Fremantle Corp. & DAP Italy Sign Co-Pro Deal

ROME: The Fremantle Corporation has entered into a co-production agreement with the DeAngelis Group (DAP) Italy aimed at creating high-profile projects for global distribution.

The first project slated to start production this spring is the mini-series The Merchant of Flowers. Based on the bestselling book by Diego Cugia, The Merchant of Flowers is a crime thriller that focuses on the plight of a singularly beautiful young woman caught in the world of human trafficking. The mini-series will be shot in Italy as well as other cities in Europe, the Americas and various exotic locales worldwide.

The next project to be announced later this month will be a 22-hour series. According to DAP’s chairman, Guido De Angelis, MediaSet in Italy is already part of the development for both projects and a host of other broadcasters are anticipated.

“We are pleased to announce this co-production initiative with The Fremantle Corp that will bring The Merchant of Flowers and other exciting properties to the global marketplace,” said De Angelis.

“While these projects have international star power, American network production values and follow E.U. content guidelines, they are first and foremost based on good storytelling and are populated by solid relatable characters that will make them a must for broadcast audiences worldwide,” said Irv Holender, the principal director of The Fremantle Corporation. “We are honored to be collaborating on these projects with DAP, one of the most elite and dynamic entertainment companies in Europe. We will also be looking for other strategic partners to work with DAP/Fremantle Corp. on other projects in the future.”