Mediaset dances off with Banijay drama

Italian broadcaster Mediaset has ordered a drama set in the world of dance from Banijay Studios Italy, to be produced later this year under Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Anna Valle and Giuseppe Zeno star in Luce Dei Tuoi Occhi

Luce Dei Tuoi Occhi (My Ballerina) will be filmed in Vicenza and is described as a coming-of-age romantic thriller.

The plot centres around a dance academy in Vicenza and a star dancer and choreographer. Sixteen years after the loss of her baby daughter and breakdown of her relationship, she settles in New York. But she returns to Italy after receiving a mysterious message claiming her daughter could still be alive.

Luce Dei Tuoi Occhi will be executive produced by Massimo Del Frate for Banijay Studios Italy. Fabrizio Costa will direct.

Mediaset retains the rights to Luce Dei Tuoi Occhi in Italy and Spain, while all other international rights sit with Banijay Rights.

Massimo Del Frate, head of drama at Banijay Studios Italy, said: “Heralding drama from the start, the story unravels in the beautiful Vicenza’s Palladian surroundings, steeped in culture and ballet, but also in sickening lies. Anna Valle and Giuseppe Zeno interpret two captivating characters and are protagonists of a story with very contemporary tones, a universal appeal and aimed at audiences of all ages.”

Banijay reorganised its business in Italy in November, merging two of its unscripted production companies, Drymedia and Magnolia TV, to create a single Banijay Italia label.

Banijay Italia forms part of the group’s Italian portfolio of companies, which also includes Banijay Studios Italy, Nonpanic, Aurora TV, Atlantis Film and ITV Movie.