ZDF Studios has partnered with VOYO - Nova TV Czech Republic to distribute two of their top dramas, both based on true stories, “The Markovic Method: Hojer” (6x55’) and “The King of Sumava” (6x45’, 2 seasons 3x45’). The worldwide distribution rights exclude Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Russia and the Balkans.
“The Markovic Method: Hojer,” produced by TV Nova and Blue Hills Production, is a finalist in C21’s International Drama Awards (Content London, December 5) having been nominated by buyers and scripted commissioners for the Non-English-Language Drama Series category. The series had already won the award for Best TV Series at the Serial Killer Festival.
“The King of Sumava,” produced by Lucky Man Production, earned nominations for Best Television Film or Miniseries and Best Music at the Czech Lion Awards. Both titles are Czech originals for VOYO Czech Republic and have premiered on VOYO CZ, the SVOD platform owned by the commercial FTA channel Nova TV CZ.
Mirela Nastase, Director Scripted, ZDF Studios, said: “These two gripping dramas will captivate audiences even more by knowing that they were inspired by true events. A bingeable feast for viewers who love suspense, atmospheric settings and great story-telling.”
Jan Rudovský, Head of Acquisitions Czechia and Slovakia, TV Nova, added: “We are immensely proud of these local productions and the talent, both off-screen and on-screen, who have worked tirelessly to bring these stories to life. With ZDF Studios onboard, I look forward to ‘The Markovic Method: Hojer’ and ‘The King of Sumava’ entertaining audiences around the world.”
Based on real life events, “The Markovic Method: Hojer” is set during the normalisation of Czechoslovakia and tells the story of the arrest and conviction, by the legendary detective Jiří Markovič, of one of the most terrifying serial killers, Ladislav Hojer. At the turn of the 1980s, Prague was a very hostile place, drab and run-down. Muted crowds form orderly lines in front of half-empty stores whilst vibrant posters plastered on the walls of battered houses commemorate an infamous anniversary. It’s in this bleak, grey setting where a chilling new phenomenon emerges in the streets at night – young sexual assailants with sadistic tendencies. These are the individuals that Jiří Markovič relentlessly pursued throughout his extensive career.
Weaved throughout the series is not only Hojer’s unique connection with Markovič, but also cases from various points in the detective’s career highlighting Markovič’s journey as an elite investigator and illustrating how his method evolved during this time. Thus, the legend of Markovič was born.
“The Markovic Method: Hojer” is directed by Emmy award winner Pavel Soukup (“Marty is Dead”) and stars Petr Lněnička as Markovič. The actor is also well known for his role in the movie Waves which has been selected as an Oscar contender for Best International Feature.
“The King of Sumava,” a romantic period drama, is an enthralling adaptation of David Jan Žák’s acclaimed novel “The Return of the Šumava King.” Set against the backdrop of post-war Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1948, this true story of resilience and courage follows the gripping journey of Josef Hasil, a 24-year-old cook in the National Security Corps. Having survived the war in a German labour camp and fought alongside partisans, Hasil has no interest in politics. However, as the Iron Curtain descends, the rapidly closing borders and looming fears of World War II thrust him into the perilous world of smuggling.
Hasil’s unparalleled knowledge of the Šumava mountains enables him to navigate the treacherous path from East to West, making him an invaluable asset to those seeking freedom. The series meticulously recreates this tense period, drawing from Hasil’s personal memories, eyewitness testimonies and archival documents.
Directed by six-time Czech Lion award-winner, David Ondříček, “The King of Sumava” stars actor and writer Oskar Hes.
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