ZDF, Acorn TV, TVNZ Jointly Commission New Mystery Drama

ZDF, Acorn TV and TVNZ have co-commissioned the new murder mystery series A Remarkable Place to Die from Screentime New Zealand and Real Film Berlin, in association with Banijay Rights.

The international co-production sees the smart and savvy detective Anais Mallory return to her hometown of Queenstown, where she is met with a string of homicides amid the backdrop of people from her past. As she confronts the ghosts from her past, including her ex-fiancé, now married to her ex-best friend, and her brittle, volatile but loving mother, she is drawn into the secrets surrounding her father and sister’s deaths.

The cast includes Chelsie Preston Crayford, Charles Jazz Terrier, Indiana Evans and Rebecca Gibney, among others.

A Remarkable Place to Die was created by Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand, with writer John Banas. Directors are Peter Burger, Josh Frizzell, Caroline Bell-Booth and Charlie Haskell.

The title will air across Germany, the U.S. and New Zealand via ZDF, Acorn TV and TVNZ, respectively. Banijay Rights is distributing the series internationally.

“Queenstown’s stunning landscape paired with its tapestry of unconventional characters provides the perfect backdrop for this gripping murder mystery,” de Lacey said. “Viewers will be drawn into the world of detective Anais Mallory as she uncovers intriguing secrets, and we’ve elevated the show for international audiences by collaborating with Real Film Berlin and Banijay Rights.”

“With the global appetite for broad audience and crime drama growing, we see potential for this series, which will charm audiences with vibrant characters and mysterious crimes, all underpinned by a gripping detective, a breathtakingly scenic setting and whole host of intrigue and suspense,” said Simon Cox, executive VP of content and acquisitions at Banijay Rights.

Nevak Rogers, director of content, at TVNZ, added, “TVNZ is thrilled to showcase yet another epic murder mystery shot on the ground here in Aotearoa, with such a star-studded cast against the spectacular backdrop of the gorgeous South Island.”