Germany to adapt Wentworth

A German adaptation of Wentworth is set to begin production in Berlin in March (as previously tipped by TV Tonight in April).

The German adaptation will be produced by FremantleMedia’s German production arm  UFA SERIAL DRAMA, and RTL, as ten episodes.

Barbara Thielen, Head of Fiction RTL, said, “The stories and characters of Wentworth will polarize and initiate discussions among the audience. Many women whose fates we are telling are certainly guilty in a legal sense, but if you can condemn them in a moral sense as well, everyone will judge differently.”

Guido Reinhardt, Chief Creative Officer, UFA SERIAL DRAMA said, “Wentworth is dynamic, controversial as well as emphatic. In this field of tension we present an uncompromising world, where friendship, trust and loyalty means everything and the question whether law and justice are actually the same is repeatedly raised. The answer to this is more than complex and thus a fascinating subject – packed in a highly emotional series.”

The Australian version has sold to Africa (MNET), Eire (TV3), Sweden (TV4) and Scandinavia (CMORE), as well as New Zealand (TVNZ), UK (FIVE). It is also available in 15 markets through a pan-Eastern Europe deal with SPI.

The Foxtel drama is currently in production for its second season in Melbourne, with deals concluded for the UK, Eire, Scandinavia, Sweden and New Zealand.

Jo Porter, FremantleMedia Australia Director of Drama and Wentworth Executive Producer said, “We consider it an incredible honour that Wentworth is going to be adapted for the German market. It is one of the largest and strongest television markets in the world, and to have the story of Wentworth resonate so strongly with producers is testament to the strength of the production as a whole, ably guided by series producer Amanda Crittenden.

“This success, along with the multitude of international sales, gives us great confidence as we produce Series 2 for Foxtel. We’re proud to take this unique Australian story to the world stage.”

Wentworth is itself a reimagining of the classic Aussie series, Prisoner.