FremantleMedia International Scores Global Rights for The Luminaries

FremantleMedia International has inked a deal with Working Title Television and Silver Reel TV for the worldwide distribution rights to the book-based drama The Luminaries.

Adapted from the novel penned by Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries is a love story that takes place on New Zealand’s South Island during the gold rush of the 1860s. The 6×60-minute show is being produced by Working Title Television for BBC Two and distributed by FremantleMedia International in association with Silver Reel.

Rebecca Dundon, the director of acquisitions for FremantleMedia International, said: “This story from the brilliantly talented Eleanor Catton perfectly illustrates the types of projects that we are looking to add to our distinctive collection of dramas. With an intricately woven tale of alluring characters, surprise twists and an immaculate storyline, The Luminaries will be captivating viewing for audiences all around the world.”

Andrew Woodhead, the managing director of Working Title Television, noted: “I’m very grateful to the BBC, FremantleMedia and Silver Reel for their passion and commitment to this beautiful and magical story and their support in bringing The Luminaries to life as a stunning piece of television. Working with Eleanor on our adaptation is such a privilege; she is an exceptional talent as novelist and now screenwriter.”

Claudia Bluemhuber, the managing partner at Silver Reel TV, added: “This captivating story reflects today’s zeitgeist of a strong female character finding her way and voice in the times when women were not yet in a position to make their own decisions for their lives. Eleanor Catton is an extremely talented writer and has managed to create what we believe is an outstanding cinematic vision for this series. Silver Reel’s TV ambitions are to work on projects that enable us to bring our cinematic language and high production values to the small screen. With Working Title and FremantleMedia International, we have found great partners to do exactly that.”