“The swarm”
ZDF series begins shooting
Frank Schätzing’s science fiction thriller “The Swarm” was published in 2004 and is still considered his most successful work to this day.
© ZDF and Julian R. Wagner / Leif Haenzo
The shooting of “Der Schwarm”, based on the novel of the same name by Frank Schätzing, has begun.
17 years after the publication of Frank Schätzing’s (64) novel, the time has finally come: The shooting of the series “The Swarm” has begun! The producing broadcaster ZDF announced this in a press release. It is said that the film is mainly shot in Italy and in water studios in Belgium. As part of the European Alliance, ZDF produces “Der Schwarm” together with France Télévisions, Rai, ORF, SRF, the Scandinavian Nordic Entertainment Group and Hulu Japan.
“The Swarm” is a science fiction thriller from 2004. To this day it is Schätzing’s most successful novel. The focus of the action is a maritime swarm intelligence that threatens humanity. Because humans are inconsiderate with the seas, the mysterious deep-sea swarm strikes back. A small group of scientists is trying to save the world population from the great catastrophe. “Even more than 15 years after ‘Der Schwarm’ was published, the ecological crisis is one of the most pressing global challenges and more topical than ever,” says ZDF program director Dr. Norbert Himmler (50) on the story.
“Emotional, Present, Diverse”
The international production has been in preparation for three years – due to the Corona, however, the shooting was postponed for a year. But everything should be in the box by probably September 2021. “The series will be state-of-the-art: emotionally, presently, diverse, scientifically and technologically up to date. We want to create a feeling that the story is happening in the here and now, not in any future. That makes the special thrill “, says Frank Zervos (44), co-producer of ZDF, already to understand.
The cast of the science fiction epic has also already been determined. Among others, Leonie Benesch (30, “Babylon Berlin”, “The Crown”), Krista Kosonen (38, “Blade Runner 2049”) and Sharon Duncan-Brewster (45, “Star Wars: Rogue One”) in the leading roles be seen. Directed by Barbara Eder (45, “Barbaren”, “Thank You For Bombing”) Philipp Stölzl (54, “Schachnovelle”, “I’ve never been to New York”) and Luke Watson (50, “Britannia”, “Ripper Street “).
“The Swarm” is “modernized”
Schätzing, who himself acts as executive producer, has a special vision for the series: “It was important to me that we don’t just film the ‘Swarm’, but modernize it. An interpretation for the coming days that will reflect the lives, fears and hopes of young people Focuses on generations. ” It is still unclear when “The Swarm” will finally be shown.