Telefe International Sets Focus on the Middle East & Africa

BUENOS AIRES: With titles such as Candy Love, Mistreated and The Man of Your Dreams, Telefe International is looking to build up its business in the Middle East and Africa at MIPTV, according to Michelle Wasserman, the company’s head of international business, programming, formats and production services.

"We are looking to improve our existing ties with our clients and make new relations as well," Wasserman tells World Screen Newsflash. "We consider MIPTV to be synonymous with opportunities, especially regarding the Middle East and African countries."

She continues, "The Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with great potential for Latin American content. Telefe International has been working very well in the Middle East and we are keen to continue to expand our presence in the region."

Wasserman points to the titles Brothers, Detectives & Co., The Pretenders and The Roldans, which have been optioned in the Middle East. The producer O3 has also started production for Montecristo for MBC in the Middle East. Taking Lives has been broadcasting in Lebanon and Syria with a great success and also Magic Hands reached the Middle East on Al Jazeera Children’s Channel.

"Regarding Africa, we have defined a new strategy in order to improve our presence in the region through a strategic alliance with a strong and experienced partner, who will represent and enhance our catalogue," Wasserman adds. "In territories such as the Middle East, Asia and the African countries, where we find it to be more difficult for a number of reasons, we look to partner with locals and we are very open to that."

At MIPTV, Telefe will be presenting Candy Love, a traditional telenovela that has been a ratings leader in Argentinean prime time, and Mistreated, a drama from the same directors as Mujeres Asesinas. There’s also a second season of the dramatic comedy The Man of Your Dreams for buyers.