FremantleMedia backs Bend It director

MIPTV: FremantleMedia is to take a minority stake in the TV production company owned by Bend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha.

Gurinder Chadha

The X Factor producer will own 25% of the indie, which is focused on primetime scripted content.

Chadha, who was awarded an OBE for services to the British film industry in 2006, has also directed feature films such as Bride & Prejudice, Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging and Viceroy’s House.

The Kenya-born English director “is unique in her ability to make local stories resonate with audiences around the world,” FremantleMedia said.

The deal comes as part of the RTL Group-owned firm’s strategy to grow its scripted business. It has recently invested in other drama producers such as Corona Pictures and Dancing Ledge in the UK, Fontaram and Kwai in France and Wildside in Italy.

FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said: “When we set out to build our scripted business, at the top of my list was working with and supporting the best creative talent in the world and this new partnership truly exemplifies that goal.”

Chadha added: “I look forward to working on our vibrant, international drama slate and bringing our brand of stories to our global audience, now excitingly on TV.”

Other investments by FremantleMedia over the last 18 months across scripted, entertainment and factual include Abot Hameiri, Naked Entertainment, Man Alive Entertainment, Full Fat TV, Dr Pluto, Wild Blue Media, Eureka and No Pictures Please.