FremantleMedia Buys into Italian Producer Wildside

LONDON: FremantleMedia has acquired a 62.5 percent holding in Wildside, which is currently producing The Young Pope, with the opportunity to purchase the remaining shareholding in the future.

The Young Pope is a joint Sky, HBO and Canal+ production, directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Jude Law and Diane Keaton. FremantleMedia International is distributing the title in the non-partner territories. Wildside also produced two seasons of the Italian version of In Treatment, along with 1992 for Sky.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the CEO of FremantleMedia, commented: “This is a key strategic acquisition for FremantleMedia as we continue to strengthen our prime-time scripted presence. Wildside is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought after drama producers and will complement our existing prime-time drama businesses in the U.S., Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Australia and the U.K. The team have an impressive track record of attracting world-class creative talent and delivering award-winning drama so I’m really excited that they are joining our family of production companies.”