Scripted

French viewers are in for a blood-curdling treat as France Télévisions snaps up ZDF Studios’ vampire drama Love Sucks (8 x 30’).

Winner of the Bernd Burgemeister TV Production Award in Germany for BEST SERIES, awarded annually at the Munich Film Festival, Love Sucks is produced by ZDF Studios’ wholly owned subsidiary Studios Zentral for ZDF. ZDF Studios is the global distributor.

The 8-part thriller stars Havana Joy as the fairground boxer Zelda (Der Fall, der Spree), and Damian Hardung (Maxton Hall: The World Between Us, Red Bracelets: The Beginning) as Ben Von Griefenstein, a melancholic vampire who is weary of living forever. The series was written by German screenwriter and director Marc O. Seng (Dark) and directed by Lea Becker (Höllgrund) and Andreas Prochaska (The Dark Valley).

Set against the backdrop of blood, lust and the neon lights of a fairground, a murderous family feud stands in the way of true love. Trained as a boxer by her father, Zelda fights in the family boxing ring against fairground visitors. That's where she falls for the sensitive and sophisticated Ben who hides a secret - he’s a vampire. As Zelda is faced with this horrible realisation, she learns another secret closer to home - her family are vampire slayers and a brutal feud between the two families has existed for generations. While the tension between the two families grows, does Ben and Zelda’s love stand a chance?

Mirela Nastase, Director Drama for ZDF Studios, who brokered the deal said: “Poignant, intense, brutal, captivating and romantic is how I would describe Love Sucks. I’m delighted that audiences in France will have the opportunity to view this very unconventional love story.”

Morad Koufane, Director of International and Young Adult Drama for France Télévisions: “A suspenseful and gripping drama. The storytelling breathes fresh air into the vampire genre and instils a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Lasse Scharpen, Managing Director Studio Zentral and EP LOVE SUCKS: “When Marc presented us with his concept, a contemporary reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet mixed with the vampire genre, we had no hesitation in getting involved.This exciting and original take on the romantic tragedy was enhanced by Havana’s and Damian’s skillful portrayals of the star-crossed lovers.”