U.K. TV network BBC and German broadcaster ZDF have forged a partnership to produce premium drama series together.
The broadcasters have already jointly commissioned two shows: the recently announced “Honey,” a flirty spy thriller from Sid Gentle Films Ltd., and the second season of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” the young adult mystery thriller co-produced with Netflix and made by Moonage Pictures.
The collaboration will “maximize the strengths of two of Europe’s leading public service broadcasters, combining ZDF’s pan-European co-production know-how with the BBC’s track record of hugely popular and award-winning scripted titles,” according to a statement. “It will provide production companies with the opportunity to easily work with two major European broadcasters, creatively aligning from the outset.”
Nadine Bilke, chief content officer at ZDF, said: “The BBC’s programming strategy is a perfect match with our goals. Their strong commitment to creating content that resonates with audiences mirrors our own mission. Working on projects such as ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,’ with its compelling young adult storyline, and ‘Honey,’ a spectacular event program, increases our appeal to younger audiences and enriches our content with a European perspective.”
Lindsay Salt, BBC director of drama, said: “ZDF’s strong creative reputation, combined with strategic similarities in our programming, creates an exciting opportunity to further enrich our content. As public service broadcasters face increasing economic challenges, this partnership opens new avenues for collaboration, helping us to continue to back the best storytelling from across the U.K., investing in talent, and remaining creatively ambitious. With two dramas already underway, ‘Honey’ and ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,’ and with more shows in the pipeline, we look forward to working further with ZDF to bring BBC viewers the very best in scripted television.”
