ZDF Studios has partnered with Zolba Productions to become the international distributor (ex Baltics and Italy) for "Von Fock" (Season One 4 x 45’, Season Two 4 x 45’), a drama set in the early part of the 19th century when Baltic Germans ruled Estonian high society.
"Von Fock", filmed on location in Estonia, Latvia and Italy and directed by Arun Tamm ("Bad Hair Friday", "Container"), is co-produced by Zolba Productions, Latvia’s Berghein Production and Nafta, Italy’s Movie.Mento, Albolina Film and Eesti Telefilm, the drama production arm of Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR). Commissioning public broadcasters are Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) and Eesti Telefilm, Latvia’s LTV and LRT in Lithuania. The series will have its local premiere with the creators and cast on 19 November at a cinema in Tallinn during the Black Nights Film Festival and is also part of the BNFF TV Beats Screening Day selection.
Suspenseful with a good dash of romance, "Von Fock" tells the story of Paul von Fock (Priit Pius), the shy heir and new owner of owner of Sagadi Manor who lacks confidence with women - especially when being pursued by the beautiful Maria von Nottbeck (Aurora Ruffino) - but is innovative and ambitious when it comes to solving crimes. Accompanied by his friend Gerhard Wagner (Sten Karpov), governor of Sagadi, the two embark on solving murder mysteries amongst the stunning historical castles and manors of Estonia.
Based on the books by Ain Kütt, the TV series was created by the author, Leana Jalukse and Lillian Von Keudell. Ain Kütt is an Estonian writer and historian who has curated numerous exhibitions, written award-winning plays and is the author of the five detective novels that form the basis of the series and tell the story of Paul von Fock as he solves various crimes. Lillian Von Keudell is a German screenwriter, producer and co-director whose work has been featured in festivals across Europe and in the US. Estonian screenwriter and co-director, Leana Jalukse’s debut film Mother premiered at Tribeca, USA, and went on to win awards at the Kitzbühel festival and Tallinn Black Nights as well as being Estonia’s entry for the Oscars.
Mirela Nastase, Director Drama, ZDF Studios mentioned that there is high demand for this type of content:“There is always a demand for period mystery dramas, especially ones like 'Von Fock' that are set in beautiful locations featuring grand houses and upper class society but most importantly of all, have great storytelling that keeps you guessing right until the end", commented.
Jevgeni Supin, Producer, Zolba Productions considers it a kickstart for the Baltic industry: “Our mission with 'Von Fock' has been to open doors and pave the way for other Baltic productions and prove to the rest of Europe that Baltic countries are capable of producing high quality series that can travel universally. We look forward to establishing long term relationships with our partners on this production, who have been hugely supportive, as we continue to develop other high budget projects with broad appeal," stated.
Toomas Luhats, Executive producer of Eesti telefilm/ERR shared the behind-the-scenes details of the decision-making process: "Commissioning 'Von Fock' was both an easy and a complicated decision for us. To have a drama series of this quality, created by local talent and depicting an important period in Estonian history, will probably be a big hit with our viewers. At the same time, the financing that we had to put together with all the partners was quite a task. Nevertheless, Zolba has shown brilliant quality throughout the production process and we are happy with the result," noted.
The opening series, "The Mystery of the Jack of Clubs", begins with Justus von Brevern, a notorious gambler and cheat, whose dead body turns up in a brick factory on Sagadi grounds. Paul von Fock is not only annoyed by being a potential suspect, but as the newly appointed assessor of the local court he must also solve the crime. And while he receives unexpected help from Maria von Nottbeck, a beauty with an unconventional attitude and shady past, he is torn between excitement and embarrassment. The list of potential suspects is long - there are not many noblemen in the area who didn’t have a motive, means and opportunity. In the end, unravelling the mystery turns out to be less complicated than figuring out Maria.
Season Two, entitled "The Mystery of the Golden Medallion", is a classic whodunnit. The murder of Anna Maria Engelhart, a primadonna from Germany, takes place pretty much under Fock's nose - at his older brother's estate during one of its celebrated summer balls. Contrary to his first investigation, Fock does not have a single suspect - who would want to murder a complete stranger from abroad?
Related News
