BBC Acquires Beatles Biopic Series “Hamburg Days” for iPlayer and BBC One

The BBC has secured “Hamburg Days,” an upcoming drama series that delves into the early years of The Beatles. The six-part series will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It is a collaborative production involving W&B Television, Turbine Studios, and ZDF, with AGC Television also participating.

About the Series

Based on Klaus Voormann’s autobiography, “Hamburg Days” is set in the early 1960s. The narrative focuses on The Beatles, a fledgling rock ‘n’ roll band from Liverpool. Their journey begins in Hamburg’s St. Pauli red-light district, where they encounter artists Klaus Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr. Together, these figures play crucial roles in transforming the band into a global music phenomenon.

Key Contributors

• Showrunner: Christian Schwochow, known for “The Crown.”
• Head Writer: Jamie Carragher from “Succession.”
• Director: Mat Whitecross, acclaimed for collaborating with Coldplay and Oasis.
• Music Curator: David Holmes, a BAFTA-winning producer recognized for “Killing Eve.”

Production Team

The executive production team comprises industry veterans:

• Benjamin Benedict, Quirin Berg, and Max Wiedemann from W&B Television.
• Andrew Eaton and Justin Thomson from Turbine Studios.
• Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, and Miguel A. Palos Jr. from AGC.

Isabel Haug serves as the creative producer, ensuring the project’s vision aligns with its artistic goals. Oversight at ZDF is managed by Frank Zervos, Caroline von Senden, and Alexandra Staib.

Project Support and Sales

“Hamburg Days” (6×50’) receives backing from the MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein. AGC International is responsible for managing global sales, excluding regions within the UK and Germany.

Conclusion

Sue Deeks, Head of Scripted Pre-buy Acquisitions at the BBC, expresses excitement about the upcoming series. She considers it a captivating portrayal of how The Beatles honed their skills in Hamburg, leading to their eventual worldwide success. The series promises to be accompanied by an exceptional soundtrack.