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Peter Hamilton Consultants, Inc

Juan Carlos I: “Bad King” Docu-Series Wins at Berlin. Case Study Update

The four-part Sky Original docuseries Juan Carlos: Downfall Of The King was named Best Docu-series 2023 at the Berlin TV Series Festival.

We covered in detail how Beetz Bros created their €2.5 Mn production:

© Karsten Ghadimi / TV SERIES FESTIVAL

Producer and co-writer Christian Beetz, co-director Anne von Petersdorff

The jury of TV SERIES FESTIVAL 2023 commended Juan Carlos: Downfall Of The King “for its captivating storytelling and bold approach to the genre. The docu-series provides a gripping exploration into the life of Juan Carlos, offering a balanced perspective that avoids hagiography and embraces the qualities of a compelling film.”

“With a wealth of exclusive and colorful testimonies, including one from his former mistress, combined with unexpected plot twists, this series stands out as a remarkable and thought-provoking portrayal of an extraordinary character – GREAT storytelling.”

The series:

  • Premiered on Sky UK on 18 July.
  • Is now selling worldwide.
  • Celebrated its world premiere in competition at the Cannes International Series Festival CANNESERIES.
  • German premiere was at DOK.fest München
  • Read more here.

Why It Matters: Peter’s Takeaway

  • Juan Carlos ticks a lot of boxes: True Crime, Royalty, Celebrity, Illicit Romance and more.
  • The political nature of  the story attracts audiences interested in investigative reporting.
  • This big budget European production that underlines my key recent message: “while funding is under pressure in North America, Europe continues to generate opportunities for qualified documentary productions.”

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