Netflix ‘sets first German original’

Netflix’s latest original content play is reportedly the streaming platform’s first German-language drama from an Endemol Shine Germany-backed prodco.

The show, which is currently untitled, will be made by Wiedemann & Berg, the Endemol Shine joint venture prodco, according to a report in German media trade Mediabiz.

Mediabiz reported up to 70 German producers had responded to a call for pitches, with Max Wiedemann and Quirin Berg winning out.

Wiedemann & Berg is best known for critically acclaimed German feature film The Lives of Others, but launched its TV arm in 2010. It has since produced scripted series such as Die Ermittler – Nur für den Dienstgebrauch for public TV stations and Mama Geht Nicht Mehr for ZDF.

Local filmmaker Baran bo Odar, who directed Wiedemann & Berg-produced film Who Am I, is reportedly attached to direct, though no plot or cast details were forthcoming.

Should Netflix move into the originals space in Germany, it would follow in the footsteps of Amazon Prime Instant Video, which recently commissioned Wanted, which has Pantaleon Entertainment, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Warner Bros. International Television Production Germany attached as coproducers.

A large percentage of Netflix’s original content has come out of the US, but it has commissioned series in the UK, Brazil, France and Italy.

Netflix had not responded to a request for comment at press time. Nor had reps for Wiedemann & Berg.

Netflix has previously said it plans to double the number of original series it produces this year.