ZDF Enterprises sells Swedish and Russian drama series to Asia
Main, January, 19th, 2022
ZDF Enterprises has concluded deals for a range of dramas with Asian clients. The titles include new series Agatha Christie’s Hjerson (8x45’) and Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles (8x50’) as well as Top Dog (8x45’).
Japan’s AXN Mystery secured the exclusive pay-tv rights of Agatha Christie’s Hjerson. Only recently, the channel had already acquired the crime series Dead Still and Queens of Mystery. Agatha Christie’s Hjerson is the first ever adaptation based on the fictional detective of Agatha Christie’s fictional writer Ariadne Oliver. The playful, meta contemporary spinoff about Sven Hjerson, a once renowned criminal profiler who suddenly chose to retire from the spotlight, and Klara Sandberg, a trash TV producer who wants to reset her career with a true crime show that stars him. Together, they start to solve a string of murder mysteries. Agatha Christie’s Hjerson is produced by BR•F, TV4/C MORE, ZDF, Agatha Christie Ltd. and Nadcon Film.
Long-standing Japanese client WOWOW bought the exclusive Pay-TV rights for Top Dog, which was produced by Filmlance for Swedish TV4 and German ZDF. From the acclaimed producers of BRON (a.k.a. The Bridge), Top Dog focuses primarily on the clash between Stockholm business attorney Emily Jansson and Södertälje ex-con Teddy Maksumic. Emily is an aspiring "Top Dog" who wants to make her way up in the firm. Teddy has recently become an Underdog and wants to get out of the mafia. She has the knowledge, resources and a behind-the-scenes perspective on the finest of venues - he has the experience, muscles and access to serious criminal players. Together, they become an unstoppable duo.
Reeva Films India signed an acquisition agreement for the exclusive VOD rights of Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles. This action drama from major Russian indie studios START, co-produced with Sreda (Trigger, Gogol), is set in 19th Century St. Petersburg. It follows Sherlock Holmes as he attempts to track down the serial killer Jack the Ripper, who has fled to Russia. The series gives a Russian spin to the stories of the world's most famous investigator.
Yuliya Fischer, Director ZDFE.drama at ZDF Enterprises, brokered the deals and says: “It is our goal to further strengthen our presence in the Asian market in the new year. I am confident that other recent highlights from our drama catalogue, such as Stories to stay awake, Between two worlds, White Night, will also find a home in this highly interesting market”.
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About ZDF Enterprises
ZDF Enterprises was founded in 1993 and is responsible for worldwide program distribution, international co-productions, program acquisition as well as the merchandising of strong program brands in its own name, for broadcaster ZDF, and for third parties. Bound into a strong group of 18 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, ZDF Enterprises manages the largest German-language program stock worldwide and an impressive portfolio of international productions, consisting of series and miniseries, TV movies, documentaries and children’s programs. ZDF Enterprises provides a comprehensive, full-service offering and covers every step in the chain of creation and exploitation of successful content, from development to production and marketing. Website: www.zdf-enterprises.de
Contact ZDF Enterprises
Christine Denilauler (Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, e-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-enterprises.de, www.zdf-enterprises.de.