeist. I really like that Mirella shows that environmental protection can be portrayed in a very funny way. It is also exciting that Loving Her is a so-called “instant series”. There is only a short period between idea, filming and broadcast, that allows a sense of currency, which is unusual in fictional programmes.”

     

    Gunnar Juncken, Co-CEO of MadeFor adds:Loving Her and Mirella Saves the World are two distinct, compelling projects, which we hope will resonate. Audiences are looking for new dramas and we are excited to deliver these charming and funny productions to ZDFneo and TVNOW.”

     

    Based in Berlin, MadeFor launched in February 2020 and is led by Joint CEOs, producer Nanni Erben, and Gunnar Juncken. The company is responsible for creating and producing premium scripted series and films for the local and international market, while also pursuing opportunities for co-productions via Banijay and other platforms and partners.

     

    Recent and forthcoming series include Teacher on Withdrawal, a short-form web comedy series for ZDFneo, long-running series, Tatort, which follows investigators Gorniak (Karin Hanczewski), Winkler (Cornelia Gröschel) and Schnabel (Martin Brambach); along with Frau Jordan stellt gleich for Joyn and Marie Catches Fire for ZDF.

  7. UKTV Acquires High-End Drama Thriller, The Gulf, From Banijay Rights

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    Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, has sold premium drama title, The Gulf to UKTV for its local audiences. The series will air on the broadcaster’s crime drama channel, Alibi.

    The deal, which will see the 3 x 90’ series launching on Alibi in early Spring 2020, was brokered by Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Scripted at Banijay Rights, and Daniel Thomas, Acquisitions Manager at UKTV.

    Daniel Thomas, Acquisitions Manager at UKTV comments, “We are really pleased to have acquired this exciting new thriller for Alibi as we continue to include the very best of international crime drama in our schedule. Our viewers are extremely discerning and The Gulf, with its unique take on a crime story set against the incredible backdrop of New Zealand, will have wide appeal.”

    Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Scripted, Banijay Rights adds, “We are delighted that UKTV will be bringing this absorbing and original antipodean series to a UK audience where I’m sure it will engage a new legion of drama fans looking for their next crime fix. The Gulf, co-produced by Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, has launched in New Zealand and in Germany to much acclaim and is proving to be a very desirable drama property for us with further sales already in the pipeline.”

    Elsewhere in Europe The Gulf will also travel to Poland, after being acquired by Canal+ for its channel, Ale Kino+.

    This follows hot on the heels of the previously announced U.S. pick up of the drama, where AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now will feature the exclusive U.S. premiere of The Gulf beginning Wednesday, 4th December 2019.

    Domestically, the series was a ratings winner for New Zealand broadcaster TV3 and is the top performing mini-series of 2019 to date. The drama pulled in a launch audience 40% above the channel average. Meanwhile, in Germany The Gulf consistently outperformed the slot average by more than 10%.

    Recently launched at MIPCOM, German-New Zealand thriller The Gulf, (6 x 60’) centres around the moral disintegration of Detective Jess Savage, who finds herself caught between upholding the legal justice system and morality, as she investigates crimes on her home patch of Waiheke Island, New Zealand. The Gulf is an international co-production from Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, Lippy Pictures, German fiction specialist Letterbox Filmproduktion, a member company of the Studio Hamburg Production Group, and broadcasters ZDF and TV3.