Fremantle links up with Silent Witness duo

Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble of 87 Films

FremantleMedia has signed a development deal with the UK drama producer behind Silent Witness and Thorne.

87 Films was founded by Silent Witness writers Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble and recently brought Patrick Irwin (The Fall, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell) on board as executive producer.

The company will collaborate with FremantleMedia on scripted projects for the international market alongside Fremantle’s global in-house producers.

Patrick Irwin

87 Films is already developing dramas with FremantleMedia’s Wildside in Italy, Kwai in France, Miso across Scandinavia and FremantleMedia North America in the US.

Sarah Doole, director of global drama at FremantleMedia, said: “Jim and Dudi are a creative force that will be a tremendous addition to FremantleMedia.

“They have an exceptional vision for stories that tie perfectly into our ambitions for our drama business. This key relationship will bring their talents to our global network of producers.”

Appleton and Keeple said in a statement that Christian Vesper, executive VP and creative director of global drama, and Doole were “hugely inspiring collaborators.”

“In an international television business that can seem increasingly corporate, they are passionate about great dramatic stories wherever they come from, wherever they lead,” they said.

The agreement adds to FremantleMedia’s tie-ups and investments in firms including Miso Film, Abot Hameiri, Dancing Ledge, Fontaram, Kwai, Wildside, Bend It TV and Easy Tiger.