Fremantle, Dormer strike first-look deal

Producer and distributor Fremantle has struck a first-look production deal with Natalie Dormer, star of its hit period drama Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Natalie Dormer

Under the multi-year pact, Dormer will create a slate of drama projects to be exclusively co-developed by Fremantle.

Dormer and the UK- and US-headquartered firm are working together on Vivling, a series based on the life of Gone with the Wind star Vivien Leigh, which is being produced by London-based firm Mainstreet Pictures. Further projects are to follow.

Dormer most recently linked up with Fremantle for Foxtel and Amazon series Picnic at Hanging Rock, based on Joan Lindsay’s classic novel. She also has starred in the leading role in the psychological thriller feature film In Darkness, which she co-wrote.

Dormer, who has starred in HBO’s fantasy hit Game of Thrones, will also feature in Icon Productions’ upcoming adaptation of The Professor and The Madman, starring opposite Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.

Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s executive VP and creative director for global drama, said: “Natalie is a true talent both as an actress and producer. Her great ambition and taste for compelling entertaining projects is a perfect mix to add to the Fremantle family.”

Dormer, who has expressed a desire to have more involvement behind the camera as well as in front of it, is making a keynote appearance at C21’s Content London event next week.