Scripted round-up: ZDFneo orders German ‘Irresponsable’; Lighthouse adapting ‘Savage Town’; Constantin & Big Light team for Nuremberg Trials drama

Like A Loser

ZDFneo orders German ‘Irresponsable’

ZDFneo has ordered a German adaptation of French comedy series Irresponsable from ITV Studios Germany.

Created by Frédéric Rosset, produced by Antoine Szymalka for La Pépiniére and co-produced by Emmanuel Daucé for Tetra Media Fiction, a subsidiary of Tetra Media Studio (part of ITV Studios), the eight-episode German version will be entitled Like A Loser (working title).

The scripted format Irresponsable/Beautiful Loser is distributed internationally by ITV Studios. The show follows Julian (Ben Münchow), who has lost his job, is broke and living back with his mother Dagmar (Johanna Gastdorf).

Back in his childhood bedroom, he dreams of life in the big city and a career as a musician. When Julian is reunited with his teenage sweetheart Marie (Tinka Fürst), she has a big surprise in store for him: his 15-year-old son Ernst (Diyar Ilhan). After the initial shock, Julian decides to play a role in Ernst’s life. But becoming a father isn’t easy when you behave like a teenager yourself!

Emmanuel Daucé, president of Tetra Media Fiction, said: “We are very happy about the adaptation of Irresponsable on ZDFneo. Vielen Dank to the teams of ITV Studios Germany, who have proved that humour has no boundaries!”

L-R: Marcus Fleming & Declan Shalvey

Lighthouse adapting ‘Savage Town’

Ireland’s Lighthouse Studios is in development on its first original series – an adaptation of Declan Shalvey, Philip Barrett and Jordie Bellaire’s graphic novel Savage Town, as a 2D adult animated crime drama.

Marcus Fleming will serve as head writer for the series, which is loosely based on real events that took place in Ireland at the turn of the 21^st century during one of the most pivotal points in the country’s history, a period of economic growth that transformed it from one of Western Europe’s poorer countries into one of its wealthiest.

In this period, known as the Celtic Tiger, ordinary people suddenly had cash to spare, and with cash came opportunity. Savage Town follows one local gangster who sees an opportunity to make a major play to control the city but finds himself trapped between two rival gangs with the same intention.

“With Savage Town, Declan, Philip and Jordie have created a compelling story that touches on societal themes that are relevant today the world over, including what happens to those that get left behind, the struggles of the working class, discrimination and gang violence,” said Lighthouse MD Claire Finn. “The graphic novel gives us a gritty backdrop to further develop the story and delve into the plot lines to create a binge-worthy adult animated series that will resonate with audiences around the globe.”

Frank Spotnitz

Constantin & Big Light team for Nuremberg Trials drama

Germany’s Constantin Film and UK-based Big Light Productions are teaming to co-produce a drama about the Nuremberg Trials.

The series will follow the prosecution of Nazi officials after World War Two, the first time in history that people were held accountable for war crimes. The series explores characters from all sides of the trials, showing how not only justice was at stake but the global balance of power.

“This series is a real powerhouse,” Big Light’s Frank Spotnitz said. “It’s an investigative mystery, a suspense thriller set both in a courtroom and on the global stage, and one of the most searing moral dramas imaginable. The characters and the