FME Ramps Up Drama Development Slate

CANNES: David Ellender, the CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, revealed at MIPTV a significant expansion of the company’s drama development slate, announcing what he referred to as "groundbreaking deals" with talent in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Ellender noted the company’s well-established reputation as a provider of high-quality factual and reality titles from English-speaking markets, as well as the top titles coming out of its own talkbackTHAMES division, such as Minder. The company has been building its drama abilities with third-party acquisitions. For example, the company invested in Shine’s Merlin—which Ellender says has secured second and third season commitments—and has rolled it out to more than 100 markets. 

"We’re starting to work with producers in the U.S., U.K. and Australia in acquiring drama that complements the shows that FremantleMedia is already producing," Ellender said.

Among the new first-look deals is with Winkler Films, headed up by father and son filmmakers Irwin and David Winkler. Their film credits include Rocky and Goodfellas, and they are now working on a drama project for AMC.

FME has also scored a two-year deal with top American producer Mike Tollin, of Smallville and One Tree Hill fame, and is working with Bob Cooper, who formed the film and television production company Landscape Entertainment after two decades of experience at DreamWorks Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Artisan Entertainment and HBO Films. Landscape Entertainment is currently looking at a number of projects for distribution across all media platforms, including theatrical, network and cable television. "It’s exciting to be working with such great talent in the U.S. market," said Ellender.

In the U.K., FME has aligned with award-winning writer, creator and producer Paul Abbott, whose credits include Cracker, Touching Evil, Shameless and State of Play The three-year deal gives FME first options on international television and DVD rights for content created by Abbott’s new company, Abbott Vision, which has a 17-hour commitment from the BBC.

And in Australia, FME is working with Roger Simpson, who worked on titles such as Satisfaction and Stingers.