MIPCOM Spotlight: Passion Distribution

CANNES: Based on a real establishment that exists in Holland, Divorce Hotel helps couples get through the unpleasant process of ending a marriage.

“Global broadcasters have been trying to find a way to cover divorce in a factual-entertainment format that covers the conflict and pain in the relationship whilst ending in an upbeat way, celebrating the final leg of the couple’s journey together,” says Sally Miles, the CEO of Passion Distribution. “This show delivers and puts talking-point TV back into homes!” The factual-entertainment format Hotel of Mum and Dad gives couples who still live with their parents the chance to see what it is like to live on their own for a week. There is also Cutthroat Kitchen, a new cooking competition that airs on Food Network.

A buzzword in the marketplace as of late has been “talent,” according to Miles. “Buyers want on-screen talent to help promote and associate with their channels,” she says. She points to John Torode’s Australia, which features the well-known chef and TV personality John Torode as host. Another huge talent in the Passion portfolio is Dynamo. The magician returns for a fourth season of his hit entertainment series Dynamo: Magician Impossible, which has seen previous seasons sell to more than 190 territories. “A firm favorite the world over, the stunts and illusions are mind-boggling and the series continues to push the envelope surrounding modern-day magic,” says Miles. Passion also has a brand-new food series, Expensive Eats, led by a well-known British host, James Wong.