Hot Picks: Pagan Peak

In this Sky Germany thriller, which began shooting at the end of 2017, the action starts when a dead body is found in the Alps. The crime scene is right on the German-Austrian border so the authorities in both countries send a detective to investigate, echoing international hit The Bridge.

For German detective Ellie Stocker, the case is the first real challenge of her career, but Austrian counterpart Gedeon Winter has long lost any sense of ambition. The hunt leads them into archaic Alpine customs – and the paranoid world of the killer.

The show is produced by acclaimed duo Quirin Berg and Max Wiedemann, with Beta Film handling international sales.

“What makes Pagan Peak so special is that we not only get very close to the investigators, but also to the culprit,” says Berg, whose credits include Netflix’s first German original drama series Dark.

“Early on, we know who is responsible for these crimes and tell the story of the killer as well. “We were advised by criminal profiler Alexander Horn from the early stages of script development. The story is precise and authentic, right down to the last detail.”

Beta Film senior vice-president of international sales & acquisitions Oliver Bachert says the show, eyed as a potential returner, will probably be ready for transmission in early 2019, with Beta Film handling worldwide rights.

“Pagan Peak is an approachable crime mystery set against a majestic backdrop,” he says. “While it would work well in premium pay-TV, it could also play on the new platforms or on a more traditional linear TV channel.”

Wiedemann and Berg’s involvement is a big plus, he says. “They have a good profile because of their film and TV track record, notably making Dark for Netflix.

On Pagan Peak, they bring a non-stereotypical approach, creating a dark, grim storyline that contrasts with the snowy Alps. It cleverly draws on the region’s pre-Christian mythology.”