Bavaria Media Sells TV-Movie Collection

CANNES/MUNICH: France 3 has picked up a total of 12 feature-length made-for-TV adaptations of Commissario Guido Brunetti Mysteries, by American writer Donna Leon, from Bavaria Media.

The Brunetti novels are published all over the world and have been translated into more than 20 languages, and the TV adaptations, featuring mostly German actors, have also been strong performers. German pubcaster ARD regularly attracts up to 5 million viewers with the Donna Leon movies.

"We are very happy that our audiences will soon discover this elegant and gripping movie collection," said Frédéric Prallet-Dujols, the director of France Télévisions corporate program acquisitions. "The finely tuned characters, intriguing story lines, as well as the spectacular backdrop of Venice make the Donna Leon cycle a perfect fit for our quality-driven slate of international crime stories."

"We are very pleased and a little proud that France Télévision has chosen to acquire this outstanding program," added Oliver Kreuter, the head of television at Bavaria Media. "Our Donna Leon adaptations are definitely a highlight for crime lovers. This deal is only further proof to the ever-growing success and popularity of this particular genre."