ZEN
Set in and around Rome, and based on the best-selling novels by the late Michael Dibdin, Rufus Sewell stars as the fictional Italian detective Aurelio Zen. Vendetta, Cabal & Ratking will feature many of the combined attractions of Italy and the Dibdin novels – thrilling investigations, fun, passion, warmth and beautiful people.
Michael Dibdin lived in Italy for many years and had 11 Zen books published, which continue to entertain readers around the world. He died three years ago. His novels won many awards including the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger for Ratking.
Information
Three films produced by Left Bank Pictures for the BBC in association with RTI (Mediaset Group), Masterpiece on PBS and ZDF with additional funding from BBC Worldwide, Ingenious and Lipsync.
BBC Worldwide is brokering the international partnership deals and also looking to distribute the three films internationally on all platforms, including theatrically.
3 x 90’ for BBC One
Currently in post-production
Starring: Rufus Sewell (MiddleMarch, The Eleventh Hour)
Vendetta:
Screenplay by: Simon Burke (Sons & Lovers, White Teeth)
Directed by: John Alexander (Small Island, Sense & Sensibility)
Producer: Michael Casey (My Boy Jack, Father & Son)
Reviews and Press
Rufus Sewell said: "I'm thrilled to be a part of this project with the opportunity to play such an intriguing, complex and likeable character."
Andy Harries, Chief Executive Of Left Bank Pictures, said: "The Dibdin novels are much loved and they are great detective stories which are both very entertaining and full of insight into Italian life. Zen is handsome, humorous and romantic and Rufus Sewell is the perfect choice to play Dibdin’s delightful creation. People love to see Italy on screen and there is a huge appetite for Italian style and culture.”