Fremantle Brings ‘Costiera,’ Epic Adventure ‘Sandokan’ to London TV Screenings: ‘It’s ‘Poldark’ Meets ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’

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Fremantle is preparing to debut “Sandokan” for industry professionals at the upcoming London TV Screenings in the following week.

CEO Commercial and International Jens Richter is excitedly describing it as an extraordinary journey filled with adventure, drawing inspiration from a well-known IP. He likens it to the thrilling blend of ‘Poldark’s historical drama and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’s swashbuckling piracy,” promises a captivating mix of action, adventure, and classic pirate antics.

Featuring Can Yaman (“Daydreamer”), Ed Westwick (“Gossip Girl”) and John Hannah (“Spartacus: Blood and Sand”), this production is adapted from the novels of Emilio Salgari. The story unfolds in the mid-1800s, amidst a land where Dayak tribes reside but is under British rule. Unaccustomed to it, Sandokan often finds himself in perilous situations, but an unexpected emotion takes him by surprise – love.

Richter acknowledges there’s an element of romance,” he says. He further explains that the unique setting for each episode in ‘Sandokan’ makes it an ideal fit for the market, stating that it will cater to its requirements flawlessly.

Currently, the market is heavily geared towards capturing audience attention. It has transitioned into a more mainstream phase, and viewing London Screenings, it appears our most commercially oriented lineup yet. Previously, we were in the ‘Golden Age of TV’ where there was ample funding for innovative projects and catering to specific niches. Nowadays, drama must appeal to a broader spectrum. The focus is on providing entertainment.

Shows in English are also set to dominate.  

Richter noted that our success has been particularly widespread, as we’ve excelled in selling dramas from various European countries like Italy, Denmark, Germany, and France, even in regions where the shows aren’t dubbed. However, he pointed out a recent trend – viewers now seem to favor English-language productions,” referring back to the popular German young adult drama “Maxton Hall” set in a boarding school.

Amazon Prime Video took a liking to the concept and the visual execution. They postponed the release by over six months to ensure perfect synchronization of all dubs. As a result, it became one of their biggest hits last year. When crafting a story aimed at young adults or an epic adventure, a dubbed version can resonate strongly in the U.S. market.

In ‘Costiera’, a series dubbed as the “perfect blue sky procedural”, Jesse Williams from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ portrays an ex-Marine embarking on a European journey. Upon reaching the Amalfi Coast, the child of a hotel owner mysteriously disappears. So, who do you think will step up to solve this mystery?

In each episode, he remains there to tackle another case. Shows with a new storyline every week are gaining popularity again due to their convenient length, often referred to as ‘bite-sized.’ This format offers an engaging experience for both broadcasters and streaming platforms, and it turns out that closed-ended procedurals work well in this context. Moreover, the practice of delaying content release, known as windowing, is making a resurgence as well.

There’s also more willingness to cooperate, he stresses. 

As a movie buff, I’ve noticed that streaming platforms often focus on specific territories or regions rather than the entire globe. This flexibility makes them ideal collaborators for co-productions or for maintaining rights within those targeted areas.

In addition to other territories, Fremantle will manage international sales for the action thriller “Iris”. This movie will be accessible on Sky and streaming service NOW in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The series is developed by Neil Cross, who’s also known for creating “Luther”, and stars Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander.

This ensemble is outstanding. Niamh takes on the role of an exceptional code-breaker, while Tom possesses a massive AI system he aims to decipher. Initially, she decides to collaborate with him. However, as time progresses, she discerns that there’s more at stake than just decoding. In fact, she’s evading capture, and he seems determined to track her down.

During the post-production phase, Fremantle is set to reveal the initial visuals at the London Screenings.

In the upcoming TV series “Little Disasters,” based on Sarah Vaughan’s novel, we find another captivating female lead character. Diane Kruger portrays Jess, a mother who brings her baby daughter to the hospital due to an unexplained head injury. As the events unfold, long-standing friendships begin to unravel.

The setting for this film is one of London’s most stunning suburbs, Richmond. Here, we find ourselves in the immaculate realm of the upper-middle class, where everything and everyone exudes perfection. At first glance, Jess appears to be the epitome of a perfect mother. However, audiences find themselves drawn to this world of beauty not just for its aesthetics, but also because when something goes awry in this idyllic setting, it becomes all the more intriguing.

Despite being involved with another thriller titled “Kill Jackie,” it’s not only about assembling a fantastic cast, argues Richter. He stresses that you also need a compelling story to go along with such talent.

2025 will see increased competition and financial constraints, so it’s crucial to produce TV shows with distinct identities. Whether your preference is comedy, action-thriller, or epic adventure, focus on that genre. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the show’s identity.

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2025-02-21 17:20