JFK ASSASSINATION DOC GOES TO U.K.
Espresso Media Intl. has closed a deal with the U.K.’s Channel 4 for the new documentary “JFK: 24 Hours that Changed the World.” Produced by Coleman Television, the film marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy this November.
In addition to Channel 4’s acquisition of the film for exclusive broadcast premiere in the U.K., Espresso Media has licensed the title to 10 further major, yet to be announced broadcasters across Europe and Asia.
Created for the 60th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination, the film brings together archive material from across the world, rarely seen by the general public. It covers the last 24 hours of Kennedy’s term, and the subsequent arrest and murder of apparent sole gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.
Coleman Television’s previous credits include Channel 4’s primetime hit “VE Day in Colour: Britain’s Biggest Party,” which aired on the VE Day anniversary in 2020.
“Following the success of ‘VE Day In Colour,’ we’re thrilled to partner with Espresso Media again on this exciting special,” said Polly Scates, Channel 4’s senior acquisitions manager. “Immediately hooked by the impressive archive and unique presentation, we hope to take our audience on a journey back in time to this monumental 24 hours in history.”
INDIA’S YAY ANIMATION! DELIVERS
Sony Pictures Networks India is presenting seven new animated shows from its recently launched production division YAY! Animation. The diverse lineup spans diverse genres and includes shows targeted at adults, teens and younger kids.
Older skewing titles include:
• “Karna – The Guardian,” which combines Indian mythology and science fiction and follows a boy who discovers his magical lineage;
• “Uncanny Short Stories – Satyajit Ray,” an animated adaptation of a selection of 13 short stories written by the famed filmmaker that delve into supernatural, psychological and macabre elements;
• “The Besiegement,” a horror show about an adventurous quest to confront and vanquish an ancient demon;
• “Makeup My Life,” about a timid teenager and her transformation after stumbling upon a magical makeup box.
The new kids’ series include:
• “W.H.A.T & the Dog,” about a resourceful stray dog looking for food and affection from a family with four pets;
• “Young Achievers,” which follows extraordinary young talents excelling in diverse fields, from aviation and skydiving to underwater exploration and martial arts.
• “Omi No. 1,” which revolves around a pampered, privileged 9-year-old boy, the sole heir to an Indian tycoon, who begins to discover the harsh reality of the outside world.
The new shows follow YAY! Animation’s debut series, the Netflix hit “Sudha Murty’s Tales of Wit and Magic.”
SUNG KANG HITS THE ROAD
Global channel operator Insight TV announced the start of production of its forthcoming new automotive travel show, “The Ride Life With Sung Kang,” featuring the star of the “Fast & Furious” franchise. A co-production between Insight TV, Beach House Pictures, Bros Studio and Raison D’Etre Stories, the six-part series is shooting across the globe, including locations in the U.K., Poland, Korea, the U.S. and Japan. “The Ride Life With Sung Kang” is set to premiere in 2024 and will be available on Insight TV’s global channels in 56 countries as well as for license to additional international outlets and platforms.
FAE FORMATS GO TO SPAIN, U.K., FRANCE, ISRAEL
Fox Entertainment’s in-house unscripted studio Fox Alternative Entertainment (FAE) has closed format deals for two series, including the upcoming celebrity competition show “Beat My Mini-Mes,” which went to Antena 3 in Spain and ITV Studios’ Armoza Formats in Israel.
“Beat My Mini-Mes” features celebrity singers facing off while surrounded by talented children who are all wearing the same outfit as they are.
In addition, the company’s performance competition “Celebrity Masterpiece” went to ITV Studios’ Multistory Media in the U.K. and Satisfaction in France. The show launched earlier this year on Workpoint in Thailand as “The Masterpiece.”
PIANO PERFORMANCE FROM FREMANTLE
Fremantle has sold hit reality TV format “The Piano” to RTL4 in the Netherlands and TV2 in Denmark.
“The Piano,” which which debuted on Channel 4 in the U.K., sees talented amateur pianists invited to play on public pianos, sharing their personal stories and music with the general public and resulting in “emotional and captivating performances.” Unbeknownst to the pianists, however, is that two superstar judges are secretly watching, and one pianist from each episode will be chosen to play on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
SPAIN’S MEDIASET PICKS UP MARBLES
Mediaset Spain has ordered a first season of Talpa Studios’ hit show “Marble Mania,” in which three celebrities face off in a marbles match in front of a live studio audience — each with their own color marbles.
The Spanish version of the show will be produced in the Netherlands by Bulldog and Talpa Studios in the latter’s hub location. The first season will be broadcast by Telecinco at the end of 2023.
“We are genuinely excited about ‘Marble Mania,’ a refreshing addition to the entertainment landscape, and grateful for the opportunity to partner again with Talpa Studios,” said Eduardo Escorial García, Mediaset Spain’s director of entertainment.
In the Netherlands, SBS6 has ordered a fourth season of the show for 2024, while in Germany, Sat.1 has nabbed Season 4 of “Marble Mania” after the first three seasons aired on RTL Germany. The show has also aired on Belgium’s VTM and France’s TF1.
