ZDF Studios’ Czech Affair
Czech series having been making their mark on the international TV scene first by winning major awards and more recently by entering the catalogs of some major distribution companies. ZDF Studios jumped on that new trend at the end of 2024 by picking up the rights to two TV Nova/Oneplay hits - originals The King of Šumava and The Markovic Method.
Mirela Nastase, Director Drama at ZDF Studios, tells TVBIZZ Magazine about the decision to pick up the Czech hit series and what is their potential to make waves on the international market as part of the diversified content offer of the distributor.
Mirela Nastase, Director Drama at ZDF Studios, tells TVBIZZ Magazine about the decision to pick up the Czech hit series and what is their potential to make waves on the international market as part of the diversified content offer of the distributor.
Mirela Nastase, Director Drama at ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios has acquired worldwide distribution rights for Voyo (since March 2025 Oneplay) originals The King of Šumava and The Markovic Method. What attracted you to these two Czech titles, and what potential do you see for them on the international stage?
We were drawn to The King of Šumava and The Markovic Method because they exemplify Oneplay’s strong commitment to high-quality original storytelling. These two titles stood out for their compelling narratives—The King of Šumava as a gripping period drama rooted in regional history, and The Markovic Method as a sharp, character-driven crime drama. Both genres resonate well globally, and the exceptional production values make them suitable for international distribution. Their strong domestic reception further convinced us of their potential to connect with audiences beyond the Czech Republic.
Both series have strong historical and political elements deeply rooted in Czech culture. How do you approach positioning them for global audiences without losing their local authenticity?
Czech culture, history, and politics offer rich elements that resonate not only in Germany but across Central Europe. For buyers outside of Europe, these productions represent deeply rooted and authentic European stories. We believe their emotional depth, thrilling narratives, and entertainment value will transcend cultural boundaries and captivate a global audience.
What types of buyers or platforms have expressed early interest in the two series? Are you targeting both traditional broadcasters and streamers?
Not surprisingly, the interest varies from a diverse range of buyers, including VOD platforms, Free TV, and Pay TV channels both local and pan-regional. We are indeed targeting both traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms, as the content appeals across different distribution models.
The King of Šumava has already seen multiple seasons. How important is that continuity for buyers, and does it increase its appeal as a returning series?
The continuity of The King of Šumava as a returning series can be a significant advantage, depending on the market and the buyer. Some partners prioritize limited series to create a focused broadcasting event and diversify their content offering. Others value the volume and reliability that come with returning series. In our experience, having multiple seasons has not been a barrier, in fact, it has enhanced the show’s appeal for buyers specifically looking for recurring content with proven audience engagement.
We were drawn to The King of Šumava and The Markovic Method because they exemplify Oneplay’s strong commitment to high-quality original storytelling. These two titles stood out for their compelling narratives—The King of Šumava as a gripping period drama rooted in regional history, and The Markovic Method as a sharp, character-driven crime drama. Both genres resonate well globally, and the exceptional production values make them suitable for international distribution. Their strong domestic reception further convinced us of their potential to connect with audiences beyond the Czech Republic.
Both series have strong historical and political elements deeply rooted in Czech culture. How do you approach positioning them for global audiences without losing their local authenticity?
Czech culture, history, and politics offer rich elements that resonate not only in Germany but across Central Europe. For buyers outside of Europe, these productions represent deeply rooted and authentic European stories. We believe their emotional depth, thrilling narratives, and entertainment value will transcend cultural boundaries and captivate a global audience.
What types of buyers or platforms have expressed early interest in the two series? Are you targeting both traditional broadcasters and streamers?
Not surprisingly, the interest varies from a diverse range of buyers, including VOD platforms, Free TV, and Pay TV channels both local and pan-regional. We are indeed targeting both traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms, as the content appeals across different distribution models.
The King of Šumava has already seen multiple seasons. How important is that continuity for buyers, and does it increase its appeal as a returning series?
The continuity of The King of Šumava as a returning series can be a significant advantage, depending on the market and the buyer. Some partners prioritize limited series to create a focused broadcasting event and diversify their content offering. Others value the volume and reliability that come with returning series. In our experience, having multiple seasons has not been a barrier, in fact, it has enhanced the show’s appeal for buyers specifically looking for recurring content with proven audience engagement.
