ZDF Studios secures distribution rights for award-winning telenovela 'Legacy'
Mainz, July 31st, 2023
ZDF Studios has secured global licensing rights (outside Africa, Latin America and French speaking territories) for the South African drama, Legacy (104 x 45’). Awarded a SAFTA (2021) for Best Telenovela, the English language series was produced by Tshedza Pictures as an original for the premium subscription TV channel M-Net, their first commission in that genre.
Set in the fast-lane world of investment banking and billionaires, Legacy is a story about a family at war with itself. The conflict, as family members struggle for power, the high stakes and romantic liaisons create startling storylines that keep audiences coming back for more.
Mauro Black, Director Content Sales and Distribution at Multichoice, said: “We are thrilled to have ZDF Studios represent our SAFTA award winning Telenovela Legacy. The series performed well with audiences in South Africa and partnering with the highly respected ZDF Studios is going to allow our proudly African content to be enjoyed across the globe.”
Yuliya Fischer, Director Drama, ZDF Studios added31st: “We are delighted to be partnering with M-Net on this extraordinary, binge-worthy series. As Legacy will be one of the key titles on our drama slate at this year’s Mipcom, we are looking forward to introducing it to our clients in Cannes.”
The story takes place in an upmarket investment empire established decades ago by Sebastian Price, the elderly patriarch of a super-wealthy family. Nearing retirement from his position as CEO, who will take control? When tragedy strikes that leads to his death, a power struggle ensues. His bitter ex-wife, Angelique, and their ruthless daughter Felicity will do whatever it takes to ensure that Sebastian’s second wife, Dineo, does not push her playboy son into the role. Betrayal, secrets, lies and revenge come to the fore as they fight to protect their legacy.
Featuring a diverse cast with Mary-Anne Barlow, Michelle Botes, Dawid Minnaar, Kgomotso Christopher, Siyabong Thwala a.o. in the lead roles, the series was written by Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela a.o.. ZDF Studios concluded the distribution deal with M-Net Electronic Media Network Ltd and DSTV Media Sales Ltd.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios was originally founded in 1993 as ‘ZDF Enterprises’, a private subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest and most renowned television broadcasters in Europe. The company was renamed ‘ZDF Studios’ on 1 April 2022. Based in Mainz, the business is responsible for distributing programmes worldwide, implementing international co-productions, acquiring licences and merchandising key brands under its own name, for ZDF and for third parties. Successfully established as an independent market player in Germany and globally, it operates as part of a strong network of 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme stock in the world, plus a constantly growing catalogue of international productions consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children’s programmes. By continually evolving, the ZDF Studios group has been able to open up numerous business areas in the television and media sector. As a result, ZDF Studios now provides a comprehensive full-service offer and covers every stage in the creation and exploitation chain of successful TV productions in all genres, from developing content to producing, licensing, marketing, merchandising, online rights and much more.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, Email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com