Paramount+’s spy thriller The Department is starting to fill out its ranks.
The drama series, based on the French hit Le Bureau des Legendes, has tapped Joe Wright (Atonement, 2005’s Pride & Prejudice) as director of the first two episodes and Jez and John-Henry Butterworth (Ford v. Ferrari, Edge of Tomorrow) to write all 10 installments. The series, which comes from Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, is aiming for a premiere date later this year on Paramount+ With Showtime.
The Department snagged a straight-to-series order in February 2023 at Showtime (shortly after Paramount Global announced the premium cabler would effectively be folded into Paramount+). At the time, George Clooney was announced as director, but he has ceded those duties to Wright. Clooney and producing partner Grant Heslov remain executive producers of the series, via their Smokehouse Pictures.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on...
The drama series, based on the French hit Le Bureau des Legendes, has tapped Joe Wright (Atonement, 2005’s Pride & Prejudice) as director of the first two episodes and Jez and John-Henry Butterworth (Ford v. Ferrari, Edge of Tomorrow) to write all 10 installments. The series, which comes from Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, is aiming for a premiere date later this year on Paramount+ With Showtime.
The Department snagged a straight-to-series order in February 2023 at Showtime (shortly after Paramount Global announced the premium cabler would effectively be folded into Paramount+). At the time, George Clooney was announced as director, but he has ceded those duties to Wright. Clooney and producing partner Grant Heslov remain executive producers of the series, via their Smokehouse Pictures.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on...
- 3/5/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Joe Wright and writers Jez and John-Henry Butterworth have all boarded the upcoming Paramount+ series “The Department.”
The Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios series, which was announced with a straight-to-series order in February 2023, is based on the French drama series “Le Bureau des Legendes” created by Eric Rochant. Wright will direct the first two episodes and executive produce, while the Butterworths will writer and executive produce all episodes. George Clooney was originally announced as directing the series. He and Grant Heslov remain onboard as executive producers via Smokehouse Pictures.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on intricate details to craft immersive and visually striking stories,” said Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “And, Jez and John-Henry are masterful writers whose witty and emotionally charged language dives deep into their characters’ moral complexities, while simultaneously creating a propulsive narrative. Bringing these powerhouse...
The Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios series, which was announced with a straight-to-series order in February 2023, is based on the French drama series “Le Bureau des Legendes” created by Eric Rochant. Wright will direct the first two episodes and executive produce, while the Butterworths will writer and executive produce all episodes. George Clooney was originally announced as directing the series. He and Grant Heslov remain onboard as executive producers via Smokehouse Pictures.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on intricate details to craft immersive and visually striking stories,” said Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “And, Jez and John-Henry are masterful writers whose witty and emotionally charged language dives deep into their characters’ moral complexities, while simultaneously creating a propulsive narrative. Bringing these powerhouse...
- 3/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Joe Wright, director behind the Golden Globe and multi-bafta winning films Pride and Prejudice, The Darkest Hour and Atonement, is set to direct and executive produce The Department, based on the acclaimed French espionage political thriller The Bureau, from George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios. Wright replaces Clooney, who initially was slated to direct the series.
Also boarding the series are Tony Award-winning writer Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, who will executive produce and pen all 10 episodes. Clooney and Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures along with David C. Glasser and 101 Studios.
Given a straight-to-series at Showtime in 2023, The Department will premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime later this year.
Michael Fassbender is reported to be in talks to star in the series.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on...
Also boarding the series are Tony Award-winning writer Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, who will executive produce and pen all 10 episodes. Clooney and Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures along with David C. Glasser and 101 Studios.
Given a straight-to-series at Showtime in 2023, The Department will premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime later this year.
Michael Fassbender is reported to be in talks to star in the series.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on...
- 3/5/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Fassbender has entered into talks to join the cast of the George Clooney espionage thriller series ‘The Department.’
Based on ‘The Bureau,’ the hit French spy show, the story centres on a member of a clandestine branch of the French Secret Services (Dgse) who returns to his home base after a six-year mission in Damascus. As he struggles to let go of his false identity and illicit affair with a Syrian woman, he finds himself playing a double game between the Dgse and the CIA.
Also in news – Tom Cruise in talks to join Alejandro González Iñárritu untitled project
Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, the series will be executive produced by Keith Cox and Nina L. Diaz of Mtve Studios; David Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin and Bob Yari of 101 Studios (“Yellowstone”); Alex Berger for The Originals Productions; and Ashley Stern and Pascal Breton for Federation Studios/Federation Entertainment of America.
Based on ‘The Bureau,’ the hit French spy show, the story centres on a member of a clandestine branch of the French Secret Services (Dgse) who returns to his home base after a six-year mission in Damascus. As he struggles to let go of his false identity and illicit affair with a Syrian woman, he finds himself playing a double game between the Dgse and the CIA.
Also in news – Tom Cruise in talks to join Alejandro González Iñárritu untitled project
Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, the series will be executive produced by Keith Cox and Nina L. Diaz of Mtve Studios; David Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin and Bob Yari of 101 Studios (“Yellowstone”); Alex Berger for The Originals Productions; and Ashley Stern and Pascal Breton for Federation Studios/Federation Entertainment of America.
- 2/28/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Michael Fassbender is in negotiations to star in “The Department,” an espionage thriller series executive produced by George Clooney.
Set to start shooting in London this spring, “The Department” is based on “The Bureau,” the hit French spy show created, directed and produced by Eric Rochant. It has already been given a straight-to-series order by Showtime. The series is produced by Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.
The original French show starred Matthieu Kassovitz as Guillaume Debailly — alias Paul Lefebvre, alias Malotru — a member of a clandestine branch of the French Secret Services (Dgse) who returns to his home base after a six-year mission in Damascus. As he struggles to let go of his false identity and illicit affair with a Syrian woman, he finds himself playing a double game between the Dgse and the CIA. The show was a smash hit on...
Set to start shooting in London this spring, “The Department” is based on “The Bureau,” the hit French spy show created, directed and produced by Eric Rochant. It has already been given a straight-to-series order by Showtime. The series is produced by Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.
The original French show starred Matthieu Kassovitz as Guillaume Debailly — alias Paul Lefebvre, alias Malotru — a member of a clandestine branch of the French Secret Services (Dgse) who returns to his home base after a six-year mission in Damascus. As he struggles to let go of his false identity and illicit affair with a Syrian woman, he finds himself playing a double game between the Dgse and the CIA. The show was a smash hit on...
- 2/27/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Japanese manga series “Tiger Mask” is being adapted into a live-action feature for the international market by Italy’s Fabula Pictures and Brandon Box and Japan’s Kodansha.
The popular manga, which follows a ruthless professional Japanese wrestler named Naoto Date who after making it big in the U.S. returns to his country and fights against evil forces, previously inspired an anime TV series made by Japan’s Toei Animation.
“Tiger Mask’ is a long-beloved figure both in Japan and Italy, where he’s been [considered] a strong, cool and timeless hero since the series’ first release in 1969,” Yohei Takami, head of Kodansha’s media business rights division, said in a statement.
“We are excited to be able to bring a new ‘Tiger Mask’ to global audiences, partnering with respected Italian filmmakers sharing the love and passion for ‘Tiger Mask’ with us, like Fabula Pictures and Brandon Box,” he added.
The popular manga, which follows a ruthless professional Japanese wrestler named Naoto Date who after making it big in the U.S. returns to his country and fights against evil forces, previously inspired an anime TV series made by Japan’s Toei Animation.
“Tiger Mask’ is a long-beloved figure both in Japan and Italy, where he’s been [considered] a strong, cool and timeless hero since the series’ first release in 1969,” Yohei Takami, head of Kodansha’s media business rights division, said in a statement.
“We are excited to be able to bring a new ‘Tiger Mask’ to global audiences, partnering with respected Italian filmmakers sharing the love and passion for ‘Tiger Mask’ with us, like Fabula Pictures and Brandon Box,” he added.
- 11/20/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Federation Studios, the Paris-based indie production and sales outfit behind popular French series “The Bureau,” is preparing to hit the sales block, Variety has confirmed.
Federation Studios has started discussions with investment banks in recent weeks for an advisor role, according to Reuters, which was first to report the news and said the banner could be valued at over €500 million ($535 million).
The company, which was founded by industry veteran Pascal Breton, indeed started these preliminary talks with financial advisors months ago and is looking sell to large chunk of the outfit, if not a majority stake, according to sources. The sales process could be launched during the first half of 2024. Federation Studios declined to comment on the reports.
Federation Studios previously ramped up its international business with the backing of Montefiore Investment, a French private equity firm which invested €50 million into the outfit in 2021. Several companies are already potentially interested in the asset.
Federation Studios has started discussions with investment banks in recent weeks for an advisor role, according to Reuters, which was first to report the news and said the banner could be valued at over €500 million ($535 million).
The company, which was founded by industry veteran Pascal Breton, indeed started these preliminary talks with financial advisors months ago and is looking sell to large chunk of the outfit, if not a majority stake, according to sources. The sales process could be launched during the first half of 2024. Federation Studios declined to comment on the reports.
Federation Studios previously ramped up its international business with the backing of Montefiore Investment, a French private equity firm which invested €50 million into the outfit in 2021. Several companies are already potentially interested in the asset.
- 11/9/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French production powerhouse Federation Studios is investigating strategic options that could include its full or partial sale, according to a Reuters news agency report on Thursday.
The report said that the Paris-based company been auditioning investment banks for an advisor role in recent weeks.
One source told Reuters that the company could begin an auction process next year, but the report also added that the current talks might not lead to any concrete sale plans.
A potential deal would see the company valued at around 500 million euros ($535m), it added.
Prolific French producer Pascal Breton launched Federation in 2015 and it has since grown into one of Europe’s leading production groups, with landmark shows including The Bureau and Around The World In 80 Days.
Montefiore Investment agreed to put €50m into the company in staggered phases in 2021, to accelerate its international grow.
The rest of the privately-owned company is mainly in the hands of Breton.
The report said that the Paris-based company been auditioning investment banks for an advisor role in recent weeks.
One source told Reuters that the company could begin an auction process next year, but the report also added that the current talks might not lead to any concrete sale plans.
A potential deal would see the company valued at around 500 million euros ($535m), it added.
Prolific French producer Pascal Breton launched Federation in 2015 and it has since grown into one of Europe’s leading production groups, with landmark shows including The Bureau and Around The World In 80 Days.
Montefiore Investment agreed to put €50m into the company in staggered phases in 2021, to accelerate its international grow.
The rest of the privately-owned company is mainly in the hands of Breton.
- 11/9/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Patrick Wachsberger’s Picture Perfect Entertainment is launching international sales on Jan Kounen’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man” starring Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of “The Artist.”
The ambitious film is a modern adaption of Richard Matheson’s science fiction novel, which was previously brought to the big screen by Universal Pictures in 1957 with Jack Arnold’s “The Shrinking Man.”
The French movie is being produced by Alain Goldman at Pitchipoi Productions and Picture Perfect, the vehicle launched by Wachsberger, the former co-chairman of Lionsgate who won a best picture Oscar for “Coda” in 2021.
Slated to start shooting in May 2024, the movie tells the story of a man who gradually shrinks to less than an inch tall after an exposure to a combination of radiation and insecticide. With medical science powerless to help him, brushes with cats, mouse traps and spiders become a matter of life and death, and he...
The ambitious film is a modern adaption of Richard Matheson’s science fiction novel, which was previously brought to the big screen by Universal Pictures in 1957 with Jack Arnold’s “The Shrinking Man.”
The French movie is being produced by Alain Goldman at Pitchipoi Productions and Picture Perfect, the vehicle launched by Wachsberger, the former co-chairman of Lionsgate who won a best picture Oscar for “Coda” in 2021.
Slated to start shooting in May 2024, the movie tells the story of a man who gradually shrinks to less than an inch tall after an exposure to a combination of radiation and insecticide. With medical science powerless to help him, brushes with cats, mouse traps and spiders become a matter of life and death, and he...
- 11/3/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Pascal Breton’s Federation Studios has launched an international theatrical sales label, Ginger & Fed, teaming up with former TF1 Studio sales executive Sabine Chemaly’s Ginger Films on the new division.
Chemaly will head up the new group, handling both film acquisitions and international sales, focusing on titles with theatrical potential in various international territories. She will work together with Federation’s sales team of Monica Levy, Guillaume Pommier, Sarah Zarka, Lucile Avezard and Jeromine Ader, as well as the company’s business affairs, servicing and marketing teams.
The first project under the new label will be Survive, a post-apocalyptic thriller from Monkey Pack, the Federation Studios-owned producers of Coralie Fargeat’s 2017 action horror hit Revenge. Frédéric Jardin is directing with Émilie Dequenne (Love Affair(s)) and Andreas Pietschmann (Dark) starring as a couple celebrating their son’s birthday on their boat in the middle of the ocean. But when...
Chemaly will head up the new group, handling both film acquisitions and international sales, focusing on titles with theatrical potential in various international territories. She will work together with Federation’s sales team of Monica Levy, Guillaume Pommier, Sarah Zarka, Lucile Avezard and Jeromine Ader, as well as the company’s business affairs, servicing and marketing teams.
The first project under the new label will be Survive, a post-apocalyptic thriller from Monkey Pack, the Federation Studios-owned producers of Coralie Fargeat’s 2017 action horror hit Revenge. Frédéric Jardin is directing with Émilie Dequenne (Love Affair(s)) and Andreas Pietschmann (Dark) starring as a couple celebrating their son’s birthday on their boat in the middle of the ocean. But when...
- 10/26/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First slate to include Rachel’s Game, Oldies But Goodies, Survive.
Powerhouse Paris-based media group Federation Studios has joined forces with veteran sales executive Sabine Chemaly to launch international film sales company Ginger & Fed.
The new venture, a partnership between Federation and Chemaly’s Ginger Films, will take on acquisitions and international sales for both in-house and third party films.
The feature-focused foray is an extension of Federation’s existing distribution of fiction, documentary and children’s programming and presence in production via global companies like Bonne Pioche, Cheyenne and Monkey Pack (Robin & Co) in France, Vertigo in the UK,...
Powerhouse Paris-based media group Federation Studios has joined forces with veteran sales executive Sabine Chemaly to launch international film sales company Ginger & Fed.
The new venture, a partnership between Federation and Chemaly’s Ginger Films, will take on acquisitions and international sales for both in-house and third party films.
The feature-focused foray is an extension of Federation’s existing distribution of fiction, documentary and children’s programming and presence in production via global companies like Bonne Pioche, Cheyenne and Monkey Pack (Robin & Co) in France, Vertigo in the UK,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Bureau creator Eric Rochant is today formally unveiling his production banner, Maui Entertainment, which has quietly launched with backing from Federation Studios.
In an exclusive interview to announce Maui, Rochant said creative talent “must be at the origin and center” of its projects, with a business model geared towards helping new writers and producers become showrunners. He also revealed he was working on a spy drama and a series with Spanish writer Isabel Coixet.
“I learned from Todd Kessler, who made Damages and Bloodline, that a good series must come from a writer who can explain why he’s the only one who can make a specific show,” said Rochant.
Maui quietly launched last year up with a Disney+ order, for Tout va Bien (Everything is Fine), but today marks its market launch. We can reveal the series is due to launch on November 15.
The eight-part show is from Camille de Castelnau,...
In an exclusive interview to announce Maui, Rochant said creative talent “must be at the origin and center” of its projects, with a business model geared towards helping new writers and producers become showrunners. He also revealed he was working on a spy drama and a series with Spanish writer Isabel Coixet.
“I learned from Todd Kessler, who made Damages and Bloodline, that a good series must come from a writer who can explain why he’s the only one who can make a specific show,” said Rochant.
Maui quietly launched last year up with a Disney+ order, for Tout va Bien (Everything is Fine), but today marks its market launch. We can reveal the series is due to launch on November 15.
The eight-part show is from Camille de Castelnau,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exec’s credits at ITV Studios owned Italian production company include ’ZeroZeroZero’, ’Gomorrah’ and ’Django.’
Marco Chimenz, the co-ceo of leading Italian producer Cattleya, is to join French group Federation Studios as co-managing director.
At Federation, Chimenz will work with founder and CEO Pascal Breton alongside co-managing director Lionel Uzan.
Chimenz will be joined at Federation by Joshua Berman, currently head of business and legal affairs at Cattleya, as international business affairs advisor. Both join on January 1, 2024.
One of Chimenz’s key focuses at Federation will be in setting up international co-productions.
Founded in 2013, production, financing and distribution group Federation has bases in Paris,...
Marco Chimenz, the co-ceo of leading Italian producer Cattleya, is to join French group Federation Studios as co-managing director.
At Federation, Chimenz will work with founder and CEO Pascal Breton alongside co-managing director Lionel Uzan.
Chimenz will be joined at Federation by Joshua Berman, currently head of business and legal affairs at Cattleya, as international business affairs advisor. Both join on January 1, 2024.
One of Chimenz’s key focuses at Federation will be in setting up international co-productions.
Founded in 2013, production, financing and distribution group Federation has bases in Paris,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Marco Chimenz, Co-CEO of Italy’s Cattleya the prominent ITV-owned outfit behind “Gomorrah” and “ZeroZeroZero,” will be leaving the company in January to join pan-European powerhouse Federation Studios.
At Federation Chimenz will serve as group co-managing director of the expanding production and distribution studio that currently comprises 35 production companies, working closely with founder and CEO Pascal Breton and Federation co-director Lionel Uzan.
Founded in 2013, Federation is a production, financing and distribution studio with subsidiaries and associate production companies based in Paris, Los Angeles, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Cologne, London, Brussels and Tel Aviv. The group’s best-known titles include “The Bureau,” “In Treatment,” “Baby,” “Hostages,” “Marseille,” “Bad Banks,” “Your Honor,” and “Around the World in 80 Days.”
Chimenz will continue to work with Cattleya’s Spanish affiliate on several productions until 2025. He will also continue to operate with longtime collaborator Joshua Berman, who is currently head of business affairs at Cattleya.
At Federation Chimenz will serve as group co-managing director of the expanding production and distribution studio that currently comprises 35 production companies, working closely with founder and CEO Pascal Breton and Federation co-director Lionel Uzan.
Founded in 2013, Federation is a production, financing and distribution studio with subsidiaries and associate production companies based in Paris, Los Angeles, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Cologne, London, Brussels and Tel Aviv. The group’s best-known titles include “The Bureau,” “In Treatment,” “Baby,” “Hostages,” “Marseille,” “Bad Banks,” “Your Honor,” and “Around the World in 80 Days.”
Chimenz will continue to work with Cattleya’s Spanish affiliate on several productions until 2025. He will also continue to operate with longtime collaborator Joshua Berman, who is currently head of business affairs at Cattleya.
- 10/4/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Anne de Galard and Eric Garnet’s Paris-based animation company, Go-n Productions, has been acquired by Pascal Breton and Lionel Uzan’s fast-growing Federation Studios (formerly known as Federation Entertainment).
Established in 2004, Go-n’s credits include such series as Simon Super Rabbit, Lou!, Zip Zip and Tootuff. The company is hot off being named Producer of the Year at the recent edition of Cartoon Forum.
By joining Federation, Go-n becomes part of a group of 35 production companies in France and around the world, including Vertigo Films, Bonne Pioche and Cottonwood Media. The companies benefit from Federation’s extensive global reach thanks to its in-house sales and distribution operations. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Go-n brings to children’s division, Federation Kids & Family, 11 series totaling 250 half-hours of animation. The enhanced Kids & Family catalogue now includes over 730 half-hours of animation and live-action programming.
Garnet and De Galard, commented,...
Established in 2004, Go-n’s credits include such series as Simon Super Rabbit, Lou!, Zip Zip and Tootuff. The company is hot off being named Producer of the Year at the recent edition of Cartoon Forum.
By joining Federation, Go-n becomes part of a group of 35 production companies in France and around the world, including Vertigo Films, Bonne Pioche and Cottonwood Media. The companies benefit from Federation’s extensive global reach thanks to its in-house sales and distribution operations. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Go-n brings to children’s division, Federation Kids & Family, 11 series totaling 250 half-hours of animation. The enhanced Kids & Family catalogue now includes over 730 half-hours of animation and live-action programming.
Garnet and De Galard, commented,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Fast-growing French production group Federation Studios has acquired French animation company Go-n Productions, Federation unveiled on Monday.
The animation studio, set up by Anne de Galard and Eric Garnet in 2004, is known for such kids series as Simon Super Rabbit, Lou!, Zip Zip and Tootuff. That week, it was named producer of the year at the 2023 Cartoon Forum in Toulouse.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
The Go-n library of 11 series totaling some 250 half hours of premium animation will be added to Federation’s Kids & Family division, which now boasts more than 730 half-hours of kids animation and live-action programming.
“Go-n has been creating premium animation for almost 20 years now, and this next stage in our company’s evolution will take things to a whole new level,” Garnet and de Galard said in a statement. “Our main focus has been on content and talent, extending out programs to young audiences worldwide,...
The animation studio, set up by Anne de Galard and Eric Garnet in 2004, is known for such kids series as Simon Super Rabbit, Lou!, Zip Zip and Tootuff. That week, it was named producer of the year at the 2023 Cartoon Forum in Toulouse.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
The Go-n library of 11 series totaling some 250 half hours of premium animation will be added to Federation’s Kids & Family division, which now boasts more than 730 half-hours of kids animation and live-action programming.
“Go-n has been creating premium animation for almost 20 years now, and this next stage in our company’s evolution will take things to a whole new level,” Garnet and de Galard said in a statement. “Our main focus has been on content and talent, extending out programs to young audiences worldwide,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Federation Studios Taps TF1 Head Of Drama
Former TF1 Head of Drama Anne Viau has joined Paris-based film and TV company Federation Studios, as she launches her own production company, Quelle Aventure!. Her fledgling banner joins another 20 labels, also including Bonne Pioche, Cottonwood Media, Fabula Pictures and Picture Perfect Federation, a joint venture between Patrick Wachsberger and Federation Studio co-heads Pascal Breton and Lionel Uzan. Viau was Head Of Drama at TF1 from 2018 until this month, overseeing series such as The Bonfire of Destiny or Women at War, Hpi, Balthazar, One of Us, Tomorrow is Ours and Ici Tout Commence. Viau said Quelle Aventure! marked a new chapter in her professional life. “This venture also allows me to return to my first love, which is writing and which is central to my new role as a producer, alongside attracting key talent and sourcing great stories,” she said. The partnership will...
Former TF1 Head of Drama Anne Viau has joined Paris-based film and TV company Federation Studios, as she launches her own production company, Quelle Aventure!. Her fledgling banner joins another 20 labels, also including Bonne Pioche, Cottonwood Media, Fabula Pictures and Picture Perfect Federation, a joint venture between Patrick Wachsberger and Federation Studio co-heads Pascal Breton and Lionel Uzan. Viau was Head Of Drama at TF1 from 2018 until this month, overseeing series such as The Bonfire of Destiny or Women at War, Hpi, Balthazar, One of Us, Tomorrow is Ours and Ici Tout Commence. Viau said Quelle Aventure! marked a new chapter in her professional life. “This venture also allows me to return to my first love, which is writing and which is central to my new role as a producer, alongside attracting key talent and sourcing great stories,” she said. The partnership will...
- 9/8/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A pulse-pounding, pulled-from-the-headlines story of political intrigue set against the backdrop of Europe’s green revolution is at the heart of “Greater Adria,” an ambitious, pan-European co-production being prepped by some of the continent’s top independent TV producers.
The series, co-created by Nebojša Taraba and Simona Nobile, is produced by Taraba for Croatia’s Drugi Plan, Peter Nadermann of Germany’s Nadcon Film and Marco de Angelis for Italy’s Fabula Pictures. Also on board is Belgian distribution and production outfit Lumiere, the leading distributor in the Benelux region, while public broadcasters Hrt from Croatia and Rtv of Slovenia are among the financiers.
“Greater Adria” begins with a trans-national European green party calling for a referendum to ban all present and future exploitation of oil and gas in the Adriatic Sea. But the unexplained death of a well-known Italian scientist in the coastal town of Rijeka fuels suspicion of a sprawling international conspiracy.
The series, co-created by Nebojša Taraba and Simona Nobile, is produced by Taraba for Croatia’s Drugi Plan, Peter Nadermann of Germany’s Nadcon Film and Marco de Angelis for Italy’s Fabula Pictures. Also on board is Belgian distribution and production outfit Lumiere, the leading distributor in the Benelux region, while public broadcasters Hrt from Croatia and Rtv of Slovenia are among the financiers.
“Greater Adria” begins with a trans-national European green party calling for a referendum to ban all present and future exploitation of oil and gas in the Adriatic Sea. But the unexplained death of a well-known Italian scientist in the coastal town of Rijeka fuels suspicion of a sprawling international conspiracy.
- 8/15/2023
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we’re talking to UK indie veteran Vertigo Films, producer of hit TV shows Britannia, Bulletproof and James Corden and Sally Hawkins starrer Mammals and feature films Monsters, Bronson and Streetdance 3D. Last year, Federation Entertainment acquired a majority stake in the company and we talk about that deal, Vertigo’s pivot from UK indie film to television and why they’re turning their heads back to the indie film space again.
James Richardson and Allan Niblo remember the exact moment they decided to make the jump from the indie film space into the television sphere. It was at the 2014 American Film Market – one of their busiest markets – when the Vertigo Films co-founders walked into the Loews in Santa Monica...
James Richardson and Allan Niblo remember the exact moment they decided to make the jump from the indie film space into the television sphere. It was at the 2014 American Film Market – one of their busiest markets – when the Vertigo Films co-founders walked into the Loews in Santa Monica...
- 5/11/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Once pitted against each other as rivals, streamers and broadcasters have become unlikely allies in the face of increased competition and economic pressure following the pandemic and the launch of more content viewing platforms.
Even in France, where Netflix was referred to as the “devil” by France Televisions president Delphine Ernotte Cunci in a 2019 interview, the tide has turned and a number of ambitious series have been jointly financed by both local broadcasters and streamers.
Examples of collaborations vary from period drama series such as “The Bonfire of Destiny” and “Women at War,” from TF1 and Netflix, to action series like Ziad Doueiri’s “Dark Hearts,” from France Televisions and Amazon Prime Video. What do these shows have in common? They shot in French with local casts, and have the high budgets and production values that are typically allocated to international co-productions like “Marie Antoinette,” which shot in English and...
Even in France, where Netflix was referred to as the “devil” by France Televisions president Delphine Ernotte Cunci in a 2019 interview, the tide has turned and a number of ambitious series have been jointly financed by both local broadcasters and streamers.
Examples of collaborations vary from period drama series such as “The Bonfire of Destiny” and “Women at War,” from TF1 and Netflix, to action series like Ziad Doueiri’s “Dark Hearts,” from France Televisions and Amazon Prime Video. What do these shows have in common? They shot in French with local casts, and have the high budgets and production values that are typically allocated to international co-productions like “Marie Antoinette,” which shot in English and...
- 4/14/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The accusations span the production of projects including Netflix series Marseille, period biopics L’Autre Dumas and La Vie En Rose and French comedy Disco.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an extensive report from Paris-based investigative news website Mediapart.
Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing through his legal team and has not been formally charged following the accusations.
Mediapart reported the accusations of actresses, make-up artists and production staff, many of whom preferred to remain anonymous. Their accusations detail inappropriate behaviour that allegedly occurred during the shooting of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022.
The...
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an extensive report from Paris-based investigative news website Mediapart.
Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing through his legal team and has not been formally charged following the accusations.
Mediapart reported the accusations of actresses, make-up artists and production staff, many of whom preferred to remain anonymous. Their accusations detail inappropriate behaviour that allegedly occurred during the shooting of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022.
The...
- 4/12/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
French actor Gerard Depardieu, who is already indicted on rape and sexual assault charges in connection to a 2018 case, is now being accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an investigative report published by Mediapart.
The accusations were made by female actors, make-up artists and production staff, some of whom spoke on the basis of anonymity, and allegedly occurred during the filming of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022. Mediapart said “one actress has just given her account to the French justice system.”
None of these 13 women have taken legal action against Depardieu, according to a statement provided to Variety by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
“The prosecutor has not received any new lawsuit. A formal investigation, launched in 2020 following the lawsuit filed by Charlotte Arnaud, is still ongoing,” continued the statement.
Depardieu’s legal representation Cabinet Temime has denied all the accusations and released a lengthy statement saying that the actor...
The accusations were made by female actors, make-up artists and production staff, some of whom spoke on the basis of anonymity, and allegedly occurred during the filming of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022. Mediapart said “one actress has just given her account to the French justice system.”
None of these 13 women have taken legal action against Depardieu, according to a statement provided to Variety by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
“The prosecutor has not received any new lawsuit. A formal investigation, launched in 2020 following the lawsuit filed by Charlotte Arnaud, is still ongoing,” continued the statement.
Depardieu’s legal representation Cabinet Temime has denied all the accusations and released a lengthy statement saying that the actor...
- 4/12/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
While she retired prematurely at the age of 39, Brigitte Bardot has left an indelible mark on France’s popular culture in the 1960s and 1970s. With her wild blonde mane, smoky eyes and pouty lips, Bardot became a symbol of a modern, effortlessly sexy French woman and a style emblem that continues to inspire current trends.
The event series “Bardot,” which is penned and directed by Daniele Thompson (“The Queen Margot”) and Christopher Thompson (“La bûche”), world premiered at Series Mania Festival to unanimous praise and has been pre-sold by Federation nearly worldwide.
“‘Bardot’ is like the French ‘The Crown’ because Bardot embodied France, and through her journey we reminisce about many parts of France’s history and popular culture in the 1950s and 1960s,” Federation’s boss and “Bardot” producer Pascal Breton told Variety. “That era is a historical moment where everything changes, where we go from black and white to color,...
The event series “Bardot,” which is penned and directed by Daniele Thompson (“The Queen Margot”) and Christopher Thompson (“La bûche”), world premiered at Series Mania Festival to unanimous praise and has been pre-sold by Federation nearly worldwide.
“‘Bardot’ is like the French ‘The Crown’ because Bardot embodied France, and through her journey we reminisce about many parts of France’s history and popular culture in the 1950s and 1960s,” Federation’s boss and “Bardot” producer Pascal Breton told Variety. “That era is a historical moment where everything changes, where we go from black and white to color,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime is teaming up with George Clooney.
The cabler on Monday handed out a straight-to-series order for The Department (working title), an adaptation of Le Bureau des Legendes.
Clooney and Grant Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures, with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios set to produce.
"The Department, based on the riveting and brilliant series The Bureau, will follow in the great tradition of Homeland, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime," said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media.
"Just as Homeland elevated global espionage to new heights, The Department will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats to the nation and the world."
Le Bureau centers on the daily life and missions of agents within France's principal external security service.
It focuses on the "Bureau of Legends,...
The cabler on Monday handed out a straight-to-series order for The Department (working title), an adaptation of Le Bureau des Legendes.
Clooney and Grant Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures, with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios set to produce.
"The Department, based on the riveting and brilliant series The Bureau, will follow in the great tradition of Homeland, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime," said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media.
"Just as Homeland elevated global espionage to new heights, The Department will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats to the nation and the world."
Le Bureau centers on the daily life and missions of agents within France's principal external security service.
It focuses on the "Bureau of Legends,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
George Clooney will direct and executive produce a political thriller series for Showtime called “The Department,” which has been given a straight-to-series order by the network. Clooney and Grant Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios set to produce.
The show is based on the acclaimed French drama series “Le Bureau des Legendes,” and Showtime and Paramount Media President/CEO Chris McCarthy compared this American adaptation to the network’s Emmy-winning hit series “Homeland.”
“’The Department,’ based on the riveting and brilliant series ‘The Bureau,’ will follow in the great tradition of ‘Homeland’, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said McCarthy. “Just as ‘Homeland’ elevated global espionage to new heights, ‘The Department’ will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats...
The show is based on the acclaimed French drama series “Le Bureau des Legendes,” and Showtime and Paramount Media President/CEO Chris McCarthy compared this American adaptation to the network’s Emmy-winning hit series “Homeland.”
“’The Department,’ based on the riveting and brilliant series ‘The Bureau,’ will follow in the great tradition of ‘Homeland’, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said McCarthy. “Just as ‘Homeland’ elevated global espionage to new heights, ‘The Department’ will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats...
- 2/6/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Showtime has given a straight-to-series order to The Department (w/t) based on the acclaimed French espionage political thriller The Bureau, from George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures, MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios. Clooney will direct the series and also executive produce with Heslov through their Smokehouse Pictures. Production is slated to begin later this year.
Created by Eric Rochant, Le Bureau centers on the daily life and missions of agents within France’s principal external security service. It focuses on the “Bureau of Legends,” responsible for training and handling deep-cover agents on long-term missions in areas with French interests. Living under false identities for years, these agents’ missions are to identify and recruit good intelligence sources.
The Department, based on the riveting and brilliant series The Bureau, will follow in the great tradition of Homeland, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said Chris McCarthy,...
Created by Eric Rochant, Le Bureau centers on the daily life and missions of agents within France’s principal external security service. It focuses on the “Bureau of Legends,” responsible for training and handling deep-cover agents on long-term missions in areas with French interests. Living under false identities for years, these agents’ missions are to identify and recruit good intelligence sources.
The Department, based on the riveting and brilliant series The Bureau, will follow in the great tradition of Homeland, one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said Chris McCarthy,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime has given a straight-to-series order to the political thriller series “The Department,” with George Clooney attached to direct.
Clooney and Grant Heslov will also serve as executive producers via Smokehouse Pictures. The show is based on the French series “Le Bureau des Legendes.” Production is slated to start later this year.
“‘The Department,’ based on the riveting and brilliant series ‘The Bureau,’ will follow in the great tradition of ‘Homeland,’ one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media. “Just as ‘Homeland’ elevated global espionage to new heights, ‘The Department’ will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats to the nation and the world.”
Per the official logline, the original show centers on “the daily life and missions of...
Clooney and Grant Heslov will also serve as executive producers via Smokehouse Pictures. The show is based on the French series “Le Bureau des Legendes.” Production is slated to start later this year.
“‘The Department,’ based on the riveting and brilliant series ‘The Bureau,’ will follow in the great tradition of ‘Homeland,’ one of the most successful and brand-defining shows at Showtime,” said Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media. “Just as ‘Homeland’ elevated global espionage to new heights, ‘The Department’ will take viewers even deeper into a world of intrigue and subterfuge with complicated characters who struggle with their own demons as they fight existential threats to the nation and the world.”
Per the official logline, the original show centers on “the daily life and missions of...
- 2/6/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Tenure starts January 30.
Rosalie Cimino has been named managing director and producer of Anonymous/Federation, the Paris-based joint venture between US management and production house Anonymous Content and rapidly expanding European independent studio Federation Studios.
Cimino is a former talent agent and partner at Ubba since 2010 after eight years at Intertalent alongside top French agent François Samuelson. She has managed the careers of several turned global stars including Matthias Schoenaerts, Mélanie Thierry, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Albert Dupontel, Alexandra Lamy, Anouk Grinberg, Nadine Labaki and Veerle Baetens.
Cimino is currently working on the follow-up to Baetens’ feature directorial debut When It Melts,...
Rosalie Cimino has been named managing director and producer of Anonymous/Federation, the Paris-based joint venture between US management and production house Anonymous Content and rapidly expanding European independent studio Federation Studios.
Cimino is a former talent agent and partner at Ubba since 2010 after eight years at Intertalent alongside top French agent François Samuelson. She has managed the careers of several turned global stars including Matthias Schoenaerts, Mélanie Thierry, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Albert Dupontel, Alexandra Lamy, Anouk Grinberg, Nadine Labaki and Veerle Baetens.
Cimino is currently working on the follow-up to Baetens’ feature directorial debut When It Melts,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Rosalie Cimino, a talent agent and partner with French agency Ubba, has been named the new managing director at Anonymous Federation, the recently-launched production joint venture owned by Anonymous Content and Federation Studios.
Cimino will take over in her new role Jan. 30, running Anonymous Federation alongside Federation’s Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger and Anonymous’ Dawn Olmstead, David Levine and David Davoli.
True Detective and Mr. Robot producer Anonymous launched the new Paris-based group with Federation, whose productions include French series The Bureau, German drama Bad Banks and pan-European limited series Around The World In 80 Days, late last year. It’s the latest international expansion for Anonymous, which already has production outlets in the U.K. (Chapter One), Scandinavia (AC Nordic) and South America (AC Brazil).
As an agent, Cimino has managed the careers of such European stars as Matthias Schoenaerts (The Swimmer), Veerle Baetens (The Broken...
Cimino will take over in her new role Jan. 30, running Anonymous Federation alongside Federation’s Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger and Anonymous’ Dawn Olmstead, David Levine and David Davoli.
True Detective and Mr. Robot producer Anonymous launched the new Paris-based group with Federation, whose productions include French series The Bureau, German drama Bad Banks and pan-European limited series Around The World In 80 Days, late last year. It’s the latest international expansion for Anonymous, which already has production outlets in the U.K. (Chapter One), Scandinavia (AC Nordic) and South America (AC Brazil).
As an agent, Cimino has managed the careers of such European stars as Matthias Schoenaerts (The Swimmer), Veerle Baetens (The Broken...
- 1/19/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Anonymous Content and Federation Studios have appointed Ubba agent Rosalie Cimino as MD and producer for Anonymous Federation, their French joint venture.
She will lead the Jv alongside Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger on behalf of Federation, and Dawn Olmstead, David Levine and David Davoli on behalf of Anonymous Content.
Ciminio begins her new role effective January 30. Among projects already underway, she is working on Veerle Baetens’s new film. The actress and director’s first movie, When It Melts, is currently in competition at Sundance in the World Drama category.
Cimino was a talent agent and partner at French talent agency Ubba since 2010 and before that spent eight years at agency Intertalent. She has repped or worked closely with talent including Matthias Schoenaerts, Mélanie Thierry, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Albert Dupontel, François-Xavier Demaison, Alexandra Lamy, Jérémie Guez, Coralie Fargeat, Anouk Grinberg, Nadine Labaki, Veerle Baetens, Hervé Hadmar,...
She will lead the Jv alongside Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger on behalf of Federation, and Dawn Olmstead, David Levine and David Davoli on behalf of Anonymous Content.
Ciminio begins her new role effective January 30. Among projects already underway, she is working on Veerle Baetens’s new film. The actress and director’s first movie, When It Melts, is currently in competition at Sundance in the World Drama category.
Cimino was a talent agent and partner at French talent agency Ubba since 2010 and before that spent eight years at agency Intertalent. She has repped or worked closely with talent including Matthias Schoenaerts, Mélanie Thierry, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Albert Dupontel, François-Xavier Demaison, Alexandra Lamy, Jérémie Guez, Coralie Fargeat, Anouk Grinberg, Nadine Labaki, Veerle Baetens, Hervé Hadmar,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Picture Perfect Federation and Zurich Avenue have teamed to acquire Jeneva Rose’s bestselling psychological thriller debut novel The Perfect Marriage. The film will be directed by Sigal Avin (Losing Alice), and the script is by Oscar-nominated scribe William Broyles (Apollo 13 and Cast Away).
The film will be produced by Patrick Wachsberger, who’s coming off Best Picture for Coda, and Ashley Stern for Picture Perfect Federation. Zurich Avenue’s Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani are exec producing alongside Broyles and Lenore Entertainment Group’s Adam Berkowitz, Avin’s manager. Olivia Wachsberger is co-executive producer.
Sarah Morgan is a successful defense attorney whose life gets flipped upside down when her husband is accused of murdering his mistress. She decides to take her husband’s case and at trial, the couple is pulled into a twisted game of cat and mouse as they re-examine their relationship while dealing with life-changing consequences.
The film will be produced by Patrick Wachsberger, who’s coming off Best Picture for Coda, and Ashley Stern for Picture Perfect Federation. Zurich Avenue’s Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani are exec producing alongside Broyles and Lenore Entertainment Group’s Adam Berkowitz, Avin’s manager. Olivia Wachsberger is co-executive producer.
Sarah Morgan is a successful defense attorney whose life gets flipped upside down when her husband is accused of murdering his mistress. She decides to take her husband’s case and at trial, the couple is pulled into a twisted game of cat and mouse as they re-examine their relationship while dealing with life-changing consequences.
- 10/20/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
International studio Federation (The Bureau, Around the World in 80 Days) has struck a deal to acquire a majority stake in London-based British film and television production company Vertigo Films (Britannia, Bulletproof, The Sweeney, Monsters).
Financial and other terms weren’t disclosed.
“The deal underlines both Vertigo Films’ and Federation’s ambitions to expand their offering of premium content to the global market and marks the continued expansion of the independent European studio, as it increases its investment in acclaimed production labels and creative talent,” the companies said.
“The acquisition follows an exceptionally busy year for Vertigo, which is currently in post-production on new comedy-drama series Mammals, by Jez Butterworth, starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins for Amazon, forthcoming ’80s set gangster epic A Town Called Malice by Nick Love for Sky Max, and has just wrapped principal photography on a new star-studded film for Sky Cinema,...
International studio Federation (The Bureau, Around the World in 80 Days) has struck a deal to acquire a majority stake in London-based British film and television production company Vertigo Films (Britannia, Bulletproof, The Sweeney, Monsters).
Financial and other terms weren’t disclosed.
“The deal underlines both Vertigo Films’ and Federation’s ambitions to expand their offering of premium content to the global market and marks the continued expansion of the independent European studio, as it increases its investment in acclaimed production labels and creative talent,” the companies said.
“The acquisition follows an exceptionally busy year for Vertigo, which is currently in post-production on new comedy-drama series Mammals, by Jez Butterworth, starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins for Amazon, forthcoming ’80s set gangster epic A Town Called Malice by Nick Love for Sky Max, and has just wrapped principal photography on a new star-studded film for Sky Cinema,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Federation is a France-based production and distribution company.
France-based production and distribution company Federation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in UK-based independent production outfit Vertigo Films.
Vertigo Films will continue to operate as a separate entity, specialising in development, production, marketing and financing of film and TV projects, with Federation bringing its expertise in international co-productions, and handling international sales where appropriate.
The deal is the first UK acquisition for the Federation group, which was founded in 2013 and now has around 20 subsidiaries or associate production companies around the world. The group’s credits include French-language series’ The Bureau, Marseilles...
France-based production and distribution company Federation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in UK-based independent production outfit Vertigo Films.
Vertigo Films will continue to operate as a separate entity, specialising in development, production, marketing and financing of film and TV projects, with Federation bringing its expertise in international co-productions, and handling international sales where appropriate.
The deal is the first UK acquisition for the Federation group, which was founded in 2013 and now has around 20 subsidiaries or associate production companies around the world. The group’s credits include French-language series’ The Bureau, Marseilles...
- 9/7/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Federation is a France-based production and distribution company.
France-based production and distribution company Federation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in UK-based independent production outfit Vertigo Films.
Vertigo Films will continue to operate as a separate entity, specialising in development, production, marketing and financing of film and TV projects, with Federation bringing its expertise in international co-productions, and handling international sales where appropriate.
The deal is the first UK acquisition for the Federation group, which was founded in 2013 and now has around 20 subsidiaries or associate production companies around the world. The group’s credits include French-language series’ The Bureau, Marseilles...
France-based production and distribution company Federation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in UK-based independent production outfit Vertigo Films.
Vertigo Films will continue to operate as a separate entity, specialising in development, production, marketing and financing of film and TV projects, with Federation bringing its expertise in international co-productions, and handling international sales where appropriate.
The deal is the first UK acquisition for the Federation group, which was founded in 2013 and now has around 20 subsidiaries or associate production companies around the world. The group’s credits include French-language series’ The Bureau, Marseilles...
- 9/7/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Federation Entertainment has hit the M&a trail once again by taking a majority stake in Britannia, Bronson and Bulletproof producer Vertigo Films, its first British acquisition.
The French Bureau and Around the World in 80 Days powerhouse has had a highly acquisitive year and the move comes almost exactly 12 months after Federation set up a UK production company helmed by two former eOne execs.
Launched 20 years ago, James Richardson and Allan Niblo’s Vertigo has been behind the likes of hit features Monster and Bronson. It moved into TV when CEO Jane Moore joined in 2014 and achieved success with Sky double Britannia and Bulletproof, although the latter was cancelled last year following the allegations made by 20 women against lead Noel Clarke, which he denies.
Vertigo is now working on Amazon Prime Video’s Jez Butterworth-penned Mammals starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins, 80s gangster epic A Town Called Malice and a yet-to-be-announced Sky Cinema film.
The French Bureau and Around the World in 80 Days powerhouse has had a highly acquisitive year and the move comes almost exactly 12 months after Federation set up a UK production company helmed by two former eOne execs.
Launched 20 years ago, James Richardson and Allan Niblo’s Vertigo has been behind the likes of hit features Monster and Bronson. It moved into TV when CEO Jane Moore joined in 2014 and achieved success with Sky double Britannia and Bulletproof, although the latter was cancelled last year following the allegations made by 20 women against lead Noel Clarke, which he denies.
Vertigo is now working on Amazon Prime Video’s Jez Butterworth-penned Mammals starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins, 80s gangster epic A Town Called Malice and a yet-to-be-announced Sky Cinema film.
- 9/7/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fledgling Federation Entertainment-backed German label Glisk has struck its first major talent deal, signing German author Ivar Leon Menger and setting its first three projects, Deadline can reveal.
Glisk will create TV versions of two of Menger’s audiobooks – Ghostbox and Monster 1983 – along with a film adaptation of debut novel When The Strangers Came, which recently sold as a six-figure two-book deal in a 10-way auction and will be published later this year in multiple languages.
The novel is set in the deep forests of Northland in a lakeside cabin on a small island, where 15-year-old Juno has lived in complete isolation with her family since early childhood, living in constant fear of ‘Strangers’ who want to take revenge on her father for testifying against one of them many years ago.
Meanwhile, Ghostbox is a mystery trilogy that tells the story of Lena Gruenwald, a young Berlin journalist who...
Glisk will create TV versions of two of Menger’s audiobooks – Ghostbox and Monster 1983 – along with a film adaptation of debut novel When The Strangers Came, which recently sold as a six-figure two-book deal in a 10-way auction and will be published later this year in multiple languages.
The novel is set in the deep forests of Northland in a lakeside cabin on a small island, where 15-year-old Juno has lived in complete isolation with her family since early childhood, living in constant fear of ‘Strangers’ who want to take revenge on her father for testifying against one of them many years ago.
Meanwhile, Ghostbox is a mystery trilogy that tells the story of Lena Gruenwald, a young Berlin journalist who...
- 5/4/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
MipTV returned to Cannes after two years with a much-reduced list of exhibitors, a compact agenda and bare Palais exteriors, devoid of its usual quirky advertising. Organizer Rx had the “pandemic effect” on its side, with most delegates on the ground — just over 5,000 in all, they say — appreciative of in-person meetings and reconnecting with long-lost contacts. Yet questions remain about the future of MipTV: will Rx sustain the momentum going into 2023 when the events calendar is (hopefully) back to its pre-pandemic configuration? Or, amid all the tectonic changes in the industry, will the global TV industry decide that, in fact, an international meeting point is, in fact, necessary? Read on for Variety’s top takeaways.
New-Look MipTV
Anyone who went to Mipcom in October had already glimpsed the sight of a stripped-down Cannes market, but it was jarring to see bare Palais exteriors (normally adorned with the latest Fremantle drama...
New-Look MipTV
Anyone who went to Mipcom in October had already glimpsed the sight of a stripped-down Cannes market, but it was jarring to see bare Palais exteriors (normally adorned with the latest Fremantle drama...
- 4/6/2022
- by Manori Ravindran, John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy, K.J. Yossman and Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Around The World in 80 Days outfit Federation Entertainment has taken its second stake in a French production company of the year, acquiring 51% of Yves Darondeau and Emmanuel Priou’s March of the Penguins producer Bonne Pioche.
The deal covers all production activities, from development to delivery, as well as back office and international sales, with 30-staff outfit Bonne Pioche retaining full editorial freedom.
The company, whose name means “Good Call,” was founded in 1993 by Darondeau and Priou and has since launched subsidiaries Bonne Pioche Television, Bonne Pioche Cinema and Bonne Pioche Story.
Bonne Pioche has produced multi-genre hits such as Oscar-winning doc March of the Penguins and comedy We Are Family.
“Emmanuel and Yves are true craftsmen,” said Federation Founder Pascal Breton and CEO Lionel Uzan. “They and their teams are capable of developing the riskiest projects and turning them into success stories.”
The move comes just a few weeks...
The deal covers all production activities, from development to delivery, as well as back office and international sales, with 30-staff outfit Bonne Pioche retaining full editorial freedom.
The company, whose name means “Good Call,” was founded in 1993 by Darondeau and Priou and has since launched subsidiaries Bonne Pioche Television, Bonne Pioche Cinema and Bonne Pioche Story.
Bonne Pioche has produced multi-genre hits such as Oscar-winning doc March of the Penguins and comedy We Are Family.
“Emmanuel and Yves are true craftsmen,” said Federation Founder Pascal Breton and CEO Lionel Uzan. “They and their teams are capable of developing the riskiest projects and turning them into success stories.”
The move comes just a few weeks...
- 1/31/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Federation Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in Bonne Pioche, the French production company behind the Oscar-winning documentary “March of the Penguins.”
Active in documentaries, animation and drama, Bonne Pioche will retain full editorial freedom and will parter up with Federation on development and production, as well as back office and international sales. The company’s workforce, which includes 36 staff members, will remain in place. Federation has a 51-percent stake in Bonne Pioche.
“We look forward to bringing together the best creators to nourish our original and diversified editorial content,” said Yves Darondeau and Emmanuel Priou, the co-heads of Bonne Pioche.
“We are very excited about this new stage in the life of Bonne Pioche. What drives us is our desire to be as close as possible to the talents we support. Bonne Pioche is defined by our team on one hand and the great diversity of our productions of documentaries,...
Active in documentaries, animation and drama, Bonne Pioche will retain full editorial freedom and will parter up with Federation on development and production, as well as back office and international sales. The company’s workforce, which includes 36 staff members, will remain in place. Federation has a 51-percent stake in Bonne Pioche.
“We look forward to bringing together the best creators to nourish our original and diversified editorial content,” said Yves Darondeau and Emmanuel Priou, the co-heads of Bonne Pioche.
“We are very excited about this new stage in the life of Bonne Pioche. What drives us is our desire to be as close as possible to the talents we support. Bonne Pioche is defined by our team on one hand and the great diversity of our productions of documentaries,...
- 1/31/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Speaking at a panel organized by Paris Images Online, Hélène Dudragne, film commissioner at Film Paris Region, confirmed that four new studios are to be built in Paris and the surrounding area. The announcement came on the heels of a round-table – and weeklong industry gathering – where all too many conversations circled back to the same point: That in order to ensure a continued boom in international production, the country needs new studios, and needs them fast.
Shortly after the first lockdowns hit in March 2020, the local industry was able to stabilize rather quickly production output by instituting a rigorous set of safety protocols, earmarking €100 million in insurance funds via private and public backers, and introducing a measure called the “talent passport,” which allowed international citizens to travel back and forth to France with the same ease and requirements as a local. Upon arrival in France, many of those passport holders would join a closed set,...
Shortly after the first lockdowns hit in March 2020, the local industry was able to stabilize rather quickly production output by instituting a rigorous set of safety protocols, earmarking €100 million in insurance funds via private and public backers, and introducing a measure called the “talent passport,” which allowed international citizens to travel back and forth to France with the same ease and requirements as a local. Upon arrival in France, many of those passport holders would join a closed set,...
- 1/30/2022
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Paris Images Online, an industry showcase promoting locations in the French capital, has lured some of France’s top dogs, including Federation Entertainment’s Pascal Breton, “Sing 2” producer Jacques Bled, and “Notre Dame on Fire” filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud. The conference is taking place on Jan. 24 as part of the Paris Images conference, which kicks off Thursday and runs through Jan. 29.
Co-organized by France’s National Film Board (Cnc), the event comprises several round tables and case studies bringing together professionals and talents who worked on high-profile films and TV shows, which recently shot or did their post-production in Paris, from Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel,” to Tom McCarthy’s “Stillwater,” season 2 of “Emily in Paris” and the upcoming “Marie-Antoinette” series.
The event kicks off with a case study on “The Last Duel” with Béatrice Bauwens, VFX and post director at Mpc Film & Episodic, John Bernard, producer and CEO at Peninsula Film,...
Co-organized by France’s National Film Board (Cnc), the event comprises several round tables and case studies bringing together professionals and talents who worked on high-profile films and TV shows, which recently shot or did their post-production in Paris, from Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel,” to Tom McCarthy’s “Stillwater,” season 2 of “Emily in Paris” and the upcoming “Marie-Antoinette” series.
The event kicks off with a case study on “The Last Duel” with Béatrice Bauwens, VFX and post director at Mpc Film & Episodic, John Bernard, producer and CEO at Peninsula Film,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Federation Entertainment is joining forces with Philipp Steffens and Julie Link’s German production and talent management company, Glisk.
Glisk, based in Cologne, is specialized in scripted, unscripted and formats, as well as acts as a talent management company for established and rising stars including actors, writers and directors.
Steffens and Link have a track record in both fiction and non-fiction in Germany and internationally. Steffens created and produced the critically acclaimed mini-series, “The Valley”, for TNT Germany, as well as the hit German TV series, “The Last Cop.” Steffens also produced the film “Flying Home” with Jamie Dornan. In 2014, he became head of fiction at Rtl Television and oversaw the hit series “Deutschland ‘83,” among others.
Link was most recently managing director at Splendid Studios, where she notably produced “Misfit.” She previously worked at Relativity Television where she developed “Catfish: The TV Show” and the Emmy-winning format “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition...
Glisk, based in Cologne, is specialized in scripted, unscripted and formats, as well as acts as a talent management company for established and rising stars including actors, writers and directors.
Steffens and Link have a track record in both fiction and non-fiction in Germany and internationally. Steffens created and produced the critically acclaimed mini-series, “The Valley”, for TNT Germany, as well as the hit German TV series, “The Last Cop.” Steffens also produced the film “Flying Home” with Jamie Dornan. In 2014, he became head of fiction at Rtl Television and oversaw the hit series “Deutschland ‘83,” among others.
Link was most recently managing director at Splendid Studios, where she notably produced “Misfit.” She previously worked at Relativity Television where she developed “Catfish: The TV Show” and the Emmy-winning format “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition...
- 1/19/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Federation Entertainment has further expanded its European footprint by setting up in Germany with veteran execs Philipp Steffens and Julie Link.
Glisk, a creatively-led production and talent management company, will focus on the creation, production, financing and distribution of high quality originals via a stable of independent studios.
Both scripted and non-scripted shows will be targeted at the German domestic marketplace and the outfit will also look to produce international co-productions.
The new company sees Federation Entertainment link up with an experienced husband-and-wife team in Steffens, who most recently created and produced TNT Germany’s The Valley, and Link, who has held senior positions at Critical Content, Relativity Television and Splendid Studios.
Around The World In 80 Days producer Federation has expanded at a rapid pace over the past year, having partnered with U.S. studio Anonymous Content to launch a joint venture in France, opened in the U.S. via...
Glisk, a creatively-led production and talent management company, will focus on the creation, production, financing and distribution of high quality originals via a stable of independent studios.
Both scripted and non-scripted shows will be targeted at the German domestic marketplace and the outfit will also look to produce international co-productions.
The new company sees Federation Entertainment link up with an experienced husband-and-wife team in Steffens, who most recently created and produced TNT Germany’s The Valley, and Link, who has held senior positions at Critical Content, Relativity Television and Splendid Studios.
Around The World In 80 Days producer Federation has expanded at a rapid pace over the past year, having partnered with U.S. studio Anonymous Content to launch a joint venture in France, opened in the U.S. via...
- 1/19/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Federation Entertainment, the production entity behind “Around the World in 80 Days” and “The Bureau,” has acquired a majority stake in independent French company Robin & Co.
Founded in 1998 by Jean-Yves Robin, the Robin & Co group includes subsidiaries Calt Production (“Kaamelott”), Calt Studio (“Moloch”), Calt Story (“La Dernière Partie”), Hope Production (“Human”), Monkey Pack Film (“Café de Flore) and Robin Production, a subsidiary currently in production on projects from Daniel Auteuil, Morgane Cadignan and Sandrine Sarroche.
The merger marks a busy expansion time for Federation, which was set up in 2013, headed by Pascal Breton and co-directed by Lionel Uzan. In recent months it started U.S.-based management and production company, Animal Federation; boarded European literary streamer Rocambole; set up an U.K. office; and also launched French TV/Film label Anonymous/Federation along with Anonymous Content.
Pascal Breton, president of Federation, said: “The exceptional relationship that Jean-Yves Robin has managed to build with many actors,...
Founded in 1998 by Jean-Yves Robin, the Robin & Co group includes subsidiaries Calt Production (“Kaamelott”), Calt Studio (“Moloch”), Calt Story (“La Dernière Partie”), Hope Production (“Human”), Monkey Pack Film (“Café de Flore) and Robin Production, a subsidiary currently in production on projects from Daniel Auteuil, Morgane Cadignan and Sandrine Sarroche.
The merger marks a busy expansion time for Federation, which was set up in 2013, headed by Pascal Breton and co-directed by Lionel Uzan. In recent months it started U.S.-based management and production company, Animal Federation; boarded European literary streamer Rocambole; set up an U.K. office; and also launched French TV/Film label Anonymous/Federation along with Anonymous Content.
Pascal Breton, president of Federation, said: “The exceptional relationship that Jean-Yves Robin has managed to build with many actors,...
- 1/4/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Federation Entertainment has taken a majority stake in Jean-Yves Robin’s Robin & Co, signaling the first major Euro M&a deal of 2022.
Around The World in 80 Days and The Bureau producer Federation is on a growth path that saw it launch a France-based TV and film label with Anonymous Content late last year, set up a management and production company in the U.S. and open in the UK with former eOne execs Polly Williams and Arielle Gottlieb, all within a few weeks of each other. It has more than 20 subsidiaries and associated companies worldwide.
The Robin & Co deal will see the coming together of two of France’s larger players.
Robin & Co was founded in 1998 by Robin and has a number of subsidiary labels including Xavier Matthieu’s Calt Studio, Calt Production, Calt Story, Hope Production, Monkey Pack Film and Robin Production, responsible for the likes of Amazon’s...
Around The World in 80 Days and The Bureau producer Federation is on a growth path that saw it launch a France-based TV and film label with Anonymous Content late last year, set up a management and production company in the U.S. and open in the UK with former eOne execs Polly Williams and Arielle Gottlieb, all within a few weeks of each other. It has more than 20 subsidiaries and associated companies worldwide.
The Robin & Co deal will see the coming together of two of France’s larger players.
Robin & Co was founded in 1998 by Robin and has a number of subsidiary labels including Xavier Matthieu’s Calt Studio, Calt Production, Calt Story, Hope Production, Monkey Pack Film and Robin Production, responsible for the likes of Amazon’s...
- 1/4/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: U.S. management and production house Anonymous Content is teaming up with Euro firm Federation Entertainment to launch France-based TV label Anonymous/Federation.
The company is the latest joint venture between True Detective and Bad Robot producer Anonymous and an international firm, joining AC Nordic, AC Brazil and Chapter One in the UK as part of the company’s global expansion.
Development and production label Anonymous/Federation will be overseen by Dawn Olmstead and David Levine on behalf of Anonymous Content, and by Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger on behalf of The Bureau (pictured), Bad Banks and Around The World In 80 Days outfit Federation.
The MD of the newly created company, which will make content for the French and global markets, is to be announced soon.
Meanwhile, the first project for the label has been set as The Abduction of Yossele Schumacher, a limited series thriller based on a true story,...
The company is the latest joint venture between True Detective and Bad Robot producer Anonymous and an international firm, joining AC Nordic, AC Brazil and Chapter One in the UK as part of the company’s global expansion.
Development and production label Anonymous/Federation will be overseen by Dawn Olmstead and David Levine on behalf of Anonymous Content, and by Pascal Breton, Lionel Uzan and Patrick Wachsberger on behalf of The Bureau (pictured), Bad Banks and Around The World In 80 Days outfit Federation.
The MD of the newly created company, which will make content for the French and global markets, is to be announced soon.
Meanwhile, the first project for the label has been set as The Abduction of Yossele Schumacher, a limited series thriller based on a true story,...
- 11/29/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Casting
BBC One original series “Casualty” has announced its first transgender character, Sah, to be played by newcomer Arin Smethurst. Sah joins the series’ popular existing team of paramedics including Jan (Di Botcher), Teddy (Milo Clarke) and Iain (Michael Stevenson). “Casualty” is Smethurst’s first time working on a TV series, and the first episodes featuring their new character will begin airing later this month.
“I am honored to be joining the spectacular ‘Casualty’ family as a shiny new paramedic! I’m so excited to portray this transgender, non-binary, salty but fiercely compassionate character and hope they are not only well-received, but also a source of awareness for those who have never met someone like me,” said Smethurst in a release.
Development
Ard Degeto is developing “Oderbruch,” a new drama series destined for the company’s Ard Mediathek online platform. The series will be co-produced with Syrreal Entertainment and CBS Studios,...
BBC One original series “Casualty” has announced its first transgender character, Sah, to be played by newcomer Arin Smethurst. Sah joins the series’ popular existing team of paramedics including Jan (Di Botcher), Teddy (Milo Clarke) and Iain (Michael Stevenson). “Casualty” is Smethurst’s first time working on a TV series, and the first episodes featuring their new character will begin airing later this month.
“I am honored to be joining the spectacular ‘Casualty’ family as a shiny new paramedic! I’m so excited to portray this transgender, non-binary, salty but fiercely compassionate character and hope they are not only well-received, but also a source of awareness for those who have never met someone like me,” said Smethurst in a release.
Development
Ard Degeto is developing “Oderbruch,” a new drama series destined for the company’s Ard Mediathek online platform. The series will be co-produced with Syrreal Entertainment and CBS Studios,...
- 10/5/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Forced to halt production after just three weeks of shooting in South Africa when the Covid pandemic struck back in March 2020, and picking up again in Romania seven months later, Around The World In 80 Days is due to have its world premiere at Canneseries on October 10.
Star David Tennant, who plays English gentleman-turned-adventurer Phileas Fogg, is expected on the Riviera to unveil the first two episodes of this mega-adaptation of the Jules Verne classic. An airdate has yet to be set, but is likely around the holidays via such outlets as France Télévisions, PBS/Masterpiece, the BBC, Rai and Zdf. Check out the first-look teaser above.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the series boasts a new spin on Fogg.
Life On Mars creator and 80 Days head writer, Ashley Pharoah says, “We wanted Fogg yes to be a preposterously upper middle class over-educated Englishman, but I wanted to give him a sort of childlike sense of wonder because he’s never traveled, he’s never left London or his club. As soon as I hit on that, I thought it’s a love letter to the world, if that isn’t a bit pretentious. He goes to Paris and India and Hong Kong and Yemen and he’s so excited to see a camel, the different colors and cultures. It felt like resetting our relationship with traveling and seeing the world like that.”
In terms of scoring Tennant for the lead, former Kudos boss Simon Crawford Collins, who runs Slim Film + Television, says, “We wanted somebody who could believably do the action adventure, could play the stiff-upper-lip Englishman, but at the same time you never fall out of love with him and you really want to get under the veneer of that and go, ‘Wow, this is actually a complex man.’ David manages that so brilliantly.”
Pharoah, who is also an executive producer, hints at more Fogg adventures to come. “We are in the early stages of wondering — if this goes well — if we could do it again. Taking those three characters and doing a different adventure with them.” Hopefully not under the same conditions, however, which Pharoah recalls as “a really hard shoot.”
It was also expensive, as pandemic-related issues added about £4M in costs, Crawford Collins tells Deadline. “The first lockdown was a killer, but once we got going again we felt very blessed.” Production in South Africa was originally stopped in March 2020 and picked up again in November in Romania. “In an ideal world we would have carried on filming in South Africa where our sets were, but South Africa was coming out slowly so we did the big shift to Romania,” adds the executive producer. This year, production was able to move back to South Africa and the result is “very vibrant and cinematic.”
Around The World In 80 Days counts co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces. Seven West Media has also backed the production and will broadcast in Australia. The series has further been acquired by the BBC in the UK and Rts in Switzerland.
While there are myriad partners on the series, Crawford Collins says development and production were “very straightforward.” France Télévisions “came back saying, ‘We love this and really want to make it and we don’t want to be the secondary broadcaster.’ They wanted to be lead, so immediately put in a sizable amount of money. It was a wonderful building block and they then brought the Alliance partners on board.”
The entire process (apart from the shutdown), “was incredibly stress free… We never had any big disagreements… The specter of Europudding still sort of lives heavily in our minds and we all know those days. But I think the trouble with that is when you have a project originated just to secure financing then it really shows through. The difference is that we had a clear vision of what we wanted to say, but just knew we needed a lot of people to help fund it.”
Also starring as series regulars in 80 Days are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark). Guest actors include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches), Dolly Wells (Dracula), Richard Wilson (Merlin), Faical Elkihel (The Spy), Anthony Flanagan (The Terror), Gary Beadle (Patrick Melrose) and Giovanni Scifoni (Doc – Nelle Tue Mani).
Around The World In 80 Days is adapted by a team of writers led by Pharoah and Caleb Ranson (Child Of Mine). Steve Barron (The Durrells) directs with Brian Kelly (Downton Abbey) and the late Charles Beeson (The Mentalist).
Federation Entertainment handles distribution rights. Exec producers are Crawford Collins for Slim, Lionel Uzan and Pascal Breton for Federation, Winnie Serite for Peu and Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece.
Star David Tennant, who plays English gentleman-turned-adventurer Phileas Fogg, is expected on the Riviera to unveil the first two episodes of this mega-adaptation of the Jules Verne classic. An airdate has yet to be set, but is likely around the holidays via such outlets as France Télévisions, PBS/Masterpiece, the BBC, Rai and Zdf. Check out the first-look teaser above.
Joining Tennant in the eight-part adventure are French actor Ibrahim Koma (Oss 177) as Fogg’s irrepressible valet, Passepartout, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown) as determined journalist, Abigail ‘Fix’ Fortescue.
A Slim Film + Television and Federation co-production for the European Alliance, the series boasts a new spin on Fogg.
Life On Mars creator and 80 Days head writer, Ashley Pharoah says, “We wanted Fogg yes to be a preposterously upper middle class over-educated Englishman, but I wanted to give him a sort of childlike sense of wonder because he’s never traveled, he’s never left London or his club. As soon as I hit on that, I thought it’s a love letter to the world, if that isn’t a bit pretentious. He goes to Paris and India and Hong Kong and Yemen and he’s so excited to see a camel, the different colors and cultures. It felt like resetting our relationship with traveling and seeing the world like that.”
In terms of scoring Tennant for the lead, former Kudos boss Simon Crawford Collins, who runs Slim Film + Television, says, “We wanted somebody who could believably do the action adventure, could play the stiff-upper-lip Englishman, but at the same time you never fall out of love with him and you really want to get under the veneer of that and go, ‘Wow, this is actually a complex man.’ David manages that so brilliantly.”
Pharoah, who is also an executive producer, hints at more Fogg adventures to come. “We are in the early stages of wondering — if this goes well — if we could do it again. Taking those three characters and doing a different adventure with them.” Hopefully not under the same conditions, however, which Pharoah recalls as “a really hard shoot.”
It was also expensive, as pandemic-related issues added about £4M in costs, Crawford Collins tells Deadline. “The first lockdown was a killer, but once we got going again we felt very blessed.” Production in South Africa was originally stopped in March 2020 and picked up again in November in Romania. “In an ideal world we would have carried on filming in South Africa where our sets were, but South Africa was coming out slowly so we did the big shift to Romania,” adds the executive producer. This year, production was able to move back to South Africa and the result is “very vibrant and cinematic.”
Around The World In 80 Days counts co-production partners Masterpiece in the U.S., Peu Communications in South Africa, and Belgium’s Be-films and Rtbf. Daro Film associate produces. Seven West Media has also backed the production and will broadcast in Australia. The series has further been acquired by the BBC in the UK and Rts in Switzerland.
While there are myriad partners on the series, Crawford Collins says development and production were “very straightforward.” France Télévisions “came back saying, ‘We love this and really want to make it and we don’t want to be the secondary broadcaster.’ They wanted to be lead, so immediately put in a sizable amount of money. It was a wonderful building block and they then brought the Alliance partners on board.”
The entire process (apart from the shutdown), “was incredibly stress free… We never had any big disagreements… The specter of Europudding still sort of lives heavily in our minds and we all know those days. But I think the trouble with that is when you have a project originated just to secure financing then it really shows through. The difference is that we had a clear vision of what we wanted to say, but just knew we needed a lot of people to help fund it.”
Also starring as series regulars in 80 Days are Jason Watkins (Des) and Peter Sullivan (Poldark). Guest actors include Lindsay Duncan (A Discovery Of Witches), Dolly Wells (Dracula), Richard Wilson (Merlin), Faical Elkihel (The Spy), Anthony Flanagan (The Terror), Gary Beadle (Patrick Melrose) and Giovanni Scifoni (Doc – Nelle Tue Mani).
Around The World In 80 Days is adapted by a team of writers led by Pharoah and Caleb Ranson (Child Of Mine). Steve Barron (The Durrells) directs with Brian Kelly (Downton Abbey) and the late Charles Beeson (The Mentalist).
Federation Entertainment handles distribution rights. Exec producers are Crawford Collins for Slim, Lionel Uzan and Pascal Breton for Federation, Winnie Serite for Peu and Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece.
- 9/17/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we’ll shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we take a deep dive into Federation Entertainment, the production-sales studio behind Canal Plus’ hit series The Bureau and Netflix Italian hit Baby. Founder Pascal Breton and CEO Lionel Uzan give us the lowdown on the company’s ambitions and why now is the perfect time to be in the game of creating pan-European content.
When French producer Pascal Breton launched Federation Entertainment in 2014, the veteran television executive had a hunch that the international production and distribution landscape was on the precipice of great change. The year before, he stepped down as CEO of Marathon Entertainment after 23 years, because the old model “was no longer exciting for producers.” Federation, he vowed, would anticipate market changes and respond accordingly with...
When French producer Pascal Breton launched Federation Entertainment in 2014, the veteran television executive had a hunch that the international production and distribution landscape was on the precipice of great change. The year before, he stepped down as CEO of Marathon Entertainment after 23 years, because the old model “was no longer exciting for producers.” Federation, he vowed, would anticipate market changes and respond accordingly with...
- 6/30/2021
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Federation Entertainment is set to co-develop and co-produce an adventure comedy TV series adapted from the bestselling Lucky Luke comics franchise with popular French actor Michael Youn attached.
The company has teamed with French banner Un pour Tous Productions to acquire the audiovisual adaptation rights from Luke Comics, which revolves around a gunslinger in the American Wild West.
Created by the Belgian cartoonist Morris in 1946, the Lucky Luke collection comprises 46 graphic novels which sold 300 millions units around the world. Morris collaborated for two decades with French writer René Goscinny (“Asterix & Obelix”) on Lucky Luke.
The untitled series, which is being co-developed by Federation and Un pour Tous Productions, will feature all the colorful characters of Lucky Luke, including Les Dalton, Calamity Jane, Pat Poker and Rantanplan. Youn is on board as co-creator, artistic producer and director of the series.
“As a big fan of the comics, I’m very excited...
The company has teamed with French banner Un pour Tous Productions to acquire the audiovisual adaptation rights from Luke Comics, which revolves around a gunslinger in the American Wild West.
Created by the Belgian cartoonist Morris in 1946, the Lucky Luke collection comprises 46 graphic novels which sold 300 millions units around the world. Morris collaborated for two decades with French writer René Goscinny (“Asterix & Obelix”) on Lucky Luke.
The untitled series, which is being co-developed by Federation and Un pour Tous Productions, will feature all the colorful characters of Lucky Luke, including Les Dalton, Calamity Jane, Pat Poker and Rantanplan. Youn is on board as co-creator, artistic producer and director of the series.
“As a big fan of the comics, I’m very excited...
- 5/6/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
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