MIPCOM Spotlight: FremantleMedia International

CANNES: The dead coming back to life is the premise of The Returned, a drama that FremantleMedia International (FMI) is launching at MIPCOM.

The show, based on France’s Les Revenants, features a script penned by Carlton Cuse (Bates Motel) and Raelle Tucker (True Blood). Also on offer from the company is the comedy Cuckoo, the new season of which welcomes Twilight’s Taylor Lautner.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a particular rise in demand for British comedy internationally,” says Bob McCourt, FMI’s acting CEO. “The combination of U.K. and U.S. talent plays a large part in attracting international audiences, although it’s also helpful that the script is laugh-out-loud funny.”

The company is also highlighting Party Down South and Jerks with Cameras, two new reality series from SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions.

Additional titles are showcasing Threads, a fashion competition from the producers of Project Runway, and Jamie’s Comfort Food, a cooking program led by famed chef Jamie Oliver.