FremantleMedia in Development Pact with 87 Films

FremantleMedia has entered into a development deal with international drama specialist 87 Films.

87 Films was formed by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, the writing duo behind such British dramas as Silent Witness. Under the new partnership, the companies will collaborate on scripted projects for the international market alongside FremantleMedia’s global in-house producers. 87 Films is currently developing dramas with FremantleMedia’s Wildside in Italy, Kwai in France, Miso across Scandinavia and FremantleMedia North America in the U.S.

Sarah Doole, the director of global drama for FremantleMedia, commented: “Jim and Dudi are a creative force that will be a tremendous addition to FremantleMedia. They have an exceptional vision for stories that tie perfectly into our ambitions for our drama business. This key relationship will bring their talents to our global network of producers.”

Appleton and Keeble said: “Christian Vesper and Sarah Doole are hugely inspiring collaborators for us. We speak the same language. In an international television business that can seem increasingly corporate, they are passionate about great dramatic stories wherever they come from, wherever they lead. And telling those stories is what we do. Collaborating with FremantleMedia’s global producers, we are creating authentic new drama that breaks through traditional borders of culture, language and place.”