SKY Italia, BBC, Kudos Prep Medici

ROME/CANNES: SKY Italia is partnering with the BBC, Shine’s Kudos Film & TV and the Italian start-up production company WildSide on the eight-part historical drama The Medici.

Created by Kudos, the project has the backing of the BBC and is being co-developed with Italian production company start-up WildSide. The first series, written by Frank Deasy and Adrian Hodges, traces the story of Cosimo and his grandson Lorenzo. Further series will continue the epic saga, exploring the impact of characters such as Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Galileo. The Medici is based on the true story of the most extraordinary Italian family of the Renaissance.

“This deal marks our first step in the development of an international co-production project," said Nils Hartmann, Sky Italia’s entertainment and cinema director. “We believe The Medici is a series that has solid roots in Italian history and culture but appeals to a global audience. It’s the perfect project to confirm Sky’s commitment to invest in local productions with an innovative twist."