France’s Groupe Altice Boards Riviera as Co-Producer

LONDON/PARIS: Groupe Altice is joining the new Sky original drama Riviera as a co-producer.

Created by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game), the ten-part series is set against the backdrop of France’s opulent Côte d’Azur. Julia Stiles (The Bourne Ultimatum) stars in the series, which will have its World Premiere TV Screening at MIPTV. The co-pro investment fits in line with Groupe Altice’s ambitions to develop original drama series and its announcement of the launch of a new premium pay-TV linear channel for summer 2017.

The agreement was brokered by Sky Vision.

Michel Combes, Groupe Altice’s CEO, said: “As part of Altice Group’s investment in original creation since Altice Studio’s launch in October 2016, this partnership with Sky Vision is a new step in our strategy to become a strong player in the production industry and to reach our ambition to propose the best series to our clients.”

Zai Bennett, the director of programming at Sky, said: “We’re so pleased to be co-producing the thrilling Riviera with our partners Altice. Original drama is key to Sky’s ongoing programming strategy and this smart, fun and sexy drama will add breadth to our already world-class offering on Sky Atlantic.”

Nora Melhli, the director of original creation at Groupe Altice, commented: “We are delighted to co-produce Riviera with Sky Vision and Archery Pictures. Collaborating again with Anne Mensah on such a unique and ambitious drama is a very exciting adventure. Following the series Medicis, Sirens and Taken, Riviera will be a different and strong proposal for our audience.”

Anne Mensah, the head of drama at Sky, said: “Starting this new co-production journey with Altice is something we’re really thrilled about. We really valued working with Nora Melhli on two seasons of The Tunnel, so we know Nora and Altice will be the perfect partners for delivering the glamor and thrills of Riviera.”