BBC iPlayer and BBC One Acquire Beatles Biopic ‘Hamburg Days’ Series

The BBC has secured the rights to the highly anticipated series “Hamburg Days,” which details The Beatles’ formative years. This six-part drama will be featured on both BBC iPlayer and BBC One, produced by Turbine Studios in collaboration with W&B Television and AGC Television.

Overview of “Hamburg Days”

Based on Klaus Voormann’s autobiography, “Hamburg Days” is set in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district, exploring how a fledgling rock band from Liverpool intersects with local artists Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr. Their encounters ultimately play a crucial role in the band’s evolution into The Beatles, one of the most iconic music acts in history.

Key Production Details

• Development: The series is developed by Benjamin Benedict and features Jamie Carragher as the head writer.
• Direction: Christian Schwochow, known for “The Crown,” serves as showrunner, while Mat Whitecross directs.
• Music Curation: The music will be curated by BAFTA award-winner David Holmes, who has worked on “Killing Eve” and the “Ocean’s” films.

Executive Producers and Collaborators

• Executive Producers include Benjamin Benedict, Quirin Berg, and Max Wiedemann from W&B Television.
• Andrew Eaton and Justin Thomson represent Turbine Studios, alongside AGC’s Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, and Miguel A. Palos Jr.
• Isabel Haug from W&B Television acts as the creative producer.

ZDF Involvement

At ZDF, the project is overseen by Frank Zervos, Caroline von Senden, and Alexandra Staib. The production is further supported by the MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.

Excitement from the BBC

Sue Deeks, the Head of Scripted Pre-buy Acquisitions at the BBC, emphasizes the extraordinary journey of The Beatles. She notes how this young band evolved their craft in Hamburg before achieving global fame, underscoring the importance of the accompanying soundtrack.

Sales and Distribution

AGC International will manage worldwide sales of “Hamburg Days,” with the exception of the UK, where the BBC handles distribution, and Germany, under ZDF.

This series promises to be a captivating portrayal of a pivotal moment in music history, set to resonate with audiences both familiar and new to The Beatles. Fans can look forward to its launch on BBC platforms.