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Endemol Studios, the LA-based scripted division of the Big Brother production giant, will adapt a French political drama series after making its first third-party format acquisition.
Kingmakers (working title) will be based on Les Hommes de l’Ombre, about the battle between two political communications advisors who will stop at nothing to see their candidates win.
Endemol struck a deal with French fiction producers Tetra Media Studio and Macondo for the format, which was created by Dan Frank (Carlos), Frédéric Tellier, Charline de Lépine and Emmanuel Daucé. The original series first aired on France 2 last January and a second season is currently in production.
Endemol is in talks with David Gergen, a professor of public service and a former White House advisor to four US presidents, to consult on the adaptation of the original storylines, character and plot development.
Philippe Maigret, CEO of Endemol Studios, said: “The propulsive storytelling, coupled with potential global television appeal made this political thriller a must-have for us.
“Les Hommes de l’Ombre offers a unique and ambitious format to develop a relevant, timeless and compelling American drama with original characters that bring the audience behind the scenes of high-stakes politics, starting with a presidential political campaign.”
Last month, Endemol secured a series pick-up from US broadcast network ABC for its crime thriller Red Widow. It also has a pilot, Low Winter Sun, with cablenet AMC. Both are based on Endemol formats.
The division, which launched in August 2011, is also behind AMC’s Hell on Wheels, which is now in its second season.
