ZDF Enterprises secures distribution rights for Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles
Mainz, May 19th, 2021
ZDF Enterprises is pleased to announce it has acquired the global distribution rights (ex Russia and CIS but including the Baltics and Ukraine) to Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles (8 x 52’ HD), a START original series produced by START and SREDA. The deal for the first Russian-produced series in ZDF Enterprises’ drama catalogue was brokered by Mirela Nastase, Director ZDFE.drama, ZDF Enterprises.
The eight-part mystery thriller originally premiered in Russia on the subscription-based streaming service START in 2020 and made its linear debut on TNT earlier this year.
Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles follows the esteemed detective from London to St Petersburg as he hunts down a suspected serial killer, the infamous Jack the Ripper. The drama unfolds in stunning locations in 19th century Russia, with new characters Dr Kartsev and Sophia joining Sherlock to solve a series of mysterious cases.
Robert Franke, Vice President ZDFE.drama, ZDF Enterprises, said: “Fans of the world’s most famous private investigator are in for a real treat with this Russian spin on Sherlock. START has a reputation for producing high-end drama and this series delivers on all fronts: a great script, top acting talent and beautifully filmed. We are extremely pleased to work with the Russian team and are convinced there will be many more exciting projects to come!”
Daria Bondarenko, EVP Sales and Acquisitions, Yellow, Black and White and START says: “Taking an iconic British figure to Russia has enabled us to bring some totally new ideas to the wonderful and captivating world of Sherlock Holmes and we are very much looking forward to seeing Sherlock travel further abroad with ZDF Enterprises.”
Sherlock: The Russian Chronicles was written by Oleg Malovichko and directed by Nurbek Egen. Prior to ZDF Enterprises acquiring the licensing rights, the series was sold by START to Japan’s NHK Enterprises for the AXN Mystery channel.
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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.
About Yellow, Black and White
Yellow, Black and White is a leading entertainment company headquartered in Moscow, Russia. The company established itself as a leader in comedy and family-oriented movies production with a series of box office hit projects. The main focus of the company is movies and TV programs production across a range of genres — comedy, drama, action and thriller. The group's activities span the entire content value chain with expertise in licensing, video, VOD distribution, theatrical releases, marketing support and international sales. Yellow, Black and White exclusively manages all format rights to its productions, supporting a growing global footprint. In 2017 producers who are behind Yellow, Black and White, co-founded a subscription-based service START.
About START
START is a subscription-based streaming service available for Russian-speaking audiences worldwide. START is the leader in the production of premium original content among VoD services on CIS market. According to Telecom Daily and TMT Consulting reports, for two years in a row START shows the fastest growth among Russian streaming services.
START Originals are already recognized all over the world: 257 Reasons to Live (Beta Film, 2020 Canneseries Best Performance Award, 2020 Rose D’Or Finalist), Russian Affairs/Gold Diggers (Amazon Exclusives, Walter Presents, CJE&M), as well as sci-fi hit Better Than Us, which was the first Russian production to be dubbed into 20+ languages and secure a Netflix Original status. Some of the series are currently being sold as formats for local adaption abroad.
Press Contact
Xander Ross – xander@percywarren.com