MIPTV Spotlight: FremantleMedia International

CANNES: From Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino comes The Young Pope, a new drama starring Jude Law that FremantleMedia International is promoting.

“The series focuses on the beginning of Pius XIII’s (born as Lenny Belardo) pontificate and follows the inner struggle between bearing the huge responsibility [as] head of the Catholic Church and the miseries of being a simple man,” says Sarah Doole, FremantleMedia’s director of global drama.

FremantleMedia International believes The Young Pope has strong sales potential in the Middle East and Africa. “The Young Pope has become one of the most highly anticipated dramas of 2016 and is already in high demand,” says Anahita Kheder, the company’s senior VP for the Middle East, Africa and Southeastern Europe. “The thrilling series combines an outstanding story with an A-list cast and the best in behind-the-camera talent. This is set to be a hallmark title.”

The company also has high hopes for the title in the Asia Pacific. “In drama, I don’t think there’s been a more hotly anticipated series than The Young Pope,” says Ganesh Rajaram, the executive VP of sales and distribution for Asia at FremantleMedia International.

FremantleMedia International is also offering up Suspects, a British crime drama heading into its fifth season. “Suspects subverts and innovates the crime genre while delivering fast-paced, gripping detective drama,” says Doole.

Another highlight is Web Therapy, about a therapist with questionable credentials who begins to deliver therapy sessions via webcam.

British journalist Nelufar Hedayat explores the global black market in The Traffickers, part of FremantleMedia International’s MIPTV slate. “The series is compelling, informative and provides a gritty look at the processes, personalities and moral complexities that exist in this dark world,” says Jens Richter, the company’s CEO.

Another highlight from FremantleMedia International is Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour, which sees the titular parenting expert assist families in need. “Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour is open and honest, and watching the transformation in the featured families and the journeys they go through makes [for] positive and very uplifting viewing,” says Richter.

“The series is very transparent, honest and is sure to have audiences both laughing and crying as the Nanny sets about helping struggling families across the U.S. with their children,” adds Kheder.