The world of entertainment is buzzing, and the excitement is palpable! With big names like John Turturro, Melissa Leo, and Oscar-winning director Juan José Campanella stepping into the spotlight, the stage is set for something remarkable. They’ll be joined by a stellar lineup, including Evan Katz, the mastermind behind the hit show “24,” and Tom Donahue, known for his riveting work on “Mafia Spies.” This all-star cast is rolling out the first English-language slate from The Mediapro Studio US & Canada, a move that promises to shake up the industry.
This exciting announcement was made during a Media Mastermind session at Mipcom, led by The Mediapro Studio’s CEO Laura Fernández Espeso and Juan “JC” Acosta, who heads the Los Angeles-based branch. Their efforts represent a significant milestone in a long-term vision that Fernández Espeso laid out back in 2021. She’s determined to penetrate the massive U.S. film and TV market, leveraging top-tier showrunners alongside the production capabilities and financing power of The Mediapro Studio, which is headquartered in Madrid but has operations across Europe and Latin America.
The goal is ambitious yet clear: to combine local expertise with a global perspective, ultimately crafting content that resonates universally. Fernández Espeso passionately stated, “The U.S. is not just another market. What is created there has the potential to resonate globally, influencing cultures and trends worldwide. There is no way we would miss the opportunity to join that market as well.” This is not just a foray into a new territory; it’s a bold move that aims to intertwine global narratives with American storytelling.
So, what’s on the horizon? Let’s dive into some of the thrilling projects lined up in this slate!
“Is There No Place on Earth for Me?”
First up is “Is There No Place on Earth for Me?” penned by none other than John Turturro, who’s set to write, direct, and star in this poignant film. This adaptation of Susan Sheehan’s Pulitzer Prize-winning reportage tells the heart-wrenching story of a family grappling with their daughter’s struggle with schizophrenia. It’s a project that’s fully packaged and nearly ready to roll, according to Acosta. It’s sure to be a moving piece that sheds light on mental health issues, all while showcasing Turturro’s incredible talent.
“Witness 36”
Next, we have “Witness 36,” led by the brilliant Evan Katz, known for his work on “24.” This series is crafted by The Mediapro Studio’s Daniel Burman and promises to deliver a high-stakes thrill ride reminiscent of “Killing Eve.” Picture this: a young woman involved in an extraterritorial witness protection program meets a guy at a bar who has a past strikingly similar to one of her fabricated identities. This project has already won the coveted Series Mania Award at February’s Berlinale Co-Pro Series, so you know it’s bound to be a nail-biter!
“The Son of the Bride”
Oscar-winner Juan José Campanella is set to adapt his acclaimed film “The Son of the Bride” into an English-language series. This heartfelt narrative has been praised for its humor and exploration of family dynamics, offering a thought-provoking take on coming of age for adults. With Campanella at the helm, viewers can expect a show that beautifully balances emotion and laughter, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved story.
“Screaming Ball of Chaos”
How about some comedic chaos? “Screaming Ball of Chaos” is based on the upcoming novel by Juliet McDaniel, whose previous work, “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie,” became the hit series “Palm Home Royale” on Apple TV+. Described as an unexpected Bonnie and Clyde adventure intertwined with cults, male strippers, and a touch of Neil Diamond, this female-led comedy will surely keep audiences laughing and engaged. Acosta emphasized the importance of creating “big characters, iconic hooks, and stories that will maintain and continue for many seasons,” which makes this project particularly exciting.
“I Love the Prime Minister”
In the realm of light-hearted romantic comedy, “I Love the Prime Minister” is a half-hour series that tackles the challenges of modern dating in the political arena. With Matt Hastings, a co-executive producer from “The Handmaid’s Tale,” attached to the project, audiences can expect a delightful mix of humor and intrigue. The show centers on a successful female lawyer navigating the pressures of potential leadership while juggling her love life. It’s a timely exploration of what it means to balance ambition and personal relationships, and it’s bound to resonate with many viewers.
“Catch Me If You Can”
Next on the docket is “Catch Me If You Can,” a U.S. adaptation of one of Spain’s longest-running unscripted formats. Showrunner Anthony Carbone is collaborating with The Mediapro Studio to bring this engaging series to life. With over 10,000 episodes under its belt, this format is a testament to the power of engaging, unscripted content that keeps audiences coming back for more.
“Hollywood Homicide: Robert Blake”
Tom Donahue, known for his gripping storytelling in “Mafia Spies,” is stepping into the true crime arena with “Hollywood Homicide: Robert Blake.” This docuseries will delve into the sensational case of actor Robert Blake, who was accused of murdering his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. The story is brought to life through the lens of his son, Noah Blake, providing a personal and profound perspective on a case that has captivated audiences for decades.
“Mother Wolf”
Academy Award-winner Melissa Leo stars in “Mother Wolf,” a darkly comedic fairy tale directed by indie favorite Suzi Yoonessi. In this tale, Leo portrays a retired teacher who suddenly finds herself responsible for her grandchildren. Described as a character willing to go to any lengths for her family, this project is currently in post-production and promises to blend humor with heartfelt moments.
Looking Ahead
With a solid foundation in Latin America and Europe, The Mediapro Studio has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality content. Fernández Espeso remarked on the importance of maintaining close connections with local talent and partners, highlighting that these relationships play a pivotal role in their international expansion. “We have an extensive library of formats and a strong track record of creating content that transcends borders,” she noted, showcasing their commitment to producing universally appealing stories.
Acosta echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the studio’s focus on delivering high-quality English-language content while leveraging their impressive global infrastructure. “Our objective is to deliver high quality, and we’re doubling down on English,” he explained, underscoring the ambition behind their projects.
A New Era in Entertainment
The announcement of this English-language slate comes at a crucial moment in the U.S. television landscape. “For many years, we wanted to produce in the U.S. and keep it local,” Acosta said. “Now, given the market realities, we have a competitive advantage because we can bring together talent, creativity, infrastructure, and distribution—all in one package.” This holistic approach sets The Mediapro Studio apart as they venture into the U.S. market.
In conclusion, the slate presented by The Mediapro Studio US & Canada is not just a collection of projects; it’s a promise of storytelling that transcends borders, cultures, and genres. With an impressive lineup of talent and a clear vision for the future, they are poised to make a significant impact in the English-language market. Keep your eyes peeled—this is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey into a new era of entertainment!
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