ZDF Studios partners with Boogie Entertainment and co-producers Aristosfilms on drama “The Kim Dotcom Story”
Mainz, November 27th, 2023
The Kim Dotcom Story (6 x 45’), based on the bestseller “The Secret Life of Kim Dotcom: Spies, Lies and the War for the Internet” by David Fisher, is being developed by ZDF Studios, Boogie Entertainment and co-producers Aristosfilms. Robert Franke, VP Drama at ZDF Studios, and Boogie Entertainment’s Producer and Founder Rolant Hergert will act as Executive Producers.
The exhilarating series will take viewers on a gripping journey through the life of Kim Dotcom and his remarkable transformation from German hacker to groundbreaking entrepreneur. It promises to be an immersive narrative experience that transcends borders and genres. The Kim Dotcom Story is currently already in preparation and both casting as well as location scouting at the original locations has already begun.
Kim Dotcom, the visionary mind behind the renowned file-sharing platform MegaUpload, found himself caught in a web of controversy when the US government declared his creation a criminal enterprise. In the face of relentless pursuit by the FBI and CIA, Dotcom's extravagant lifestyle, relentless legal battles and audacious defiance of copyright enforcement made him a symbol of digital resistance to some, and simply a mega-criminal to others.
This gripping series is a thrilling mix of investigative thriller, courtroom drama and a gripping exploration of the darker corners of the internet. "The Kim Dotcom Story" goes beyond the surface to explore themes of privacy, freedom and the profound consequences of challenging government authority. It unfolds as an extraordinary chronicle of a modern-day outlaw who, against all expectations, has become an unlikely hero for the cause of internet freedom.
Spanning several countries, including Germany, Monte Carlo, the USA, Thailand, Hong Kong, the UK and New Zealand, this global odyssey will immerse viewers in a world of international intrigue, high-stakes drama and the relentless pursuit of the truth.
Robert Franke, VP Drama at ZDF Studios, says: "In 'The Kim Dotcom Story,' we dive deep into the intriguing gray area that separates legitimate tech innovation from perceived illegitimacy, especially when it comes to the exploitation of copyrighted content. This project is a compelling exploration of the modern digital landscape, where lines blur, and the tech world's true colors are revealed."
Rolant Hergert, Producer and Founder, Boogie Entertainment, adds: "This new series holds particular significance as it’s shedding light on Kim Dotcom as an eccentric personality, with a larger-than-life persona, extravagant lifestyle, and his central role in the early days of the internet. His unique blend of entrepreneurship, controversy and online notoriety sets him apart as a truly extraordinary figure in the digital age. A great story, waiting to be told.”
The Kim Dotcom Story is scheduled for completion in 2025. It will be distributed exclusively by ZDF Studios whose catalogue already includes the soccer drama The Window (10 x 45’), a co-production of Boogie Entertainment with Fuji Television Network and ZDF Studios.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, Email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com