Step Dave to Be Adapted for CEE

LONDON: all3media International has secured its first scripted drama format commission in the CEE region, with Kiev-based FILM.UA picking up the adaptation rights for Step Dave.

FILM.UA scored the rights to produce the one-hour drama format across the CIS territories. The license will initially see one new 16-episode version of the series produced for Russia’s Channel One, to air in 2017. The Russian adaptation stars Natalya Nozdrina and Stas Tikunov in the lead roles. Additional format options have been signed with Content Factory (Hungary), Merlin Productions (France and French-speaking territories) and Kapa Studios (Greece).

Lucy Roberts, sales manager of formats for Northern EMEA at all3media International, commented, “Scripted formats have been a key area for us here over the last year, and we’re delighted to sign this first deal in the CEE region with FILM.UA. Step Dave is a perfect light drama—a romantic comedy that has all the qualities for easy adaptation for local audiences. FILM.UA have a fantastic reputation in the region and I’m looking forward to working with them as they bring Step Dave to screens across the CIS territories.”

Olesya Lukyanenko, creative producer at FILM.UA, added, “The all3media International catalog offers a wealth of original and innovative formats. Yet, Step Dave appealed to us as it offers a great study of modern age marriage. It’s lighthearted, but by no means superficial. It’s a comedy, but every joke serves to advance the story. The drama and comedy inherent in a relationship where a woman is significantly older than the man and comes with the ‘baggage’ of kids is universally understood. Step Dave is perfect for adaptation and we are delighted to work on this globally-relevant story with all3media International. We know it will be extremely popular with viewers.”