Keren Shahar, KI’s COO and President of Distribution, says, “We are proud to be unveiling our latest acquisitions to buyers today. We take great pleasure in handpicking titles from all over the world that we really believe in, and our Fall slate of foreign-language dramas does not disappoint. Not only do they each stand proud in their own right, these new shows also complement our current slate, ensuring that we really do have something to suit everyone’s needs and budgets, whether it’s ready to play content or formats.”
KI has acquired both the format and finished tape rights for Blue Moon (30x60’), an action-packed crime procedural with a compelling story arch running across three seasons that is brand new to the international market. Produced by Aetios Productions for the French-Canadian streamer Club Illico, the Luc Dionne-penned thriller smashed streaming records when it debuted on the subscription platform, with viewers and critics alike praising its “polished writing, production values comparable to those of the top American series, and world-class cast”. Karine Vanasse (Cardinal) stars as the determined Justine Laurier who, after inheriting her father’s private security firm Blue Moon, must face her own demons while trying to maintain her own moral values amid the harsh reality of dangerous missions and less-than-legal activity.
Also picked up by KI for its Fall 2021 slate is the stylish satire The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco (Glad IJs). Produced by Cartouche and Deds Film for Belgium’s VTM, this 10x60’ drama is a cautionary tale of a man who cares more for his employees than his own family. When self-made ice cream boss Phil 'Frisco' Druyts discovers his wife and eldest son plan to sell off his life’s work, he takes matters into his own hands, plunging his family and the whole country into turmoil, and unleashing a nationwide manhunt. KI has acquired both the format and finished tape rights.
Another new addition to KI’s format and finished tape scripted slate comes a gloriously retro coming-of-age comedy-drama from Sweden called Dreaming of England (6x30’). Produced by Art and Bob Film and Drama for SVT, the year is 1985 and 15-year-old Lena lives with her single mother Åsa in a sleepy Swedish town. With dreams of studying English abroad, Lena is soon selling discarded porn mags to pay for her trip, Åsa is hitchhiking to Greece to find love and Lena’s grandmother discovers a promising career writing erotica.
Originally produced by Solar Republic for Finland’s Elisa, Pillow Talk (Makkari) is an 8x30’ comedy-drama born out of the pandemic: each episode features a different couple and is always set in just one room. For the interconnected, complex characters in this heart-warming relationship-based anthology series, the bedroom is the heart of their lives… even though they may not realise it. KI has acquired both the format and finished tape rights for Pillow Talk.
A new addition to KI’s non-scripted slate is the 3x60’ tape and format of Crackit Productions’ Property Superstars, a fresh order for a British terrestrial channel that sees viewers introduced to Tyron Ash - the UK’s number one agent on Instagram - and his aspirational team of agents. This diverse crew of grafters don’t come from millions…but they’re the best in the business at selling houses for millions.
In The Perfect Dessert, looks are everything. Originally developed and produced with Keshet Broadcasting by July August Productions, Keshet 12’s brand-new baking format sees judges vote with their eyes first - so only dishes with the combined ‘wow factor’ of looks and taste make it through to the next round, and ultimately, the finale. Officially Israel’s most-watched baking format (average rating of 17.7% and 28.1% share across its premiere season), and with a second season on order for 2022, The Perfect Dessert is a new to KI’s formats slate for MIPCOM 2021.
Returning for a second season is Tuesday’s Child’s Killer Camp, the murderously fun horror-themed reality competition format set in an 80's American-style summer camp where contestants must do everything they can to stay alive. Rebooted as an 8x60’ order with America’s The CW network now also on board as a commissioning channel, Killer Camp S2 premieres in the US from 10 October with ITV2 to follow soon after.
Other titles picked up earlier this year by KI that will also be launched at MIPCOM, include:
Furia, Monster Scripted and X-Filme Creative Pool’s 8x60’ thriller about a far-right attack on Europe for Viaplay and ZDF that recently received its world premiere in competition at Series Mania and has recently premiered in the Nordics;
Surrounded by Enemies, Monster Entertainment’s 6x60’ docuseries with Henrik Evertsson (Estonia: The Find that Changed Everything) investigating right-wing extremist groups from within the movements;
Journey, Glassriver’s 6x30’ stunningly quirky comedy-drama road-trip across Iceland for Channel 2;
The Women’s Balcony, Pie Films’ 8x40’ feel-good, character-driven drama set in a close-knit neighborhood of Jersualem’s Bukharim Quarter for Keshet 12;
Pørni (18x30’), Monster Scripted’s authentic comedy-drama created by and starring Henriette Steenstrup as the hard-working single-mum who puts everyone else’s needs first, which was recently recommissioned for two further series by Viaplay.
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