People

Global producer and distributor Fremantle has appointed Manuel Martí to the newly created position of Head of Scripted Development, Latin America, based in Mexico City.

Reporting to Coty Cagliolo, Fremantle’s Head of Production, Latin America, Manuel will be responsible for developing Fremantle’s drama slate in the region, securing and delivering commissions and ultimately building Fremantle’s scripted business in Latin America.

An experienced and creative development executive with a strong cultural understanding of the region, Manuel was formerly Head of Development and International Business at Polka, one of Latin America’s leading scripted production companies.

Manuel Martí said: “It’s a privilege to join a company like Fremantle at such an evolutionary moment in our industry. Latin-American storytelling has a unique voice and a bourgeoning track record which, with a content powerhouse like Fremantle behind it, will thrive even further”

Coty Cagliolo, Head of Production, Fremantle, Latin America, said: “It’s fantastic to have someone of Manuel’s calibre and expertise joining Fremantle. A true industry leader, Manuel is the perfect person to help us expand our scripted footprint in the region and help drive our ambition forward to produce more bold Latin-American drama.”

Before his role at Polka, Manuel spent 8 years at Turner International working as Latam's Original Production Director.

Fremantle continues to grow its company activity in Latin America with investments and partnerships in the region. Fremantle recently acquired a 25% stake in The Immigrant, the independent production company owned by Camila Jimenez-Villa and Silvana Aguirre, secured a partnership with unscripted Brazilian prodco Mixer Films and hold a first-look deal with Oscar award-winning Fabula, with whom Fremantle co-produced La Jauria.

Manuel Martí and Coty Cagliolo will be attending NATPE in Miami with Fremantle later this month.