Fremantle Appoints Matt Katrosar As SVP Global Ad Sales & Strategy; Expands Global Channels Division
Fremantle has appointed Matt Katrosar as its new senior vice president of global ad sales and strategy.
Based in Los Angeles, Katrosar will be responsible for driving Fast and AVOD channels, broadcast, social and content revenue growth across worldwide teams and accounts by bolstering Fremantle’s sales strategy.
He will report to Jens Richter, CEO, commercial and international.
“I am excited to be joining Fremantle and look forward to using this opportunity to accelerate the growth of the Global Channels team and amplify its success on a greater scale,” Katrosar said. “It’s an honor to become part of this division at such an exciting time for the business and continue to develop our strong reputation in the direct-to-consumer space.”
“We are delighted Matt will be joining the commercial and international team in this newly-created role,” continued Richter. “With Matt’s extensive experience in the US and internationally, he will...
Based in Los Angeles, Katrosar will be responsible for driving Fast and AVOD channels, broadcast, social and content revenue growth across worldwide teams and accounts by bolstering Fremantle’s sales strategy.
He will report to Jens Richter, CEO, commercial and international.
“I am excited to be joining Fremantle and look forward to using this opportunity to accelerate the growth of the Global Channels team and amplify its success on a greater scale,” Katrosar said. “It’s an honor to become part of this division at such an exciting time for the business and continue to develop our strong reputation in the direct-to-consumer space.”
“We are delighted Matt will be joining the commercial and international team in this newly-created role,” continued Richter. “With Matt’s extensive experience in the US and internationally, he will...
- 5/21/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Ed Westwick (“Gossip Girl”), John Hannah (“The Mummy”) and British newcomer Alanah Bloor are set to join Turkish lead Can Yaman in “Sandokan,” Lux Vide’s reboot of the cult Italian TV series about the adventures of its titular pirate who, with his motley crew, fights against colonial powers in Southeast Asia.
Shooting is set to start April 22 outside Rome on this high-end reboot of Italian writer Emilio Salgari’s exotic epic. The original “Sandokan,” directed in 1976 by Sergio Sollima, catapulted Indian actor Kabir Bedi to Bollywood stardom, having sold to more than 85 countries around the world.
Fremantle-owned Lux Vide’s new spin on the storied “Sandokan” IP is based on an idea by Lux Vide CEO Luca Bernabei developed for TV by Alessandro Sermoneta (“Devils”); Scott Rosenbaum (“The Shield”); Davide Lantieri (“Monterossi”) and directed by Jan Maria Michelini (“Devils”) and Nicola Abbatangelo (“Doc”).
In an unusual arrangement, “Sandokan...
Shooting is set to start April 22 outside Rome on this high-end reboot of Italian writer Emilio Salgari’s exotic epic. The original “Sandokan,” directed in 1976 by Sergio Sollima, catapulted Indian actor Kabir Bedi to Bollywood stardom, having sold to more than 85 countries around the world.
Fremantle-owned Lux Vide’s new spin on the storied “Sandokan” IP is based on an idea by Lux Vide CEO Luca Bernabei developed for TV by Alessandro Sermoneta (“Devils”); Scott Rosenbaum (“The Shield”); Davide Lantieri (“Monterossi”) and directed by Jan Maria Michelini (“Devils”) and Nicola Abbatangelo (“Doc”).
In an unusual arrangement, “Sandokan...
- 4/18/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
On Wednesday, Fremantle revealed that it had secured worldwide distribution rights, outside of German-speaking territories, to the premium fantasy drama “Hagen” — a working title — from Constantin Film. Variety spoke to Jan Ehlert, one of the producers on the show, and Jens Richter, CEO commercial and international at Fremantle, about why they backed the ambitious production, which is budgeted at around Euros 45 million ($48.8 million) and will be produced as a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release.
“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
Returning to the original “Nibelungen” saga was key to Constantin’s decision to turn the story into a premium drama, and one of...
“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
Returning to the original “Nibelungen” saga was key to Constantin’s decision to turn the story into a premium drama, and one of...
- 2/28/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle has acquired worldwide rights excluding German-speaking territories to Constantin Film’s fantasy drama Hagen (working title) and released first-look images.
The deal will see Fremantle produce a feature film and a television series of six one-hour episodes. Rtl group holds German streaming and free TV rights.
Fremantle will showcase Hagen as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents on Friday (March 1) as part of London TV Screenings 2024.
Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered...
The deal will see Fremantle produce a feature film and a television series of six one-hour episodes. Rtl group holds German streaming and free TV rights.
Fremantle will showcase Hagen as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents on Friday (March 1) as part of London TV Screenings 2024.
Hagen is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s novel Hagen von Tronje and is styled as a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga. The story is widely considered...
- 2/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Here’s a first look at Hagen (working title), the German-Czech fantasy drama epic, which now counts Fremantle as its worldwide distributor.
Based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel ‘Hagen von Tronje’, the series is a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga, which is widely considered as an inspiration behind modern fantasy franchises such as George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.
Super-indie Fremantle has jumped to acquire rights outside of German-speaking territories, with the agreement covering the six-part series and accompanying feature film. Fremantle’s stablemate at German conglomerate Bertelsmann, Rtl, has German streaming and TV rights.
Fremantle plans to launch the series at its Fremantle Presents showcase this Friday (March 1) at the London TV Screenings. This follows an agreement between Rebecca Dundon on behalf of Fremantle and Friedrich Radmann on behalf of Constantin Film.
The series is billed...
Based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel ‘Hagen von Tronje’, the series is a reimagining of the medieval Nibelungen folk saga, which is widely considered as an inspiration behind modern fantasy franchises such as George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings.
Super-indie Fremantle has jumped to acquire rights outside of German-speaking territories, with the agreement covering the six-part series and accompanying feature film. Fremantle’s stablemate at German conglomerate Bertelsmann, Rtl, has German streaming and TV rights.
Fremantle plans to launch the series at its Fremantle Presents showcase this Friday (March 1) at the London TV Screenings. This follows an agreement between Rebecca Dundon on behalf of Fremantle and Friedrich Radmann on behalf of Constantin Film.
The series is billed...
- 2/28/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle revealed Wednesday that it has secured worldwide distribution rights, outside of German-speaking territories, to the premium fantasy drama “Hagen” — a working title — from Constantin Film. The deal includes rights to a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release. Rtl Group holds German streaming and free TV rights.
Fremantle will be showcasing “Hagen” as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents this Friday as part of London TV Screenings.
“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
The show centers on dutiful soldier Hagen and Siegfried, the legendary dragon slayer. Hagen, bound by loyalty to the kingdom, is Lord Commander, ready to serve and stand by his king.
Fremantle will be showcasing “Hagen” as one of its key scripted drama titles at Fremantle Presents this Friday as part of London TV Screenings.
“Hagen,” which is based on Wolfgang Hohlbein’s bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” is a reimagining of the medieval “Nibelungen” folk saga. The story is considered to be one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as “Game of Thrones” and J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
The show centers on dutiful soldier Hagen and Siegfried, the legendary dragon slayer. Hagen, bound by loyalty to the kingdom, is Lord Commander, ready to serve and stand by his king.
- 2/28/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Enough with the winter gloom: Feel-good shows are about to take over TV market London Screenings, as distributors echo Russell Crowe’s Maximus iconic words: “Are you not entertained?”
“Most platforms are looking for entertaining shows. Escapism is a big thing,” says Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter.
“You want to take the audience somewhere else and make sure they forget about their reality for a minute. ‘We want to entertain you.’ That’s the headline, basically.”
Beta Group’s chief distribution officer Oliver Bachert agrees – in a world challenged by many conflicts, watching something “accessible and easy” feels more appealing than ever.
“We see things that are maybe not that ambitious, but they work as entertainment. A bit of blue sky helps us deal with everyday news. Even up north, Nordic Noir just got lighter.”
Crime and thrillers are still “major export genres,” notices Rachel Glaister of All3Media International, but...
“Most platforms are looking for entertaining shows. Escapism is a big thing,” says Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter.
“You want to take the audience somewhere else and make sure they forget about their reality for a minute. ‘We want to entertain you.’ That’s the headline, basically.”
Beta Group’s chief distribution officer Oliver Bachert agrees – in a world challenged by many conflicts, watching something “accessible and easy” feels more appealing than ever.
“We see things that are maybe not that ambitious, but they work as entertainment. A bit of blue sky helps us deal with everyday news. Even up north, Nordic Noir just got lighter.”
Crime and thrillers are still “major export genres,” notices Rachel Glaister of All3Media International, but...
- 2/27/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fremantle is taking a Love is Blind-esque Danish format to the London TV Screenings in which singletons try to find love using just sight and sound.
Fremantle label Strong has produced Sense of Attraction and the show will be shopped to potential buyers in the capital in a fortnight’s time.
In Sense of Attraction, singletons try to find true love using only two senses. But they can’t use the two senses at the same time, so when they see each other they can’t speak and when they speak they can’t see one another.
The show has shades of Netflix hit Love is Blind, in which single men and women become engaged before they have even seen each other. That smash format has aired for six seasons on Netflix and been remade in a number of territories.
Denmark has a healthy history of originating big formats...
Fremantle label Strong has produced Sense of Attraction and the show will be shopped to potential buyers in the capital in a fortnight’s time.
In Sense of Attraction, singletons try to find true love using only two senses. But they can’t use the two senses at the same time, so when they see each other they can’t speak and when they speak they can’t see one another.
The show has shades of Netflix hit Love is Blind, in which single men and women become engaged before they have even seen each other. That smash format has aired for six seasons on Netflix and been remade in a number of territories.
Denmark has a healthy history of originating big formats...
- 2/16/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Ghosts’ Producer Developing TV Version Of Podcast About Prolific British Con Woman
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is developing a TV version of a Global podcast about one of the most prolific fraudsters in British history. The indie has secured rights to Filthy Ritual, which is about Juliette D’Souza, who at the turn of the century wreaked havoc on a number of people’s lives until a rag-tag team of her victims came together to fight for justice. Described by her neighbors as being like ‘a knife in a velvet glove’, D’Souza claimed to have a special connection to an ancient source of power and wisdom deep in the Amazonian jungle, and she is said to have made at least £1M through extortion and manipulation. ITV Studios-backed Monumental makes BBC One smash Ghosts, which has been adapted for CBS, along with the likes of ITV’s Maryland and UKTV’s The Marlow Murder Club.
Ghosts producer Monumental Television is developing a TV version of a Global podcast about one of the most prolific fraudsters in British history. The indie has secured rights to Filthy Ritual, which is about Juliette D’Souza, who at the turn of the century wreaked havoc on a number of people’s lives until a rag-tag team of her victims came together to fight for justice. Described by her neighbors as being like ‘a knife in a velvet glove’, D’Souza claimed to have a special connection to an ancient source of power and wisdom deep in the Amazonian jungle, and she is said to have made at least £1M through extortion and manipulation. ITV Studios-backed Monumental makes BBC One smash Ghosts, which has been adapted for CBS, along with the likes of ITV’s Maryland and UKTV’s The Marlow Murder Club.
- 1/17/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Beef and The Bear, the shows that joined Succession in a three-way domination of Monday night’s Emmy Awards, have a surprising amount of shared DNA.
“I think there’s a real yearning for authenticity right now,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming Genres for A&e, Lifetime and Lmn. Beef and The Bear “have a vibe that feels like you’re a fly on the wall.”
Bryant’s comments came during a panel discussion Tuesday at the reborn NATPE Global conference in Miami, which has returned under new ownership after two dark years due to Covid and financial woes. The exec was joined onstage by Courtney Thomasma, EVP, Streaming, at AMC Networks; Jens Richter, CEO of Commercial and International for Fremantle; Paolo Koelle, Head of Prime Video Latin America; and Scott Herbst, Head of Scripted Development and EVP at Lionsgate Television.
The conversation touched on a range of topics in programming,...
“I think there’s a real yearning for authenticity right now,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming Genres for A&e, Lifetime and Lmn. Beef and The Bear “have a vibe that feels like you’re a fly on the wall.”
Bryant’s comments came during a panel discussion Tuesday at the reborn NATPE Global conference in Miami, which has returned under new ownership after two dark years due to Covid and financial woes. The exec was joined onstage by Courtney Thomasma, EVP, Streaming, at AMC Networks; Jens Richter, CEO of Commercial and International for Fremantle; Paolo Koelle, Head of Prime Video Latin America; and Scott Herbst, Head of Scripted Development and EVP at Lionsgate Television.
The conversation touched on a range of topics in programming,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has launched dedicated free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) channel, The Jamie Oliver Channel, for U.S. audiences on free streaming television service Pluto TV.
The deal was revealed on Wednesday by Fremantle executives, Jens Richter, CEO of commercial and international and Laura Florence, senior VP global Fast Channels, at the Mipcom market’s Fast and Global Summit.
The 24 hour channel features chef and child health campaigner, Jamie Oliver, and his catalogue of cooking shows including “Jamie’s Quick & Easy,” “Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals,” “Jamie’s Super Food,” documentary series “Sugar Rush” and “Jamie’s School Dinners.” In the run up to Christmas, the channel’s “Jolly Jamie Holiday” strand will include “Jamie’s Italian Christmas,” “Jamie’s Quick & Easy Christmas” and “Jamie’s Night Before Christmas.”
Florence said: “Fremantle and Jamie Oliver have been working together for 20 years, and the launch of the Jamie Oliver Channel in the U.S.
The deal was revealed on Wednesday by Fremantle executives, Jens Richter, CEO of commercial and international and Laura Florence, senior VP global Fast Channels, at the Mipcom market’s Fast and Global Summit.
The 24 hour channel features chef and child health campaigner, Jamie Oliver, and his catalogue of cooking shows including “Jamie’s Quick & Easy,” “Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals,” “Jamie’s Super Food,” documentary series “Sugar Rush” and “Jamie’s School Dinners.” In the run up to Christmas, the channel’s “Jolly Jamie Holiday” strand will include “Jamie’s Italian Christmas,” “Jamie’s Quick & Easy Christmas” and “Jamie’s Night Before Christmas.”
Florence said: “Fremantle and Jamie Oliver have been working together for 20 years, and the launch of the Jamie Oliver Channel in the U.S.
- 10/18/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to Global Breakouts, Deadline’s fortnightly strand in which we shine a spotlight on the TV shows and films killing it in their local territories. The industry is as globalized as it’s ever been, but breakout hits are appearing in pockets of the world all the time and it can be hard to keep track… So, we’re going to do the hard work for you.
We head to France this week, a fitting time to spotlight TV in the nation given that Mipcom Cannes is taking place. France Télévisions’ Daughters of Fire takes a modernistic approach to a tale from some 400 years or so ago and the creators and producers wanted to conjure themes around feminism, resistance and #MeToo when forging the drama series.
Name: Daughters of Fire
Country: France
Producer: Kwaï
Distributor: Fremantle
For fans of: Jane Campion movies, Bridgerton
In the Basque Country more than 400 years ago,...
We head to France this week, a fitting time to spotlight TV in the nation given that Mipcom Cannes is taking place. France Télévisions’ Daughters of Fire takes a modernistic approach to a tale from some 400 years or so ago and the creators and producers wanted to conjure themes around feminism, resistance and #MeToo when forging the drama series.
Name: Daughters of Fire
Country: France
Producer: Kwaï
Distributor: Fremantle
For fans of: Jane Campion movies, Bridgerton
In the Basque Country more than 400 years ago,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bye-bye, Peak TV. After more than a decade of unprecedented production growth, the international television industry is bracing for an era of tighter budgets and more bean counting.
“Instead of subscriber growth at all costs, now the focus is on production and investment and getting the balance sheet right,” says Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, the sales arm of the production giant behind reality TV hits Big Brother and high-end dramas Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror. “I hate using the phrase because everyone says it, but the focus now is on ‘fewer, better, bigger shows.’ ”
The variety of shows on offer at this year’s global TV market in Cannes, MIPCOM, suggests every buyer, at every budget, should find something to fill their slots. And while THR’s annual hot list of the market’s best new drama series ranges from a by-the-book NBC procedural to an erotic comedy...
“Instead of subscriber growth at all costs, now the focus is on production and investment and getting the balance sheet right,” says Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, the sales arm of the production giant behind reality TV hits Big Brother and high-end dramas Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror. “I hate using the phrase because everyone says it, but the focus now is on ‘fewer, better, bigger shows.’ ”
The variety of shows on offer at this year’s global TV market in Cannes, MIPCOM, suggests every buyer, at every budget, should find something to fill their slots. And while THR’s annual hot list of the market’s best new drama series ranges from a by-the-book NBC procedural to an erotic comedy...
- 10/15/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Itvx thriller “Platform 7,” produced by Fremantle’s Dancing Ledge, has debuted first-look images ahead of MipCom.
Adapted from Louise Doughty’s novel, it sees young teacher Lisa wandering around a small railway station. Lisa has a secret – she is a ghost and she died right there. But even though everyone ruled it a suicide, she doesn’t remember what happened to her.
“It’s tense, fresh and engaging, with supernatural elements that combine important modern issues, resulting in an exceptional lead performance from Jasmine Jobson, who breaks new ground in this limited series,” says Fremantle’s Jens Richter, calling Doughty’s writing “phenomenal.”
The show was adapted by Paula Milne, also behind “The Politician’s Husband” and Oliver Hirschbiegel’s “The Same Sky.” Toby Regbo, Reece Ritchie, Yaamin Chowdhury co-star.
“I feel very passionately that if ghosts would really exist, they wouldn’t be just floating around in white nighties...
Adapted from Louise Doughty’s novel, it sees young teacher Lisa wandering around a small railway station. Lisa has a secret – she is a ghost and she died right there. But even though everyone ruled it a suicide, she doesn’t remember what happened to her.
“It’s tense, fresh and engaging, with supernatural elements that combine important modern issues, resulting in an exceptional lead performance from Jasmine Jobson, who breaks new ground in this limited series,” says Fremantle’s Jens Richter, calling Doughty’s writing “phenomenal.”
The show was adapted by Paula Milne, also behind “The Politician’s Husband” and Oliver Hirschbiegel’s “The Same Sky.” Toby Regbo, Reece Ritchie, Yaamin Chowdhury co-star.
“I feel very passionately that if ghosts would really exist, they wouldn’t be just floating around in white nighties...
- 10/15/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Penn, whose Volodymyr Zelenskyy documentary “Superpower” recently launched on Paramount+, will be on the iconic stage of Cannes’s Grand Auditorium later this month — but it won’t be for a movie.
The Oscar winner is set to attend Mipcom, the international TV conference, alongside Matthew Fox (“Lost”) and Kick Gurry (“Edge of Tomorrow”) to discuss their wartime satire series “C*A*U*G*H*T” as part of a Media Mastermind Keynote on Oct. 18. Penn, who stars and serves as executive producer on the show, will participate in a panel discussion with Fox and Curry. The session will see them discuss ways in which the series explores themes of identity, fame and social media absurdities.
Landing a Hollywood star like Penn is a massive coup for Mipcom, which has sought to raise its profile within a competitive landscape for industry events.
A Stan original, “C*A*U*G...
The Oscar winner is set to attend Mipcom, the international TV conference, alongside Matthew Fox (“Lost”) and Kick Gurry (“Edge of Tomorrow”) to discuss their wartime satire series “C*A*U*G*H*T” as part of a Media Mastermind Keynote on Oct. 18. Penn, who stars and serves as executive producer on the show, will participate in a panel discussion with Fox and Curry. The session will see them discuss ways in which the series explores themes of identity, fame and social media absurdities.
Landing a Hollywood star like Penn is a massive coup for Mipcom, which has sought to raise its profile within a competitive landscape for industry events.
A Stan original, “C*A*U*G...
- 10/6/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Penn, Matthew Fox, and Kick Gurry are heading to Mipcom Cannes to talk about their satirical comedy series C*A*U*G*H*T.
In a major coup for the TV market, they’ll discuss the Australian show in an exclusive Media Mastermind Keynote on Wednesday, October 18 at 12pm local time in France, alongside distributor Fremantle.
Two-time Academy Award winner actor Penn, who serves as an executive producer (and acts as himself in the series), will feature in the panel in at the Palais des Festivales’ Grand Auditorium, alongside Fox (Lost), and Curry (Edge of Tomorrow), moderated by TV and film critic Rhianna Dhillon.
The session will feature footage and an ‘In Conversation with’ segment featuring Penn, Fox and Gurry, bringing insights about approach taken for the series, which explores themes of identity, fame, and the absurdity of the viral age and looks to comedically deconstructs the intellectual ideas humanity faces.
In a major coup for the TV market, they’ll discuss the Australian show in an exclusive Media Mastermind Keynote on Wednesday, October 18 at 12pm local time in France, alongside distributor Fremantle.
Two-time Academy Award winner actor Penn, who serves as an executive producer (and acts as himself in the series), will feature in the panel in at the Palais des Festivales’ Grand Auditorium, alongside Fox (Lost), and Curry (Edge of Tomorrow), moderated by TV and film critic Rhianna Dhillon.
The session will feature footage and an ‘In Conversation with’ segment featuring Penn, Fox and Gurry, bringing insights about approach taken for the series, which explores themes of identity, fame, and the absurdity of the viral age and looks to comedically deconstructs the intellectual ideas humanity faces.
- 10/6/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
It might be too early to call it, but The Hollywood Reporter Roma may have given the best party of the 80th Venice Film Festival.
THR Roma, the first European edition of The Hollywood Reporter, threw a starry and glam but also surprisingly chill bash Sunday night at their festival villa, a stone’s throw from The Excelsior Hotel on the Lido. THR Roma had its official launch, in Rome, in April but the Venice bash marked its international coming out, and the group used the occasion to present its first stand-alone print edition (more on that later).
There were shades of Pablo Sorrentino’s famed party sequence in The Great Beauty as a who’s who of the Italian film and fashion industries — among them the cast of Venice festival opener Comandante, including Italian superstar Pierfrancesco Favino and director Edoardo De Angelis, Adagio filmmaker Stefano Sollima, and Valentino’s...
THR Roma, the first European edition of The Hollywood Reporter, threw a starry and glam but also surprisingly chill bash Sunday night at their festival villa, a stone’s throw from The Excelsior Hotel on the Lido. THR Roma had its official launch, in Rome, in April but the Venice bash marked its international coming out, and the group used the occasion to present its first stand-alone print edition (more on that later).
There were shades of Pablo Sorrentino’s famed party sequence in The Great Beauty as a who’s who of the Italian film and fashion industries — among them the cast of Venice festival opener Comandante, including Italian superstar Pierfrancesco Favino and director Edoardo De Angelis, Adagio filmmaker Stefano Sollima, and Valentino’s...
- 9/4/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new documentary about Richard Williams, the father of tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams, has sold into major markets.
“On the Line: The Richard Williams Story,” which had its U.K. premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June, has been sold into Sky (U.K. and Italy), Canal+ (France), Mnet (South Africa), Paramount+ (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand).
The film paints a complex portrait of the life, career and impact of Williams — the family patriarch and tennis coach to Venus and Serena Williams, who was also portrayed by Will Smith in the 2022 movie “King Richard.”
In the documentary, Williams provides rare home video footage and candid interviews to detail the family’s unprecedented gate-crashing in the 1990s of a predominately white, upper-class sport. Newly discovered archival footage from the courts in Compton and a roster of interview subjects including Billie Jean King and Pam Shriver, retrace the Williams sisters...
“On the Line: The Richard Williams Story,” which had its U.K. premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June, has been sold into Sky (U.K. and Italy), Canal+ (France), Mnet (South Africa), Paramount+ (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand).
The film paints a complex portrait of the life, career and impact of Williams — the family patriarch and tennis coach to Venus and Serena Williams, who was also portrayed by Will Smith in the 2022 movie “King Richard.”
In the documentary, Williams provides rare home video footage and candid interviews to detail the family’s unprecedented gate-crashing in the 1990s of a predominately white, upper-class sport. Newly discovered archival footage from the courts in Compton and a roster of interview subjects including Billie Jean King and Pam Shriver, retrace the Williams sisters...
- 7/17/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Toledo, Spain — Global producer-distributor Fremantle has dropped an international trailer for “Negotiator,” a sleek, slick and chic eight-part São Paulo crime thriller produced by two prominent players on the Latino and Latin-American TV scene – Miami-based Spiral International and Brazil’s Boutique Filmes.
Acquiring world rights outside Latin America and Portugal, Fremantle will use Conecta Fiction in Toledo, Spain to introduce “Negotiator,” which underscores building market trends coursing through the international TV scene.
The busy trailer begins with a desperate kidnapper bursting through big church doors, revolver in hand pointing to a victim’s head. “I’m going to kill him,” he shouts hysterically.
Cut in counter-shot to a close up of the late-‘30s granite featured face of Captain Gabriel Menck (Malvino Salvador), head of negotiations for Gate, a special police unit charged with resolving crisis situations across Brazil’s São Paulo. “Nobody dies today,” Menck states categorically.
“I understand your suffering,...
Acquiring world rights outside Latin America and Portugal, Fremantle will use Conecta Fiction in Toledo, Spain to introduce “Negotiator,” which underscores building market trends coursing through the international TV scene.
The busy trailer begins with a desperate kidnapper bursting through big church doors, revolver in hand pointing to a victim’s head. “I’m going to kill him,” he shouts hysterically.
Cut in counter-shot to a close up of the late-‘30s granite featured face of Captain Gabriel Menck (Malvino Salvador), head of negotiations for Gate, a special police unit charged with resolving crisis situations across Brazil’s São Paulo. “Nobody dies today,” Menck states categorically.
“I understand your suffering,...
- 6/27/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
There’s nothing quite like having an Oscar-winning actor in your corner, or perhaps a star of one of the biggest TV Series of all time. In the case of Kick Gurry, creator, producer and actor in the forthcoming Stan Original Series “Caught,” the backing of Sean Penn and Matthew Fox has undoubtedly been a boon.
After Gurry shared an early teaser of the show crafted with friends in Australia, Penn’s reaction was music to his ears. As Gurry shared with Variety, “He said everyone’s afraid of stories right now and we have to be pushing forward with courage in storytelling.”
Indeed, the courage to tell bold, new stories has resulted in an audacious six-episode satirical comedy series slated to premiere later in 2023. The series boasts a formidable cast that Gurry describes as a “murderer’s row of talent.” Among them, Sean Penn, who also serves as an executive producer,...
After Gurry shared an early teaser of the show crafted with friends in Australia, Penn’s reaction was music to his ears. As Gurry shared with Variety, “He said everyone’s afraid of stories right now and we have to be pushing forward with courage in storytelling.”
Indeed, the courage to tell bold, new stories has resulted in an audacious six-episode satirical comedy series slated to premiere later in 2023. The series boasts a formidable cast that Gurry describes as a “murderer’s row of talent.” Among them, Sean Penn, who also serves as an executive producer,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
Thomasin McKenzie, the versatile star of “Last Night in Soho” and “Jojo Rabbit,” is already hoping for the second season of darkly comedic series “Totally Completely Fine,” which saw her transform once again.
This time, she morphs into twentysomething Vivian who inherits her grandfather’s cliffside house. The problem is, many strangers actually come there to end their lives. Suddenly, Vivian has to do something she isn’t quite used to doing: Help others.
“There can be joy in the midst of despair. It’s something I have learnt over the years: even in tough times, you have to make an effort to look for it,” says the New Zealand actor, who immediately embraced the story’s black humor. But she also wanted to kickstart an important conversation.
“Mental health is something everyone struggles with, in so many different ways. We have to open up this conversation so that people...
This time, she morphs into twentysomething Vivian who inherits her grandfather’s cliffside house. The problem is, many strangers actually come there to end their lives. Suddenly, Vivian has to do something she isn’t quite used to doing: Help others.
“There can be joy in the midst of despair. It’s something I have learnt over the years: even in tough times, you have to make an effort to look for it,” says the New Zealand actor, who immediately embraced the story’s black humor. But she also wanted to kickstart an important conversation.
“Mental health is something everyone struggles with, in so many different ways. We have to open up this conversation so that people...
- 5/22/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes — News of the death of Mip-tv looked greatly exaggerated if the 2023 edition, which played out over April 17-19 in Cannes, was anything to go by, with Lucy Smith, director of MipTV and Mipcom, Cannes two TV trade fairs, announcing final figures of 5,560 participants, including 5,510 on-site delegates.
That said, attendance was sizeably down on pre-pandemic levels – 9,500 attendees in 2019 – with major European drama sales companies literally counting the cost of attendance and exhibition space versus Mip-driven sales. In a fast-evolving TV landscape, the future and identity of MipTV still remains uncertain. 10 takeaways from this year’s edition:
MipTV: The Impact of Brute Market Forces
Two major macro market trends, both presented by Ampere Analysis’ Guy Bisson’ in an early MipTV panel, go a long way to explaining 2023 MipTV. Global streaming commissions in the fourth quarter of 2022 were the lowest in over two years; unscripted represented 30.35% of streaming commissions last quarter 2019, 50.3% Oct.
That said, attendance was sizeably down on pre-pandemic levels – 9,500 attendees in 2019 – with major European drama sales companies literally counting the cost of attendance and exhibition space versus Mip-driven sales. In a fast-evolving TV landscape, the future and identity of MipTV still remains uncertain. 10 takeaways from this year’s edition:
MipTV: The Impact of Brute Market Forces
Two major macro market trends, both presented by Ampere Analysis’ Guy Bisson’ in an early MipTV panel, go a long way to explaining 2023 MipTV. Global streaming commissions in the fourth quarter of 2022 were the lowest in over two years; unscripted represented 30.35% of streaming commissions last quarter 2019, 50.3% Oct.
- 4/19/2023
- by John Hopewell, Marta Balaga and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay, All3Media, Fremantle and Zdf Studios execs discuss streamer deals, writers’ strike worries and a ‘reset’ of scripted market on Series Mania panel.
Global streamers are becoming more flexible about rights deals, according to senior execs from Banijay, All3Media, Fremantle and Zdf Studios speaking on a panel at Series Mania.
For many years, major streamers would often insist on taking worldwide rights for series. But this has changed, according to Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights.
“As [the streamers] get to know their audiences incredibly well, combining with balancing their financials, we are seeing there are certain shows they are commissioning...
Global streamers are becoming more flexible about rights deals, according to senior execs from Banijay, All3Media, Fremantle and Zdf Studios speaking on a panel at Series Mania.
For many years, major streamers would often insist on taking worldwide rights for series. But this has changed, according to Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights.
“As [the streamers] get to know their audiences incredibly well, combining with balancing their financials, we are seeing there are certain shows they are commissioning...
- 3/22/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Top International execs from Zdf Studios, Fremantle, All3Media and Banijay have said the potential U.S. writers strike and changing market economics can create opportunities to strike new business.
As Banijay Rights CEO Cathy Payne put it, likening the challenging of leaving previous market conditions behind to bouncing back after being dumped: “When one door closes, another one opens.” She was talking during a Series Mania panel on windowing and content financing this afternoon in France.
International distribution companies are already wrestling with myriad content financing issues as the U.S. market corrects after streamers’ spending momentum slows. All eyes are now turning to the discussions between the WGA and AMPTP, and one potential upshot if a strike kicks off will likely be more international business for U.S. networks.
All3Media International CEO Louise Pedersen said U.S. execs at the London TV Screenings at the start of the month had begun considering contingency plans.
As Banijay Rights CEO Cathy Payne put it, likening the challenging of leaving previous market conditions behind to bouncing back after being dumped: “When one door closes, another one opens.” She was talking during a Series Mania panel on windowing and content financing this afternoon in France.
International distribution companies are already wrestling with myriad content financing issues as the U.S. market corrects after streamers’ spending momentum slows. All eyes are now turning to the discussions between the WGA and AMPTP, and one potential upshot if a strike kicks off will likely be more international business for U.S. networks.
All3Media International CEO Louise Pedersen said U.S. execs at the London TV Screenings at the start of the month had begun considering contingency plans.
- 3/21/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Montreal-based Rezolution Pictures, behind Sundance winner “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World,” and Winnipeg-based Op Little Bird have partnered with Fremantle International on Jennifer Podemski and Hannah Moscovitch’s original drama series “Little Bird,” which is set to premiere on Crave and Aptn in Canada.
The series, which stars Darla Contois and Lisa Edelstein, follows the life of Bezhig Little Bird, a victim of the Sixties Scoop in Saskatchewan wherein First Nations children were abducted and placed in foster homes before being put up for adoption by white families.
Told in parallel timelines, “Little Bird” quickly contrasts Bezhig’s childhood with her engagement party – only this time as Esther Rosenblum, a woman in her 20s on the cusp of life, and suddenly wracked with repressed memories. As a showrunner, Podemski, who is herself both Indigenous and Jewish, is perfectly positioned to give authenticity and meaning to the matter. She...
The series, which stars Darla Contois and Lisa Edelstein, follows the life of Bezhig Little Bird, a victim of the Sixties Scoop in Saskatchewan wherein First Nations children were abducted and placed in foster homes before being put up for adoption by white families.
Told in parallel timelines, “Little Bird” quickly contrasts Bezhig’s childhood with her engagement party – only this time as Esther Rosenblum, a woman in her 20s on the cusp of life, and suddenly wracked with repressed memories. As a showrunner, Podemski, who is herself both Indigenous and Jewish, is perfectly positioned to give authenticity and meaning to the matter. She...
- 2/2/2023
- by JD Linville
- Variety Film + TV
Ganesh Rajaram and Haryaty Rahman are rising at American Idol and Got Talent producer Fremantle.
Rajaram has been appointed CEO, Fremantle Asia and Latin America, effective January 1, 2023, while Rahman is being promoted to EVP Sales to replace him.
The newly created role for Rajaram, who was previously General Manager/EVP, Asia, gives him oversight of all aspects of production businesses in Asia and Latin America, with the managing directors of India, Indonesia and Mexico reporting directly to him. He’ll continue to be based in Singapore and reports to Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin.
Rajaram joined Fremantle in 2005 and has seen success finding new audiences for America’s Got Talent, American Idol and The X Factor UK on pan-regional broadcasters such as Fox and Sony in the region. Ganesh also has spearheaded deals for scripted shows, including selling American Gods to Youku in China and Beecham House to Netflix India.
Jens Richter,...
Rajaram has been appointed CEO, Fremantle Asia and Latin America, effective January 1, 2023, while Rahman is being promoted to EVP Sales to replace him.
The newly created role for Rajaram, who was previously General Manager/EVP, Asia, gives him oversight of all aspects of production businesses in Asia and Latin America, with the managing directors of India, Indonesia and Mexico reporting directly to him. He’ll continue to be based in Singapore and reports to Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin.
Rajaram joined Fremantle in 2005 and has seen success finding new audiences for America’s Got Talent, American Idol and The X Factor UK on pan-regional broadcasters such as Fox and Sony in the region. Ganesh also has spearheaded deals for scripted shows, including selling American Gods to Youku in China and Beecham House to Netflix India.
Jens Richter,...
- 12/6/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
More Talent Joins ‘Agency’
Indonesia’s Miles Films and Sk Global Entertainment have revealed more of the talent participating in their “The Talent Agency” (aka “Harbungi Agen Guei”) the local version of the hit French series, “Call My Agent!.” Other recurring roles go to Sheryl Sheinafia, Chicco Kurniawan, Dea Panendra, and Agni Pratistha. Guest stars in the series—who play a version of themselves—include Luna Maya, Tara Basro, Zara Adhisty, Adipati Dolken, comedians Pandji Pragiwaksono and Soleh Solihun, and young stars Kevin Ardilova and Bio One. The show is now in post-production and will air on Disney+ from next year. Miles Films’ Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza are showrunners with Teddy Soeriaatmadja directing. The show was teased last week at Disney’s content showcase in Singapore.
New Nhk President
Japan’s public broadcaster Nhk has named Inaba Nobuo, former executive director of the Bank of Japan, as its next president.
Indonesia’s Miles Films and Sk Global Entertainment have revealed more of the talent participating in their “The Talent Agency” (aka “Harbungi Agen Guei”) the local version of the hit French series, “Call My Agent!.” Other recurring roles go to Sheryl Sheinafia, Chicco Kurniawan, Dea Panendra, and Agni Pratistha. Guest stars in the series—who play a version of themselves—include Luna Maya, Tara Basro, Zara Adhisty, Adipati Dolken, comedians Pandji Pragiwaksono and Soleh Solihun, and young stars Kevin Ardilova and Bio One. The show is now in post-production and will air on Disney+ from next year. Miles Films’ Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza are showrunners with Teddy Soeriaatmadja directing. The show was teased last week at Disney’s content showcase in Singapore.
New Nhk President
Japan’s public broadcaster Nhk has named Inaba Nobuo, former executive director of the Bank of Japan, as its next president.
- 12/6/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to the International Insider, Max Goldbart here. We’ve been all over the proverbial shop this week with Mel and Jesse in sunny Rome and Zac racing round London at the speed of light to cover Lff. Read on for the biggest news in international TV and film.
Mipcom Cannes Back With A Bang
Three years off: A palpable sense of excitement has settled over the global TV community as buyers, sellers, execs, journalists (of course) and everyone in between gets set to jet to Cannes for Mipcom. This year’s market, rebranded Mipcom Cannes, is effectively the first in person for three years (last year was hybrid) and there was a real sense of positivity when I spoke with five senior sales bosses for my annual preview. “People need people and this is a people business,” Fremantle’s Jens Richter told me, almost beaming. There is renewed optimism,...
Mipcom Cannes Back With A Bang
Three years off: A palpable sense of excitement has settled over the global TV community as buyers, sellers, execs, journalists (of course) and everyone in between gets set to jet to Cannes for Mipcom. This year’s market, rebranded Mipcom Cannes, is effectively the first in person for three years (last year was hybrid) and there was a real sense of positivity when I spoke with five senior sales bosses for my annual preview. “People need people and this is a people business,” Fremantle’s Jens Richter told me, almost beaming. There is renewed optimism,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Few people working in television feel the ebb and flow of market dynamics as keenly as international distributors. These executives are on the ground of market consolidation and buyers’ fluctuating fortunes — harsh realities that can have a deep impact on what they can acquire and sell. Today, distributors are more than just traders of shows — they’re a significant part of the production process and in talks as early as conception stage in order to provide the financing many international dramas rely on to become a reality. Yet as a recession looms and the perennial streaming partners of recent years quietly put their purses away to recalibrate their strategies, how are distributors conducting business? Why are we seeing so much distributor consolidation? (Banijay acquired Beyond International just weeks after this discussion took place.)
Variety’s inaugural international TV distribution roundtable delved into these questions. Participants included Jens Richter, Fremantle Intl.
Variety’s inaugural international TV distribution roundtable delved into these questions. Participants included Jens Richter, Fremantle Intl.
- 10/14/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Premium documentaries, co-productions and the changing streamer landscape are set to dominate next week’s Mipcom Cannes as thousands of buyers descend on the Croisette after three years off, according to a wealth of senior sales bosses.
In the lead-up to one of the most highly-anticipated markets for years, Deadline has spoken with Fremantle’s Jens Richter, All3Media International’s Louise Pedersen, Banijay Rights’ Cathy Payne, eOne’s Stuart Baxter and A+E Networks’ Steve MacDonald to assess the state of play before the October 17-20 event.
Each was delighted to be returning in person after three years virtual — last year’s Mipcom was hybrid and pared back — and said there is a renewed optimism, negating the ‘market fatigue’ that has crept up in years gone by.
“People need people and this is a people business,” says Fremantle International CEO Richter. “My main priority is to connect with everybody. Being...
In the lead-up to one of the most highly-anticipated markets for years, Deadline has spoken with Fremantle’s Jens Richter, All3Media International’s Louise Pedersen, Banijay Rights’ Cathy Payne, eOne’s Stuart Baxter and A+E Networks’ Steve MacDonald to assess the state of play before the October 17-20 event.
Each was delighted to be returning in person after three years virtual — last year’s Mipcom was hybrid and pared back — and said there is a renewed optimism, negating the ‘market fatigue’ that has crept up in years gone by.
“People need people and this is a people business,” says Fremantle International CEO Richter. “My main priority is to connect with everybody. Being...
- 10/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
As “Virgin River” Season 4 launched on July 20 to become Netflix’s No. 1 most watched TV series in the world, its producer, Vancouver’s Reel World Management and literary source, New York Times best selling novelist Robyn Carr, are re-teaming, to launch another big bold broad global audience play, “Sullivan’s Crossing,”
This time they partner with Canada’s CTV and Fremantle, which is handling international distribution. Fremantle has shared in exclusivity with Variety first look behind-the-scenes photos of the series’ shoot.
“Sullivan’s Crossing” forms part of Rtl Group-owned Fremantle’s drive into English-language production both in the U.K., – where it triumphed this year with BBC One’s “The Responder,” starring Martin Freeman – and beyond, in Australia and now Canada.
“Sullivan’s Crossing” also shows yet another key global TV player, here Fremantle, moving into ever bigger mainstream swings as distributors and VOD platforms alike look to secure big audiences once...
This time they partner with Canada’s CTV and Fremantle, which is handling international distribution. Fremantle has shared in exclusivity with Variety first look behind-the-scenes photos of the series’ shoot.
“Sullivan’s Crossing” forms part of Rtl Group-owned Fremantle’s drive into English-language production both in the U.K., – where it triumphed this year with BBC One’s “The Responder,” starring Martin Freeman – and beyond, in Australia and now Canada.
“Sullivan’s Crossing” also shows yet another key global TV player, here Fremantle, moving into ever bigger mainstream swings as distributors and VOD platforms alike look to secure big audiences once...
- 8/25/2022
- by Holly Jones
- Variety Film + TV
Kenneth Branagh plays UK prime minister Boris Johnson.
Michael Winterbottom’s This England, starring Kenneth Branagh as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has closed sales across 88 territories through distributor Fremantle.
Commissioning broadcaster Sky will launch the series this Autumn across its territories in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
This England has sold to Movistar+ in Spain, Viaplay for the Nordics and Baltics, Poland and the Netherlands, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa) and BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand). Further deals are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Produced...
Michael Winterbottom’s This England, starring Kenneth Branagh as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has closed sales across 88 territories through distributor Fremantle.
Commissioning broadcaster Sky will launch the series this Autumn across its territories in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
This England has sold to Movistar+ in Spain, Viaplay for the Nordics and Baltics, Poland and the Netherlands, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa) and BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand). Further deals are due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Produced...
- 8/18/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Sky’s Kenneth Branagh-starring Boris Johnson drama This England has been sold to 88 territories worldwide by distributor Fremantle.
Michael Winterbottom’s highly-anticipated series, which profiles the early days of the Covid pandemic under Johnson’s premiership, has been picked up by Movistar+ (Spain), Viaplay, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa), BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand), amongst others.
Fremantle said further deals will be unveiled in the coming weeks. A U.S. buyer has not yet been announced.
The show will debut on September 21 on Sky in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter called This England a “truly unique drama that combines Michael Winterbottom’s talent for conveying powerful real-world stories with a stunning performance from Kenneth Branagh.”
He added: “This dramatic behind the scenes dramatization of how the government,...
Michael Winterbottom’s highly-anticipated series, which profiles the early days of the Covid pandemic under Johnson’s premiership, has been picked up by Movistar+ (Spain), Viaplay, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa), BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand), amongst others.
Fremantle said further deals will be unveiled in the coming weeks. A U.S. buyer has not yet been announced.
The show will debut on September 21 on Sky in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter called This England a “truly unique drama that combines Michael Winterbottom’s talent for conveying powerful real-world stories with a stunning performance from Kenneth Branagh.”
He added: “This dramatic behind the scenes dramatization of how the government,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has scored a raft of sales on “The Trip” director Michael Winterbottom’s drama on outgoing U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, “This England.”
The 88 territories closed for “This England” include Movistar+ (Spain), Viaplay, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa), BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand). Further deals are due to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Sky original drama series stars Kenneth Branagh (“Death on the Nile”) as Johnson. Despite Johnson’s dramatic resignation, the series will stick to the early part of his tenure. Produced by Richard Brown’s Passenger (“True Detective”) and Revolution Films, the six-part series is based on Boris Johnson’s tumultuous first months as Prime Minister, tracing the impact on the country of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The events in government are interwoven with stories from around the country, from the experts and scientists racing against time; the doctors,...
The 88 territories closed for “This England” include Movistar+ (Spain), Viaplay, Cosmote (Greece), Osn TV and Osn+ (Mena), M-Net (South Africa), BBC First (Australia) and Tvnz (New Zealand). Further deals are due to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Sky original drama series stars Kenneth Branagh (“Death on the Nile”) as Johnson. Despite Johnson’s dramatic resignation, the series will stick to the early part of his tenure. Produced by Richard Brown’s Passenger (“True Detective”) and Revolution Films, the six-part series is based on Boris Johnson’s tumultuous first months as Prime Minister, tracing the impact on the country of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The events in government are interwoven with stories from around the country, from the experts and scientists racing against time; the doctors,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will launch a dedicated cooking channel, dubbed The Jamie Oliver Channel, on Amazon’s ad-supported streaming service Freevee.
The channel, a so-called Fast (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channel, will bring together the catalog of Oliver’s cooking and food shows, including American Road Trip, 30 Minute Meals and Jamie’s Kitchen, among others. It will mark the first time Oliver’s hit cooking shows will be featured together all in one place. Launching on Thursday, The Jamie Oliver Channel will also continue to roll out on other services in the coming months.
Production and sales group Fremantle on Thursday also unveiled a series of global deals for Oliver’s new latest cooking show, The Great Cookbook Challenge, in which undiscovered British cooks compete against each other for the chance to win a cookbook publishing deal with Penguin Random House.
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will launch a dedicated cooking channel, dubbed The Jamie Oliver Channel, on Amazon’s ad-supported streaming service Freevee.
The channel, a so-called Fast (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channel, will bring together the catalog of Oliver’s cooking and food shows, including American Road Trip, 30 Minute Meals and Jamie’s Kitchen, among others. It will mark the first time Oliver’s hit cooking shows will be featured together all in one place. Launching on Thursday, The Jamie Oliver Channel will also continue to roll out on other services in the coming months.
Production and sales group Fremantle on Thursday also unveiled a series of global deals for Oliver’s new latest cooking show, The Great Cookbook Challenge, in which undiscovered British cooks compete against each other for the chance to win a cookbook publishing deal with Penguin Random House.
- 6/30/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As the U.S. streamers become a bigger part of the European industry landscape, production companies are starting to intensify collaborations across EU borders to make high-end shows, which is vital to keeping the ecosystem healthy.
That was the main takeaway of a Series Mania panel on collaborating across borders that also looked at the ongoing battle between European TV producers and the streaming giants over terms of trade that is prompting more co-productions as an alternative model.
Jens Richter, Fremantle’s international CEO, pointed out that the streamers coming to Europe is “a threat on the one hand” –– because they tend to impose a Hollywood studio model where they get perpetual rights in return for full-financing plus a fee, leaving no IP with the producer –– “and also it’s a huge opportunity.”
On the positive side Richter cited how streamers are allowing European dramas to make major inroads into the U.
That was the main takeaway of a Series Mania panel on collaborating across borders that also looked at the ongoing battle between European TV producers and the streaming giants over terms of trade that is prompting more co-productions as an alternative model.
Jens Richter, Fremantle’s international CEO, pointed out that the streamers coming to Europe is “a threat on the one hand” –– because they tend to impose a Hollywood studio model where they get perpetual rights in return for full-financing plus a fee, leaving no IP with the producer –– “and also it’s a huge opportunity.”
On the positive side Richter cited how streamers are allowing European dramas to make major inroads into the U.
- 3/24/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle has acquired a 25% stake in Henrik Bastin’s Fabel Entertainment, the international development and production outfit behind the upcoming Bosch spinoff, Bosch: Legacy. on Amazon’s IMDb TV ad-supported platform.
The original Prime Video series, which is based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling books, was developed and produced by Bastin and his team at his previous company, Fabrik, and recently concluded production on the seventh and final season. It was Prime Video’s longest-running original and a partnership between LA-based Swedish producer Bastin and the production arm of German broadcaster ProSiebeSat.1.
Fremantle’s stake in Fabel is the company’s latest investment following a series of acquisitions across the past year including acquiring 12 production labels in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark from Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group), scripted Italian production company Lux Vide, Australian-American television production company Eureka Productions (Finding Magic Mike) and UK factual production company...
The original Prime Video series, which is based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling books, was developed and produced by Bastin and his team at his previous company, Fabrik, and recently concluded production on the seventh and final season. It was Prime Video’s longest-running original and a partnership between LA-based Swedish producer Bastin and the production arm of German broadcaster ProSiebeSat.1.
Fremantle’s stake in Fabel is the company’s latest investment following a series of acquisitions across the past year including acquiring 12 production labels in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark from Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group), scripted Italian production company Lux Vide, Australian-American television production company Eureka Productions (Finding Magic Mike) and UK factual production company...
- 3/10/2022
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has bought a minority stake in “Bosch” producer Fabel Entertainment.
The Rtl Group-owned production powerhouse has acquired a 25% stake in Henrik Bastin’s Fabel, which was set up last year following the executive’s exit from his former production company, Fabrik Entertainment. (Fabrik was backed by German’s Red Arrow.)
Bastin is best known for the Bosch franchise and has now set up spin-off series “Bosch: Legacy” at IMDb TV via new label Fabel. The company is also in the works on a scripted show based on neurologist Oliver Sacks and an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s “Invisible Monsters.”
Based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling books, the original “Bosch” series recently concluded production on its seventh and final season. Variety understands the spin-off deal with IMDb TV was secured by Bastin prior to Fremantle coming on board.
The deal is the latest investment for Fremantle following a number...
The Rtl Group-owned production powerhouse has acquired a 25% stake in Henrik Bastin’s Fabel, which was set up last year following the executive’s exit from his former production company, Fabrik Entertainment. (Fabrik was backed by German’s Red Arrow.)
Bastin is best known for the Bosch franchise and has now set up spin-off series “Bosch: Legacy” at IMDb TV via new label Fabel. The company is also in the works on a scripted show based on neurologist Oliver Sacks and an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s “Invisible Monsters.”
Based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling books, the original “Bosch” series recently concluded production on its seventh and final season. Variety understands the spin-off deal with IMDb TV was secured by Bastin prior to Fremantle coming on board.
The deal is the latest investment for Fremantle following a number...
- 3/10/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle International Bolsters Scripted
Fremantle International has bolstered its scripted content team, promoting Rebecca Dundon to Senior Vice President, Scripted Content and bringing in former ITV Studios and BBC Studios exec Jill Kellie in the newly-created Director of Acquisitions, Scripted Content role, reporting into Dundon. Both will work on scripted programming for Fremantle International, with Dundon, who has been with Fremantle for six years, widening her role to include the development of new funding models and producer outreach. Fremantle label Dancing Ledge was behind Martin Freeman-starring BBC One drama The Responder and the outfit is also producing Italian dystopian drama Anna and Germany’s We Children of Bahnhof Zoo, amongst others. Kellie is a former Global Scripted Consultant for ITV Studios Global Distribution and Commercial Director, BBC Earth for BBC Studios. “Rebecca’s expertise in deal making and development has helped elevate our business to deliver a number of...
Fremantle International has bolstered its scripted content team, promoting Rebecca Dundon to Senior Vice President, Scripted Content and bringing in former ITV Studios and BBC Studios exec Jill Kellie in the newly-created Director of Acquisitions, Scripted Content role, reporting into Dundon. Both will work on scripted programming for Fremantle International, with Dundon, who has been with Fremantle for six years, widening her role to include the development of new funding models and producer outreach. Fremantle label Dancing Ledge was behind Martin Freeman-starring BBC One drama The Responder and the outfit is also producing Italian dystopian drama Anna and Germany’s We Children of Bahnhof Zoo, amongst others. Kellie is a former Global Scripted Consultant for ITV Studios Global Distribution and Commercial Director, BBC Earth for BBC Studios. “Rebecca’s expertise in deal making and development has helped elevate our business to deliver a number of...
- 3/2/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has sold out most major territories worldwide on the Martin Freeman-led BBC One smash hit “The Responder,” consolidating the acclaimed crime drama’s contention, even at this early stage, to become one of Europe’s top series of 2022.
Banner deals take in France (Canal Plus), Italy (Disney Plus), Germany’s (Magenta TV). Spain (Movistar Plus) and Russia & Cis (Viasat), all leading pay/SVOD operators.
The sales come as Fremantle, thanks to “The Responder,” “Cross Fire,” “Suspect” and “This Sceptred Isle” looks set to see an unprecedented four U.K. premium dramas finishing production in 2022. Led by “Fellow Travelers,” its English-language sales lineup for 2023 looks equally bullish.
In all, in 2022 Fremantle’s U.K. drama output will more than double compared to the previous year, said Jens Richter, at Fremantle’s global sales arm, Fremantle International, which he oversees as CEO.
That, however, is part of larger global surge.
Banner deals take in France (Canal Plus), Italy (Disney Plus), Germany’s (Magenta TV). Spain (Movistar Plus) and Russia & Cis (Viasat), all leading pay/SVOD operators.
The sales come as Fremantle, thanks to “The Responder,” “Cross Fire,” “Suspect” and “This Sceptred Isle” looks set to see an unprecedented four U.K. premium dramas finishing production in 2022. Led by “Fellow Travelers,” its English-language sales lineup for 2023 looks equally bullish.
In all, in 2022 Fremantle’s U.K. drama output will more than double compared to the previous year, said Jens Richter, at Fremantle’s global sales arm, Fremantle International, which he oversees as CEO.
That, however, is part of larger global surge.
- 2/10/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Underscoring the robustness of a fast evolving Latin American TV market, U.K. production-distribution giant Fremantle and the Larraín brothers’ Fabula have in development a third season of gender abuse thriller “La Jauría” and second season of “Señorita 89.”
The moves comes as Fremantle is firing up both its premium scripted series and entertainment format business in Latin America, which is fast emerging as a key growth market for platforms and heavyweight independent production-distribution companies such as Fremantle.
Total Fremantle revenues from Latin America increased by 25% from 2019 to 2021 with production revenues in the region rising by nearly a third in the same period, said Jens Richter, Fremantle CEO, international.
Both series come from Lucía Puenzo, fast consolidating as one of the foremost showrunners in high-end Latin America drama. “La Jauría” season two was co-produced by Amazon which took rights to Latin America and Spain. It was sold to HBO Max for the U.
The moves comes as Fremantle is firing up both its premium scripted series and entertainment format business in Latin America, which is fast emerging as a key growth market for platforms and heavyweight independent production-distribution companies such as Fremantle.
Total Fremantle revenues from Latin America increased by 25% from 2019 to 2021 with production revenues in the region rising by nearly a third in the same period, said Jens Richter, Fremantle CEO, international.
Both series come from Lucía Puenzo, fast consolidating as one of the foremost showrunners in high-end Latin America drama. “La Jauría” season two was co-produced by Amazon which took rights to Latin America and Spain. It was sold to HBO Max for the U.
- 1/19/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Lead produced by Working Title Television, distributed internationally by Fremantle and coming soon to BBC Two, period thriller “The Luminaries” has initiated a global roll-out, closing pre-sales to Australia, France, Russia, Poland and Greece.
Given the freshness of the sales, the identity of the buying broadcaster partners remains to be revealed soon. Pre-sales to more European territories “are coming up as we speak,” Jens Richter, Fremantle International CEO, told Variety.
Starring Eve Hewson, Eva Green and Himesh Patel (“The Aeronauts,” “EastEnders”), the six-part series adapts the novel of the same title, which made its then 27-year-old author, Eleanor Catton, the youngest ever winner of the Man Booker Price.
An 800-page doorstopper adventure set during the 1860s’ gold rush on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, the book played with Victorian novel conventions in a mix of romance, crime and melodrama which Catton termed a celebration of the joy of reading.
Given the freshness of the sales, the identity of the buying broadcaster partners remains to be revealed soon. Pre-sales to more European territories “are coming up as we speak,” Jens Richter, Fremantle International CEO, told Variety.
Starring Eve Hewson, Eva Green and Himesh Patel (“The Aeronauts,” “EastEnders”), the six-part series adapts the novel of the same title, which made its then 27-year-old author, Eleanor Catton, the youngest ever winner of the Man Booker Price.
An 800-page doorstopper adventure set during the 1860s’ gold rush on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, the book played with Victorian novel conventions in a mix of romance, crime and melodrama which Catton termed a celebration of the joy of reading.
- 2/10/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. Screenings, once the haphazard market piggy-backing off the glam BBC Showcase, has at last become an establishment in its own right.
This year’s edition of the week-long event, where a range of global broadcasters and streamers descend on Liverpool and London to peruse the latest wares from international distributors, stands to be the biggest yet, with new entrants such as French VOD Salto and Disney Plus firmly in the mix, and a refreshingly keen interest in non-English language projects.
U.K. Screenings has traditionally revolved around the Liverpool-set BBC Showcase, which kicks off on Sunday and will host up to 700 buyers. On the back of its success, London-based international distributors have banded together, coordinating as early as last summer to draw up a schedule and maximize buyers’ time when they travel down to London from Liverpool. The event, which runs from Feb. 9 to 14 (schedule below), has become...
This year’s edition of the week-long event, where a range of global broadcasters and streamers descend on Liverpool and London to peruse the latest wares from international distributors, stands to be the biggest yet, with new entrants such as French VOD Salto and Disney Plus firmly in the mix, and a refreshingly keen interest in non-English language projects.
U.K. Screenings has traditionally revolved around the Liverpool-set BBC Showcase, which kicks off on Sunday and will host up to 700 buyers. On the back of its success, London-based international distributors have banded together, coordinating as early as last summer to draw up a schedule and maximize buyers’ time when they travel down to London from Liverpool. The event, which runs from Feb. 9 to 14 (schedule below), has become...
- 2/7/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Andrea Scrosati, the Sky Italia programming chief behind such hit international series as “The Young Pope” and “Gomorrah,” has been appointed COO of production and distribution giant Fremantle.
He will succeed Sangeeta Desai, who earlier this year decided to step down as Fremantle’s COO and CEO of emerging markets after five years.
Scrosati will start in his new post in November and report to new Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin. He will have board-level responsibility for central group functions including strategy, M&A, legal and business affairs, as well as the company’s operations across Southern Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Israel and Fremantle’s U.K. scripted label Euston Films, according to a statement.
Scrosati joined Sky Italia in 2007 as vice president of corporate and market communications. Three years later, he was put in charge of movie content and programming at the paybox’s flagship SkyUno channel. Under his guidance, Sky Italia...
He will succeed Sangeeta Desai, who earlier this year decided to step down as Fremantle’s COO and CEO of emerging markets after five years.
Scrosati will start in his new post in November and report to new Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin. He will have board-level responsibility for central group functions including strategy, M&A, legal and business affairs, as well as the company’s operations across Southern Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Israel and Fremantle’s U.K. scripted label Euston Films, according to a statement.
Scrosati joined Sky Italia in 2007 as vice president of corporate and market communications. Three years later, he was put in charge of movie content and programming at the paybox’s flagship SkyUno channel. Under his guidance, Sky Italia...
- 9/10/2018
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
American Gods producer and distributor Fremantle has poached Sky Italia content chief Andrea Scrosati to become COO of the Rtl-owned superindie.
Scrosati, who has been responsible for commissioning hit dramas such as Gomorrah and The Young Pope, replaces Sangeeta Desai, who is stepping down after five years. He was most recently Evp, Programming at Sky Italia and will now have board level responsibility for central group functions including strategy, M&A, legal and business affairs at Fremantle.
Reporting to Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle’s Group CEO, Scrosati will also oversee the company’s operations across Southern Europe – Italy, Spain, France and Portugal – Brazil, Mexico and Israel and its UK scripted label Euston Films. He will be a member of Fremantle’s global operating board and its investment committee and will chair Fremantle’s production companies Wildside (Italy), Miso Film (Scandinavia) and Abot Hameiri (Israel) and will serve on the board of...
Scrosati, who has been responsible for commissioning hit dramas such as Gomorrah and The Young Pope, replaces Sangeeta Desai, who is stepping down after five years. He was most recently Evp, Programming at Sky Italia and will now have board level responsibility for central group functions including strategy, M&A, legal and business affairs at Fremantle.
Reporting to Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle’s Group CEO, Scrosati will also oversee the company’s operations across Southern Europe – Italy, Spain, France and Portugal – Brazil, Mexico and Israel and its UK scripted label Euston Films. He will be a member of Fremantle’s global operating board and its investment committee and will chair Fremantle’s production companies Wildside (Italy), Miso Film (Scandinavia) and Abot Hameiri (Israel) and will serve on the board of...
- 9/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Red Arrow International managing director Jens Richter will join FremantleMedia International as CEO, taking up the post that was vacated in July by David Ellendery. FremantleMedia International confirmed the appointment today, after Broadcast got the jump, saying Richter will join once he completes his contract at Red Arrow, the global sales arm of Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1. Richter has been with Red Arrow since 2004, when the company was known as SevenOne International. He has overseen worldwide distribution of such shows as cooking competition The Taste, Netflix’s Lilyhammer and the recent Endor-produced BBC series The Escape Artist with David Tennant. Fremantle said in a statement today, “Jens is an outstanding and dynamic executive with extensive knowledge and experience of the international distribution market and we are really excited to welcome him to the team. Jens will be joining us when he completes his contract with Red Arrow. In the meantime, our...
- 12/18/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Berlin -- Broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 has set up a new umbrella company – Red Arrow Entertainment Group – to bundle its various production and distribution companies across Europe.
Red Arrow's assets will include production firms Producers at Work, Magic Flight Film and RedSeven Entertainment, talent agency Redseven Artists and ProSieben's world sales arm SevenOne International. The multi-year format development agreement between ProSieben and "Deal or No Deal" co-creator Dick de Rijk as well as the two-year co-production deal between RedSeven Entertainment and Phil Gurin's The Gurin Company will also be part of Red Arrow's portfolio.
ProSieben CEO Thomas Ebeling said Red Arrow would acquire or sign co-op deals with production companies from across Europe to increase the supply of in-house produced shows and formats to the group's European TV network. ProSiebenSat.1 controls 20 free-to-air channels in 12 European countries.
ProSiebenSat.1 exec Jan Frouman, who was behind the de Rijk deal, will head up Red...
Red Arrow's assets will include production firms Producers at Work, Magic Flight Film and RedSeven Entertainment, talent agency Redseven Artists and ProSieben's world sales arm SevenOne International. The multi-year format development agreement between ProSieben and "Deal or No Deal" co-creator Dick de Rijk as well as the two-year co-production deal between RedSeven Entertainment and Phil Gurin's The Gurin Company will also be part of Red Arrow's portfolio.
ProSieben CEO Thomas Ebeling said Red Arrow would acquire or sign co-op deals with production companies from across Europe to increase the supply of in-house produced shows and formats to the group's European TV network. ProSiebenSat.1 controls 20 free-to-air channels in 12 European countries.
ProSiebenSat.1 exec Jan Frouman, who was behind the de Rijk deal, will head up Red...
- 1/19/2010
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cannes -- The global economic meltdown may have an upside, at least for sellers hawking their wares at this year's Mipdoc, the two-day market for factual programming that wrapped Sunday in Cannes ahead of Miptv.
While channels worldwide are tightening their budget belts, nonfiction continues to move.
"We haven't seen any downturn -- at least not yet," said Silke Spahr, managing director at German United Distributors, whose Mipdoc lineup includes tongue-in-cheek doc "Where Is the Wall," on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. "Some documentary slots have disappeared or been taken over by nonfiction formats, but the prices are stable."
Discovery Enterprises International senior vp Caleb Weinstein actually sees an opportunity in the crisis as broadcasters look for alternatives to costly in-house production.
"We are looking to push Discovery programs into entertainment slots or drama slots -- places they might not have been before," Weinstein said.
While channels worldwide are tightening their budget belts, nonfiction continues to move.
"We haven't seen any downturn -- at least not yet," said Silke Spahr, managing director at German United Distributors, whose Mipdoc lineup includes tongue-in-cheek doc "Where Is the Wall," on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. "Some documentary slots have disappeared or been taken over by nonfiction formats, but the prices are stable."
Discovery Enterprises International senior vp Caleb Weinstein actually sees an opportunity in the crisis as broadcasters look for alternatives to costly in-house production.
"We are looking to push Discovery programs into entertainment slots or drama slots -- places they might not have been before," Weinstein said.
- 3/29/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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