France TV acquires blood-curdling Young Adult vampire drama Love Sucks

Love Sucks was written by Dark’s Marc O. Seng

Public broadcaster France Télévisions has snapped up Romeo and Juliet-inspired vampire drama Love Sucks.

The 8×30’ scripted title, produced by ZDF Studios-owned prodco Studios Zentral, was originally commissioned by German broadcaster ZDF.

It stars Havana Joy as fairground boxer Zelda, who falls for vampire Ben (Damian Hardung). It should prove to be a mismatched romance, as Zelda’s family are vampire slayers who have feuded with Ben’s blood-sucking family for generations.

Love Sucks was written by Marc O. Seng (Dark) and directed by Lea Becker (Höllgrund) and Andreas Prochaska (The Dark Valley). ZDF Studios is handling global sales.

Mirela Nastase, director drama, ZDF Studios, said: “Poignant, intense, brutal, captivating and romantic is how I would describe Love Sucks. I’m delighted that audiences in France will have the opportunity to view this very unconventional love story.”

Morad Koufane, director of international and young adult drama, France Télévisions, said: “A suspenseful and gripping drama. The storytelling breathes fresh air into the vampire genre and instils a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Lasse Scharpen, MD Studio Zentral and executive producer of Love Sucks, said: “When Marc presented us with his concept, a contemporary reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet mixed with the vampire genre, we had no hesitation in getting involved.

“This exciting and original take on the romantic tragedy was enhanced by Havana’s and Damian’s skilful portrayals of the star-crossed lovers.”