FME Unveils NATPE Slate

LONDON, December 10: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has
announced its lineup for NATPE this year, which includes a range of drama,
cookery and music programming, highlighted by the new Australian drama series Satisfaction.

Created by Australian producer Roger Simpson (Stingers,
Halifax fp, Good Guys Bad Guys), Satisfaction
is set in and around an up-market city
brothel, exploring the world of five high-class escorts. It is the first
production from Simpson’s company, Lonehand Productions, and has already
debuted on Australia’s Showcase channel. Other dramas being offered up by FME
include the 23×1-hour teen-focused The Best Years and the 13×30-minute Love You To Death, starring John Waters.

FME is also offering the U.S. daily cooking show Essence
of Emeril, featuring restaurateur, chef and
author Emeril Lagasse. The series brings the appeal of Emeril’s memorable
catchphrases, reluctance to use measuring devices and general lust for life to
audiences worldwide.

In musical fare, FME will highlight The BRIT Awards and The Classic BRIT Awards. The BRIT
Awards’ 2008 show will be hosted by Ozzy Osbourne and his
wife, Sharon, broadcast live from London on February 20. The Classic
BRIT Awards will be held in May 2008 at a
London venue yet to be confirmed. FME will also be offering the second season
of Live from Abbey Road, a
12×1-hour series available for international sale on both TV and DVD.

FME’s CEO, David Ellender, commented: “FME’s NATPE slate has
something for everyone. We have fabulous ready-to-air series in all
genres—especially U.S. drama—all ideal for an international
audience. Our NATPE slate is a perfect example of our continual pursuit of the
best, as well as the innovative.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski