Former Asacha, All3Media exec Maria Ishak launches Mischief International

Experienced TV exec Maria Ishak has launched Mischief International, a Paris- and London-based creative studio specialising in IP development, talent curation, financing, and franchise building.

Maria Ishak

The company says it will operate as a creative and production partner, focusing on content that blends cultural relevance with strong commercial potential.

Mischief’s slate currently includes a feature documentary with Public Square Films directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David France, a Finnish drama written by screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren, a feature documentary with All3Media’s award-winning StoryFilms, and a French-English fact-based drama co-produced with Fremantle’s Mintee and UK-based Indefinite Films.

Prior to founding Mischief, Ishak was head of international content and coproductions at Asacha Media Group, leading coproduction and co-financing strategies for both in-house and third-party projects.

While at Asacha, Ishak was instrumental in identifying and packaging titles such as Cicatriz (Amazon Spain, TVE, Telekom Serbia) and Poe (TF1, starring Freddie Highmore). She also helped navigate the deal that saw the Oaktree Capital-backed business acquired by Fremantle in March 2023.

Before joining Asacha, Ishak served as senior VP of North America at All3Media International. Based in New York, she launched the company’s Americas office and was responsible for regional sales, coproductions, and strategic partnerships.

Ishak has worked on a wide range of titles across scripted and unscripted, including It’s a Sin (Channel 4/HBO Max), Help (Channel 4/The Forge), Dinosaur (BBC/Two Brothers), The Wave (Arrow Media), RuPaul’s Drag Race (World of Wonder), and Who is Ghislaine Maxwell (Roast Beef TV).

“Mischief is focused on backing bold ideas with a clear path to market. Whether through traditional commissioning or bespoke funding models, we’re here to get shows made,” said Ishak.

“In today’s complex and challenged landscape, the need for creatively driven strategic partnerships has never been greater. Mischief combines a story-first vision with hands-on expertise in developing, financing, and producing content that resonates with international audiences.”