Three-Way Partnership for New European Spy Thriller

Red Arrow Studios International, Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures and France’s Thalie Images have aligned for the new spy thriller The Continental Method.

The comedic Cold War-era spy thriller is set against the backdrop of the Paris riots of May 1968 and inspired by true events. The 12-part series follows Conor O’Flaherty, who arrives in Paris to sell sweaters in the fashion capital of the world. He falls for a radical French student and is simultaneously recruited in a clumsy covert Irish government operation to acquire illegal arms as sectarian conflicts boil over in Northern Ireland.

Deadpan Pictures and Paris-based Thalie Images are co-producing. Red Arrow Studios International is handling presales and distribution outside of France and Ireland.

Marina Williams, co-CEO of Thalie’s parent company Asacha Media Group, said: “The Asacha team was instantly captivated by this remarkable and entertaining thriller brought to us by Deadpan Pictures, and we are excited that Stephane Moatti at Thalie Images has joined forces with Deadpan as co-producer. With Red Arrow Studios International handling distribution outside of France and Ireland, we believe The Continental Method has all the makings of an international hit.”

Paul Donovan, co-founder of Deadpan Pictures, said: “Set between the remote Aran Islands and Paris at the height of 1960s cool when social tension begins to boil over, The Continental Method perfectly blends deadpan humor with action, romance and intrigue. We are excited to work in partnership with Asacha, Thalie and Red Arrow to bring to life this fabulous, truly European tale of espionage for audiences around the world.”

Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, VP of scripted acquisitions and co-productions at Red Arrow Studios International, added: “Viewers everywhere will be hooked by this incredible story of a charmingly naive rookie spy and his evolution into a seasoned, capable operative. The Continental Method is a brilliantly comedic thriller with a world-class writing and production team, and we look forward to introducing the project to key financing partners around the world.”