Factual

"The Ruthless One – The Horrifying Story of Magda Marinko", Paprika Studios’ latest three-episode docuseries, employs AI-driven illustrative methods to recreate one of the most shocking crimes in modern Hungarian history — a case that continues to captivate true-crime fans and remain vivid in the nation’s collective memory. The production is anchored in contemporary relevance, expanding the narrative beyond archived materials and connecting it to the present.

The creators of "The Ruthless One" not only revisit a widely debated and once-sensational cold case to uncover additional details about the notorious 1990s serial murder — highlighting unusual circumstances and motivations — but also integrate extensive archival footage and exclusive, previously unseen witness interviews. By relying on AI-generated illustrative sequences instead of conventional live-action reenactments, the filmmakers depict the story’s key moments in a more versatile, visually original, and resource-efficient manner.

Paprika Studios stresses that AI is used solely as a creative instrument under careful human oversight. The production adheres to clear internal principles for responsible AI implementation: all AI-generated content is reviewed by the creative team; no unlicensed likenesses or distinct artistic styles are intentionally replicated; and the technology functions only as support — never as a replacement — for the writers, directors, and editors involved.

“Magda Marinko’s story is one of the most shocking and puzzling criminal cases in post-communist Hungary…,” said Csaba Tóth, Content Development Executive at Paprika Studios and the project’s Creative Producer, emphasizing the combination of exclusive interviews, unseen archival materials, and AI-driven illustration sequences to build a rich and immersive narrative.

Ákos Erdős, CEO of Paprika Studios, added: “This series is a milestone not only in content but also in technology…”, noting that the project introduces a new true-crime genre to the local market while establishing an innovative visual approach that balances authenticity with creativity, keeping all artistic control firmly in human hands. He also expressed gratitude to RTL Hungary and Antenna Entertainment CEE for believing in the vision from the early stages.

The series will debut on the RTL+ Premium streaming service on 2 December 2025, followed by a linear television release on Viasat3 Hungary in Q1 2026.