Beta Film is having a royal moment here at the London TV Screenings. The German production and distribution giant has gotten on board Ludwig (WT), an upcoming drama about King Ludwig II and reckoned to be one of the biggest dramas in production in Germany of late.
In other royal news, a new season of Beta-distributed Dutch series Máxima is in development. The show tells the story of Dutch queen Máxima Zorreguieta and has been billed “the Dutch version of The Crown”. It was a big hit in the Netherlands on Videoland and sold well internationally. With spin-off series The Other Royals and Season 2 coming soon, work is already underway on Season 3, Beta told buyers today.
The Ludwig (WT) series, meanwhile, is for broadcasters ARD Degeto, BR, ServusTV and SRF and produced by Dark producer 4 Blocks. Ludwig II ascended to the throne in 1864 and is variously known as the Swan King, the Fairytale King, and less flatteringly, the Mad King. He earned these monikers in part because of his lavish spending on outlandish and extraordinary projects. He built Neuschwanstein Castle, which was the inspiration for Disney’s iconic castle logo.
The drama plays out by following psychologist Gustav Zimmermann who is tasked with reviewing a psychiatric report on the King, a document that will ultimately determine whether he is declared incompetent to rule. This work brings him closer to revealing the secrets of the royal ruler: his struggles with power, his longing for freedom and his profound forbidden love.
Luis Pintsch (22 Lengths) stars as Ludwig II alongside Felix Mayr (Unorthodox), who plays the psychologist Zimmermann. Aaron Friesz (Franz K.), Carlotta Bähre (Ku’damm 77), Jonathan Kriener (Chabos) also star.
“He was a romantic dreamer with rock-star allure, who accepted no compromises when the realization of his visions and dreams was at stake,” Ferdinand Dohna, Head of Content, Beta Film, said of Ludwig II.
He added: “Like every good romantic hero, he failed in the end and died under mysterious circumstances at a young age. These are the ingredients for larger-than-life characters, brought to life in this miniseries by an outstanding creative team and magnetic cast that will resonate with audiences around the world.”
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