ZDF, MNet pre-buy Covid-19 doc

The first episode of Covid-19: The Ripple Effect was filmed in January

German pubcaster ZDF and pan-African broadcaster MNet have pre-bought a documentary series about the coronavirus pandemic from US entertainment company Cactus Tree Entertainment and Toronto’s RMI.

Covid-19: The Ripple Effect follows the spread of the coronavirus outbreak from its inception in China to the emergence of epicentres across Europe and the US.

The multi-part docuseries tells stories ranging from robot nurses helping the sick, mask shortages, flight cancellations and stranded travellers to families separated by quarantine and untimely deaths.

The series is executive produced by Kevin Fox, Ellen Douglas, Liz Levenson and Benn Watson. The first episode was filmed in January in China and is expected to premiere later this month.

Kevin Fox, CEO of RMI, said: “Covid-19 changes everything. We have captured so much of the human, social and economic costs of this outbreak around the globe. This documentary features gripping moments along with some of the world’s most respected experts for insight and perspective.

“Our team has followed Covid-19 since the first reports in Wuhan, utilising long-developed relationships, resources and reputation to uncover the most compelling and responsible stories. We are pleased to partner with Cactus Tree Entertainment, whose strong production and distribution experience have been invaluable.”

The series is dedicated to Levenson’s father, Maury Levenson, who died from Covid-19 on April 11.