Netflix Ramps Up European Originals

Netflix has revealed three new original European series, two of which hail from Germany.

Anna Winger (Deutschland 83, Deutschland 86) serves as showrunner on Unorthodox, which tells the story of a young woman who escapes an arranged marriage in New York and embarks on an urgent journey of self-discovery. Winger said: “I am thrilled to be working with Netflix on Unorthodox, inspired by Deborah Feldman’s journey of self-discovery. At a time when women’s rights are being challenged the world over, Feldman’s story resonates far and wide. It is a privilege for us, at Studio Airlift, to collaborate with an incredible team of Berlin-based artists and bring this story to screens everywhere.”

In Biohackers, written and directed by Christian Ditter (How to Be Single, Turkish for Beginners), a medical student discovers the use of highly advanced biohacking technology in her university town and has to decide how far she is willing to go to find out the truth. Ditter commented: “I’ve always loved the magic of stories that pit ordinary people against truly extraordinary circumstance. I’m excited to partner with Netflix to combine exciting visual storytelling with truthful, multi-layered characters rising to the challenges of the spectacle unfolding around them.”

The Norwegian horror anthology series Bloodride will be told in six parts. It comes from scriptwriter Kjetil Indregard, the director of the Norwegian series Maniac. Each story is set in its own realistic yet weird universe. Håkon Briseid, CEO of Monster Scripted, said about Bloodride: “Monster strongly believes in the strength of local perspective through home-grown stories from passionate talents. Bloodride is just such a project, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to produce this unique Norwegian language series for audiences around the world as a true Netflix Original.”

Kelly Luegenbiehl, VP of international originals for Europe, Turkey and Africa at Netflix, remarked: “These three exciting projects all stand for Netflix’ commitment to the European market and deliver original and locally grounded stories that can touch audiences worldwide. We are proud to bring the bold visions of these amazing storytellers to both local and global audiences.”