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Tag: FremantleMedia

  • FremantleMedia sells ‘Deutschland 83’ to multiple countries at MIPCOM

    FremantleMedia sells ‘Deutschland 83’ to multiple countries at MIPCOM

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International has sold its gripping German language spy thriller Deutschland 83 (8 x 60) to multiple countries at Mipcom 2015. 

     

    So far the show has been acquired by 20 broadcasters and SVOD services around the world.

     

    Following its US success, the series has now been placed by FremantleMedia International with Channel One (Russia), Sky Italia (Italy), Hulu (US), Sundance TV (English-speaking Canada), Super Ecran (French-speaking Canada), RTE (Eire), Stan (Australia & New Zealand), Telenet (Belgium), RTL Klub (Hungary), Hotvision (Israel), TV4 (Pan-regional Scandinavia) and Kino Lorber (US – DVD and iTunes).

     

    FremantleMedia International CEO Jens Richter said, “Deutschland 83 has become the must-have European drama series of the year. Having attracted critical acclaim in the US and now the attention of this impressive list of buyers, the compelling series is all set to captivate viewers around the world.”

     

    The above acquisitions follow on from the previously reported deals with Sundance TV (US), CANAL+ (France), Channel 4/Walter Presents (UK), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland) and RUV (Iceland).

     

    Deutschland 83 is a suspenseful coming-of-age story set against the real culture wars and political events of Germany in the 1980s. The drama follows Martin Rauch (Jonas Nay) as the 24 year-old East Germany native is pulled from the world as he knows it and sent to the West as an undercover spy for the Stasi foreign service. Hiding in plain sight in the West German army, he must gather the secrets of NATO military strategy. Everything is new, nothing is quite what it seems and everyone he encounters is harbouring secrets, both political and personal.

     

    The series is produced by UFA Fiction, the creators of Generation War, for RTL Television in Germany. Created by Anna Winger and Joerg Winger, and executive produced by UFA Fiction’s Joerg Winger and Nico Hofmann. The series is directed by Edward Berger and Samira Radsi.

  • FremantleMedia acquires French scripted producer Kwai

    FremantleMedia acquires French scripted producer Kwai

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired a majority stake in French scripted producer Kwai. The Paris-based fiction company specialises in TV films and series and is headed up by writer and producer Thomas Bourguignon, creator of Femmes de Loi, the popular French detective series that ran from 2000-2009.

     

    Together with the recent acquisition of Fontaram, the deal gives FremantleMedia more scripted prowess in France and adds another prominent creative talent to its global network. Bourguignon has extensive experience and success in France and has the ambition to produce series that appeal beyond the French borders.

     

    The deal was brokered by FremantleMedia France CEO Monica Galer, who will also be the CEO of Kwai.

     

    Galer said, “Thomas Bourguignon is a brilliant writer and producer and we look forward to creating some really exciting scripted projects with him, in France and beyond.”

     

    Kwai has recently delivered two TV films, Un Fils and Meurtre a Carcassonne, as well as pilot Le Zebre, all on air earlier this year. Upcoming series include Republican Gangsters for Canal+ and Godzilla for Arte.

     

    Prior to founding Kwai, Bourguigon was a film critic for Positif as well as a member of Gilles Jacob’s selection committee for the Cannes Film Festival for five years. He also worked as a TV program counsellor for M6; then joined Alizés Films where he created and produced the series Femmes de Loi. In 2002, Bourguignon set up BB Films with Patrick Benedek. Together, they produced many series for various French TV channels.

     

    This is the latest in a number of acquisitions and creative talent partnerships by FremantleMedia including Corona, Wildside, Fontaram, Naked Entertainment, No Pictures Please and Skylark.

  • FremantleMedia to launch 45 years of classic characters at MIPCOM

    FremantleMedia to launch 45 years of classic characters at MIPCOM

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International is celebrating its drama heritage with launch of 45 years of classic characters, Comedy and Drama. Featuring some of the most iconic titles and legendary characters, the classic collection will be launched to buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM.

     

    From much loved British sitcoms such as Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather, to action packed cop dramas The Sweeney and Minder, to internationally renowned favourites such as the unforgettable Baywatch and the laugh out loud Benny Hill, FremantleMedia International’s eclectic portfolio boasts much-loved characters and TV gems.

     

    FremantleMedia director of global drama Sarah Doole said, “For the past few years we’ve put a lot of focus on strengthening our drama portfolio, but little does everyone know that we’ve actually been producing scripted content for quite a while and are very lucky to have some real crown jewels of drama and comedy in our back catalogue. With classic characters, timeless storylines and iconic talent, these shows have entertained and influenced generations. With something for every taste, we’re thrilled to be presenting some of our extensive back catalogue at MIPCOM.”

     

    The 45 Years of Classic Characters: Comedy and Drama also includes shows like The Bill, Homicide: Life on Street, Lovejoy, Bless This House, Man About The House, George and Mildred, Robin’s Nest, Kate and Allie, Family Affairs, Love Hurts, Shine On Harvey Moon, Jack the Ripper, Murder Investigation Team, Fresh Fields and Covington Cro

  • FremantleMedia picks 75% stake in Dutch producer No Pictures Please

    FremantleMedia picks 75% stake in Dutch producer No Pictures Please

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired a 75 per cent stake in Dutch business No Pictures Please, a controversial factual programming company owned by presenter and producer Ewout Genemans.

     

    The company will sit alongside FremantleMedia’s entertainment and scripted businesses in the Netherlands, Blue Circle and FourOne.Media. 

     

    No Pictures Please is best known for De Roze Wildernis (Fathers Pride), about gay sons and their fathers; Super Fans: Mijn idool is mijn leven(Super Fans: My idol is my life), which follows fans as they try to get closer to their idols; and From Russia With Love, a look at the men who travel to the former Eastern bloc to find love.

     

    This is the latest in a number of recent investments by FremantleMedia including scripted businesses Wildside (Italy), Fontaram (France) and Corona Pictures (UK). 

     

    The No Pictures Please deal was brokered by Blue Circle CEO Georgette Schlick. 

     

    “Ewout has been on Dutch screens for more than ten years and has developed a very keen eye for what audiences want. We’re delighted to be working with him and excited for what he will continue to produce for the Dutch and global market,” Schlick said. 

     

    Genemans added, “Being a part of Blue Circle and ultimately FremantleMedia presents a great opportunity to work with a fantastic Dutch operation as well as a globally established network of some of the best creative minds in television.”

  • FremantleMedia brings ratings winners to MIPCOM 2015

    FremantleMedia brings ratings winners to MIPCOM 2015

    MUMBAI: An exciting line up of bold and energetic titles are on their way to this year’s MIPCOM, set to grab the attention of worldwide TV buyers. 

     

    FremantleMedia director of global entertainment Rob Clark said, “I love how brilliantly diverse our formats feel this MIPCOM. Every show is a proven ratings success and has been tried and tested in some of our toughest markets. From enticing new titles set to shake up schedules to reinvigorated classics with a modern twist, I’m confident we can cater to audiences across the globe.” 

    First from the slate is La Banda, a dramatically different new music reality competition where, for the first time ever, the fans are in control. Developed by SYCO Entertainment, Saban Brands and Univision Network, La Banda’s recent launch in the US placed Univision as the No. 4 broadcast TV network – 74 per cent above Univision’s regular Sunday audience average. 

     

    Then, prepare to strap on those safety goggles for The Eureka Moment – an explosive new game show by Blue Circle that that supersizes classroom chemistry into classic prime time entertainment. The series launch on RTL4 positioned the show #1 in its timeslot and above all the #1 entertainment launch in the Netherlands in 2015. In each episode, two couples go head to head as they test their popular science knowledge and come face to face with a raft of dangerous stunts and wacky experiments, all in the bid to win a luxury holiday. 

     

    Next it’s time to play some virtual quiz tennis with fast paced game show format Rebound produced by Thames. Taking inspiration from a retro video game Rebound challenges wit, knowledge and composure as two contender’s battle it out before the iconic visual ‘Moving Bar’ creeps across the studio and eliminates them from the game. Players must respond swiftly and correctly before the bar reaches them in order to divert the Bar back towards their opponent. With large cash jackpot at stake the contestants need to think fast and beat the bar.

     

    Think you know quiz shows? Think again! Who Knew? is a brand new addition to the game show genre by UFA Show and Factual that works both stripped across the week or in a prime time slot. The celebrity panel series launched on Germany’s ARD and was #1 in its timeslot as well as landing the highest rated Saturday night game show launch in eight years. Who Knew? provides a daily dose of nutty knowledge by featuring an array of very unusual questions that unveil some crazy facts from everyday life, scientific studies, or even practical hints and tips. 

     

    Additionally, two much loved classic formats have been given a fresh injection of fun for today’s audience.Celebrity Family Feud is the USA’s highest rated new entertainment launch of the 2014/15 season and sees celebrity families compete against each other in the star-studded version of iconic game show Family Feud. To Tell The Truth is the beloved 1960’s classic hit gameshow, which has been rebooted and returns to our screens. Anarchic and funny, this format features a celebrity panel who need to guess who is telling the truth between three people all claiming to be the same person with the same incredible talent, job or achievement.

     

    To round off the new line-up, FremantleMedia presents Lords and Ladles – an entertaining lifestyle format by Mind the Gap Films that invites viewers on a historical journey celebrating the past through the wonders of food and the glories of cooking. The show is fronted by three intrepid chefs who will recreate grand feasts based on original recipe books from centuries ago. The audience is given a unique opportunity to peep behind closed doors delving into the histories of some of the grandest private homes to witness the everyday lives of the families who lived there.

  • FremantleMedia picks up 25% stake in Simon Andreae’s Naked Entertainment

    FremantleMedia picks up 25% stake in Simon Andreae’s Naked Entertainment

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has taken a 25 per cent stake in Simon Andreae’s newly formed production company Naked Entertainment.

     

    Based in London, Naked Entertainment will develop original entertainment, factual, and factual entertainment formats, with series and one-off specials. The deal will further strengthen FremantleMedia’s content pipeline for the UK and global distribution market.

     

    FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “We are actively looking for the right companies and talent to expand and strengthen our business. Simon is one of the industry’s preeminent factual entertainment producers with a long history of delivering hits with global appeal. He already has a strong development slate and I’m really pleased to be partnering with him to bring his projects to audiences around the world.”

     

    Andreae added, “I’m excited to be back in the UK and delighted to be partnering with FremantleMedia, whose depth of experience and breadth of reach in entertainment programming is unrivalled. Naked, as the name suggests, aims to be provocative and risk-taking – but also kind of simple and straightforward –  producing content designed to attract, surprise, and I hope delight audiences both in the UK and overseas.”

     

    Andreae was most recently at Fox Broadcasting’s Alternative Entertainment as executive vice president in the US. Here, he oversaw all the network’s unscripted series and specials, including MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, So You Think You Can Dance, World’s Funniest Fails, Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution, and Hilary Swank’s Cause for Paws.

     

    Prior to Fox, he was senior vice president, development and production, for Discovery, where he developed ratings hits Naked and Afraidand Fast N Loud, as well as supervised the multi-award winning Curiosity series hosted by Stephen Hawking, Donald Trump, and Samuel L Jackson, among others.

     

    He was also a founding partner of UK indie Optomen Television, helping grow it into one of the UK’s largest non-scripted prod-cos with a broad mix of programming including Police, Camera, Action!, The Naked Chef, Anatomy of Desire and Gore Vidal’s American Presidency.

  • Fremantle’s Ludia to invest $30 million for expansion plans

    Fremantle’s Ludia to invest $30 million for expansion plans

    MUMBAI: On the heels of the global success of its latest title, Jurassic World: The Game, FremantleMedia’s mobile and online game developer Ludia is planning to invest a sum of $30 million to support the expansion of the Montreal studio and team.

     

    Additionally, the company will also be creating 100 new positions as it begins work on four new franchises, expanding its portfolio. The expansion of the Montreal studio will allow the 100 new hires to join the 300 employees already assigned to different projects.

     

    “We are thrilled with today’s news as it clearly demonstrates the tremendous growth and achievements Ludia has experienced. Such an investment in resources, infrastructure and renowned intellectual properties is a testament to the quality of Ludia’s work and the growth of the mobile and online games industry,” said Ludia Inc president and CEO Alex Thabet.

     

    These new licenses will allow Ludia to take on more projects with a broader consumer appeal and reach a larger and more varied fan base in the range of casual to mid-core games.

     

    One of its most recent successes, Jurassic World: The Game, launched on 30 April, 2015, and generated close to $25 million in gross revenue in the month following the movie release. This makes Jurassic World: The Game Ludia’s biggest launch in the studio’s history. 

     

    “Montreal is a major player in the gaming industry, and as online and mobile platforms become more popular, our talent pool and infrastructure is increasingly attractive to world-class studios. Ludia is clearly a leader in the online and mobile space. Montreal is fortunate to play host to an innovative, growing industry leader,” said Montreal International president and CEO Dominique Anglade.

     

    “In 10 years, Montréal’s video game industry has experienced an annual average growth of 22 per cent from 1,200 to 8,900 jobs. Companies like Ludia, at the forefront of innovation and creativity, have supported the creation of these high-value jobs, in a promising sector of our economy. Their many successes highlight Montréalers’ expertise around the world and help position the city as a world capital of digital entertainment,” said Mayor of Montréal and Montréal Metropolitan Community president Denis Coderre.

     

    Ludia is also known for its online and mobile games based on franchises like Dragons: Rise of Berk and Family Feud.

  • FremantleMedia acquires 51% stake in Fontaram

    FremantleMedia acquires 51% stake in Fontaram

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired a majority stake in Fontaram, the newly formed French scripted company from well known French producer-writer partners François Aramburu and Pascal Fontanille.

     

    FremantleMedia will have a 51 per cent holding with the opportunity to buy the remaining shareholding in the future.

     

    The acquisition is part of FremantleMedia’s drive to expand its scripted presence globally and follows its recent purchase of Wildside, an Italian TV and feature film company. The deal was brokered by FremantleMedia France CEO Monica Galer, who will have a seat on the board of the new company. 

     

    Galer said, “François and Pascale are incredibly talented drama producers with a wealth of experience and long standing relationships with all of the major French broadcasters. This is an important deal for FremantleMedia as we establish our scripted presence in France and I look forward to a successful creative partnership with the duo.”

     

    Aramburu and Fontanille added, “In creating Fontaram and partnering with FremantleMedia, we are giving our new production company the best possible foundation to grow while also fulfilling our creative ambition. Joining an international group to produce French drama and international co-production both broadens our opportunities and allows us to develop new content, within an environment that is constantly changing.”

     

    Prior to forming Fontaram, Aramburu and Fontanille founded Merlin Productions in 2000. The producers are best known for popular drama such as Clem (TF1) with Victoria Abril and Lucie Lucas, the most successful drama in France in 2010. Other recent successes include On se retrouvera (TF1), Meurtres au Pays Basque and Meurtres ? Guérande (France 3).

  • FremantleMedia acquires majority stake in Wildside

    FremantleMedia acquires majority stake in Wildside

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired Italian television and feature film producer Wildside. Under the deal, FremantleMedia will have a 62.5 per cent holding with the opportunity to acquire the remaining shareholding in the future. 

     

    Wildside is currently producing The Young Pope, a joint Sky, HBO and Canal + production, directed by Academy Award winner Paolo Sorrentino, and starring two time Academy Award nominee Jude Law and Academy Award winner Diane Keaton. FremantleMedia International is distributing the title in the non-partner territories. 

     

    Founded in 2009, Wildside established itself as one of the most prominent high end drama producers for the Italian and international markets. Recent successes include the Italian version of In Treatment Season 1 and 2 (Sky) and 1992 (Sky), which premiered to critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival this year. On the big screen, Wildside Cinema’s successes include award-winning Hungry Hearts, directed by Saverio Costanzo and starring up and coming talent Adam Driver (recently cast in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens), the EFA Best Comedy 2014 winner The Mafia Kills Only in Summer directed by Pif, the award winning Me and You directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and The Solitude of Prime Numberswhich was nominated for the Golden Lion at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival in 2010. 

     

    FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “This is a key strategic acquisition for FremantleMedia as we continue to strengthen our prime-time scripted presence. Wildside is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought after drama producers and will complement our existing prime-time drama businesses in the US, Germany, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Australia and the UK. The team have an impressive track record of attracting world class creative talent and delivering award winning drama so I’m really excited that they are joining our family of production companies.” 

     

    Based in Rome, the company was founded in 2009 by producers Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani, script writers and directors Marco Martani, Fausto Brizzi and Saverio Costanzo following the merger of Wilder and Offside production companies.

  • Marks & Gran partner Corona TV for new joint venture

    Marks & Gran partner Corona TV for new joint venture

    MUMBAI: British TV writing duo Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran are planning to couple their creative engine with Corona TV’s Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn in a new joint venture.

     

    The new company will create original scripted programme that will captivate a new generation of mainstream audiences all over the world. LocomoTV is already building up a head of steam with a number of projects already in development.

     

    Speaking on this partnership, Marks and Gran said, “One of the most exciting and rewarding phases of our career was when we had our own production company, ALOMO, in partnership with Allan McKeown, a brilliant, dynamic and forceful executive. We feel a similar frisson in getting together with the young (compared to us), ambitious and enthusiastic production pairing of Johns and Jermyn. We still generate far too many ideas for new projects, so we couldn’t ignore the opportunity to team up with the Corona boys and bring some extra fizz to television.”

     

    LocomoTV will be supported by FremantleMedia, which already has a stake in Corona TV and has the rights to much of Marks & Gran’s back catalogue following Pearson’s acquisition of SelecTV in 1996. FremantleMedia will work with the new company on development and has a first look to distribute any titles originated by LocomoTV. 

     

    FremantleMedia and LocomoTV will also combine to exploit Marks and Gran’s considerable back catalogue through the distribution arm of FremantleMedia International.

     

    Corona Television co-CEOs Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn added, “Lo and Mo are long-standing pals of ours who just happen to be two of the UK’s best TV writers, and who are bubbling with as much creative energy as they ever were. Decades of success have not blunted one little bit their appetite to bring compelling, deeply human stories and characters to audiences in the UK and worldwide.” 

     

    They further added, “Lo and Mo’s ability to deliver an emotional and dramatic reach to the broadest audiences, across all the ages, classes and the sexes is unrivalled in contemporary British television, and is frankly pretty unique worldwide. It is testament to their deep understanding of the human condition and their skill in finding fresh and compelling ways to highlight aspects of it to audiences. We’re so proud to be launching this bold and ambitious new company together.”

     

    In recent years the duo diversified their talents by moving into theatre, creating hit stage plays such as The Blair B’stard Project, Birds of a Feather – Live and Von Ribbentrop’s Watch. They also wrote the book for Olivier nominated musical Dreamboats and Petticoats and its sequel Dreamboats and Miniskirts, which is currently touring.

     

    Marks & Gran recently received a “Living Legends of Comedy” award by the British Comedy Society and are soon to appear on BBC Radio 4’s iconic Desert Island Discs.