Production Begins on Netflix Mystery 1899

Dark Ways, the newly founded production company from Dark creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, has started production on the new Netflix original mystery series 1899.

Filming will take place in a new custom-built virtual production stage, which boasts the largest LED “Volume” of its kind in Europe, allowing it to capture a significant amount of complex visual-effects shots through virtual sets and locations created with game engine technology. Owned by Dark Bay, a company set up by Dark Ways and Studio Babelsberg with Netflix backing, the cutting-edge virtual production stage will be permanently situated at Babelsberg Studios.

The international cast for 1899 includes Emily Beecham, Aneurin Barnard, Andreas Pietschmann, Miguel Bernardeau, Maciej Musial, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Rosalie Craig, Clara Rosager, Maria Erwolter, Yann Gael, Mathilde Ollivier, José Pimentão, Isabella Wei, Gabby Wong, Jonas Bloquet, Fflyn Edwards, Alexandre Willaume and Anton Lesser, among others. All characters will speak in the language of their origin.

Friese said: “1899 is a truly European series with characters from various countries speaking in the language of their origin. We feel very fortunate to have found amazing talent from all over the world to venture into this exciting journey with us.”

Added bo Odar: “Partnering with Netflix enabled us to bring our vision behind 1899 to life. Thanks to their upfront support and commitment we were able to build the Volume, making 1899 a pioneer title for Germany and the region. The infrastructure is a cutting-edge innovation for the German production landscape and could also bring enormous creative benefits for filmmakers and creatives worldwide.”

Rachel Eggebeen, director of EMEA Netflix originals, said: “We are extremely happy that we could support Jantje and Bo in finding a perfect solution for their creative vision for 1899. The virtual production stage infrastructure will create new opportunities, and we’re fully committed to bringing these technological advances to the German entertainment industry.”