ZDF Studios partners with Paramount’s Ananey Studios on new multi-season drama 'The Tea House on the Death Pass'
Based on real-life events and on the bestselling novel by Daniel Edelson, and created by Ron Leshem (Euphoria) and Amit Cohen (No Man's Land, Valley of Tears) and Daniel Edelson
Mainz, October 15th, 2024
ZDF Studios and Paramount’s Ananey Studios are to co-produce a gripping new drama series, The Tea House on the Death Pass (8 x 60’), based on Daniel Edelson’s bestselling novel and on actual events that took place on 14th October 2014 in Nepal’s Himalayan Mountains.
One of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world turns into a death trap, as hundreds of hikers and families from all over the world are trapped in a snowstorm on the Annapurna Range. Life-and-death and moral dilemmas tear at the heroes and moments of heroism and humanity giving rise to inspiring rescue efforts. The Tea House on the Death Pass tells the story of the hikers, from dozens of nations, who find themselves fighting for their lives side by side, totally dependent on each other.
The multi-season drama series, to be produced by Paramount’s award-winning Ananey Studios alongside ZDF Studios, who will also be distributing it internationally.
The creators of The Tea House on the Death Pass are Ron Leshem, Amit Cohen and Daniel Edelson. Known for HBO’s Euphoria, Leshem, is also the co-creator and writer, along with Cohen, of Hulu’s No Man’s Land and Max’s Valley of Tears and is the writer of the Academy Award-nominated film Beaufort. Amit Cohen’s other credits include Hulu’s False Flag as writer and co-creator and executive producer of Apple’s Suspicion and NBC’s adaptation of Allegiance. Author, journalist, screenwriter and op-ed contributor, Daniel Edelson’s debut novel, The Tea House on the Death Pass, was based on his experience covering the avalanche in Nepal in 2014.
Yuliya Fischer, Director Drama, ZDF Studios said: “We are proud to be working with Ananey Paramount on this premium drama series that’s been created by a powerhouse of writing talent. This incredible story has multiple themes running through it: courage, death, resilience, love, fear and the human instinct to survive against all odds. A drama that will tug on the heartstrings as well as applaud the bravery and resourcefulness of the people who defied the elements.”
Hila Pachter, VP International Relations, Ananey Paramount said: “We are thrilled to partner with ZDF Studios, who have brought to audiences around the world some of the most outstanding and high-quality shows. The Tea House on the Death Pass is a unique project that combines cinematic storytelling, nail-biting suspense, and true-life drama, and we are excited to collaborate on delivering this gripping story to audiences worldwide.”
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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, E-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About Paramount’s Ananey Studios
Ananey Studios is an award-winning studio that develops and produces inventive content spanning a variety of genres and target demos from live-action preschool shows to high-concept dramas, kids’ and teens’ must-watch TV shows, sitcoms, animation, documentaries, lifestyle programs and formats.
Ananey Studios’ content has reached major international platforms (including Netflix, Nickelodeon, MTV, CBBC, and HBO).