Gaumont Enters First-Look Deal with Montebello

PARIS: Gaumont and Francois Ivernel's Montebello Productions have signed a first-look development and production deal, covering both film and TV for a span of three years.

Ivernel set up Montebello in 2013, after more than 20 years with Pathé. He served as executive producer on such films as Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, The Queen, Bright Star, Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, The Iron Lady, Mandela and Philomena.

Sidonie Dumas, the CEO of Gaumont, said: "We are thrilled about this new agreement with François Ivernel. His company has many very promising ideas for series and movies."

Ivernel added: "Gaumont combines stability and dynamism. They are hugely successful in the production and distribution of French films and international TV series. Their ambition to expand further in English-speaking film and high-end European TV series makes them the perfect partner for Montebello.”