November 26, 2024
Discover the first images from new fiction series "This is not a murder mystery"
Filming of This is not a murder mystery, a brand new fiction series by Panenka for VRT, is currently wrapping up in Flanders. Directed by Hans Herbots, This is not a murder mystery is a visually stunning and surprising whodunit, with a surreal twist. The series will be shown on VRT in 2025, but we are already sharing some special photos from the set. This is not a murder mystery is a co-production with Panenka, VRT, RTL, Proximus, New8 and Deadpan Pictures.
The story
Young René Magritte's life (Pierre Gervais) is about to change when he's invited to participate in a private art exhibition at an opulent English estate, owned by the flamboyant Lord James. It’s 1936 and the art world is abuzz with the rise of surrealism. Fellow guests include Salvador Dali, Lee Miller, Man Ray, and Max Ernst – all artists on the brink of global fame. But after a wild night, Magritte wakes up beside the dead body of a young woman, with no memory of the previous evening. As more bodies fall and Scotland Yard arrives to lock down the estate, Magritte must uncover the truth to clear his name.,Is everything what it seems, or nothing at all?
Creators and cast
The six-part series This is not a murder mystery is directed by Hans Herbots (Paris has fallen, The serpent, The treatment) and written by Christophe Dirickx (Tabula rasa, The misfortunates) and Paul Baeten (Two summers, Over water). The story is based on an original idea by co-directors Matthias Lebeer and Christophe Dirickx, with Kato Maes and Kristoffel Mertens as producers. In addition to Pierre Gervais in the lead role, Flemish actors Geert Van Rampelberg and Lauren Versnick shine. In addition, quite a few international names can be seen in This is not a murder mystery: Stephen Tompkinson (Drop the dead donkey), Donna Banya (War of the worlds), Jonathan Delaney Tynan (Vikings), Frank Bourke, Florence Hall, Iñaki Mur, Regina Bikkinina, Mike Hoffmann, Oscar Högström, Aoibhinn McGinnity, Mathilde Warnier, Brendan O'Rourke and Mark Lambert. This series of Panenka is a co-production with VRT, RTL, Proximus, New8 and Deadpan Pictures, with the support of Creative Europe MEDIA, Eurimages, the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, Screen Brussels, the Brussels Capital Region, the Belgian Tax Shelter and Screen Ireland. STUDIOCANAL is distributing the series internationally.
Lauren Versnick - (c) Panenka/ Ilias Van Bambost
Geert Van Rampelberg & Pierre Gervais - (c) Panenka/ Ilias Van Bambost
Pierre Gervais - (c) Panenka/ Ilias Van Bambost
(c) Panenka / Ilias Van Bambost
About New8
The European fiction cooperation New8 brings together eight public broadcasters to exchange top fiction: VRT joins forces with European public broadcasters ZDF (Germany), NPO (Netherlands), SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), RÚV (Iceland) and NRK (Norway). Together, the partners will exchange top fiction over the next three years to strengthen their offerings and increase the impact of public broadcasters in the international media sector. The first fiction series will be shown in 2025.
Such cooperation is essential for public broadcasters to make fiction in a sustainable way from a similar social mission. New8 provides additional funding opportunities as well as an international audience for Flemish fiction series. This creates opportunities for local creators and strengthens the fiction sector. At the same time, Flemish people get a wide range of top fiction from different countries.
The announced series tell stories that are both unique and socially relevant. All dare to question reality. From ethical dilemmas and family dramas to power struggles and historical events. Each broadcaster chooses which series to bring in, starting from shared public values.
Want to know more about New8? Read all about it in this VRT article.
