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ABOUT CONTENT LONDON DRAMA SERIES PITCH 2024

The Content London Drama Series Pitch showcases some of the most exciting development projects in the scripted space from across the globe, with the projects  using this platform to look for partners to help take them to the next level.

 

This year there were over 100 submissions and eight projects have been selected to pitch live at Content London on Tuesday 3 December at 11am. The winning project, selected by an esteemed panel of judges will be announced the same evening from 6pm. The winner will receive a £30,000 marketing prize from C21 Media to support development and pre-sales promotion of the show.

TIMELINE

07/08/2024
Open for entries

21/10/2024
Entry deadline

31/10/2024
Shortlisted projects notified

01/11/2024
Finalists notified

EVENT DETAILS

This event is taking place at:
Content London 2024

This event is available for Content London delegates only.

To purchase a Content London 2024 ticket, please CLICK HERE.

2024 WINNER

BLOOD RED THREAD

Boogie Entertainment
Germany / France / Belgium

In the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Parisian high fashion, British Detective Inspector Kate Morrow is thrust into an investigation that crosses borders and blurs lines between beauty and crime. When the enigmatic fashion designer Junichi Inamoto is found dead at the London Fashion Show, his apparent suicide raises more questions than it answers. Kate travels from London to Paris, where she uncovers a dangerous web of counterfeit goods, corporate betrayal, and deadly secrets hidden beneath the stylish surface of the fashion industry.

 

As Kate digs deeper, she crosses paths with an array of complex characters: Lilly, Inamoto’s ambitious assistant with a dark past; Pierre Olivier, the ruthless head of Paris Noir with secrets to protect; Sunny, the fragile sister of the deceased designer, who may hold the key to unlocking the mystery, and outlet-billionaire Cashley who is keen on taking over the fashion house. Meanwhile, Kate faces challenges in her personal life, balancing her troubled relationship with her ex-husband and daughter while uncovering a conspiracy that reaches into the heart of Paris Noir.

 

Tensions escalate when Mia, Kate’s teenage daughter, becomes entangled in the fashion world’s dangerous underbelly. As the investigation races towards a dramatic showdown at the Milan Fashion Show, Kate must solve the murder while protecting her daughter, navigating a world where nothing is as it seems.

Zoë Laband

Zoë Laband is an award winning South African screenwriter. She holds a Masters in screenwriting from York University, Toronto, and has written on over 20 locally and internationally produced TV series. Zoë has won a South African Film and TV Award for best writing on a TV comedy and she has had three comedy features produced, one of which was nominated for a SAFTA for Best Feature Screenplay, and another remaining on the number 1 slot on Netflix SA for several weeks. Zoë created and head wrote the critically acclaimed medical drama series HARTKLOP, and a fourth international feature is currently in pre-production. 

Tracey-Lee Rainers

Tracey-Lee Rainers is a reputable story practitioner with two decades experience in the film and television industry. As an independent content producer and writer, she has been instrumental in the development of hundreds of hours of original content. She owns Story Oasis, a prominent South African development hub, and has successfully expanded her influence globally, focusing on authentic storytelling that embraces diverse perspectives.

As story editor, her extensive portfolio includes notable projects such as the acclaimed feature “I do not come to you by Chance”, blockbuster romance  “Seriously Single,” the award-winning short “Address Unknown” and the medical drama series “Hartklop.”

As story mentor, Tracey-Lee has also participated in prestigious development labs, including the Durban Talent Campus Story Junction, the PRODUIRE AU SUD Jumpstart Programme, and the Realness Institute’s Creative Producer Indaba.

Recently nominated for the Leading Women of Africa Awards in the gender focused entrepreneurship category, Tracey-Lee continues to create opportunities for female creatives in the film and television sector, exemplifying her commitment to elevating voices and perspectives within the industry.

GENRE: Crime

 

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Zoe Laband Head writer
Timothy Prager Writer
Johannes Rothe Writer

Rolant Hergert Producer
Titus Kreyenberg Executive Producer/Showrunner

 

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

ZDF Studios Germany
France TV distribution France

Boogie Entertainment Germany

Beluga Tree Belgium

 

LOOKING FOR: We are looking for an additional co-production and financing partner to join the project.

Boogie Entertainment is a film and television production company based in Berlin. We are passionate and experienced entertainment creators who develop concepts and programmes. From the idea to development, production and post-production, everything stays under one roof.

 

Our goal? Quite simply: Good Entertainment.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Zoe and Tracy via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

2024 FINALISTS

A GIRL FROM TALLINN

Zolba Productions
Estonia

The remains of a woman’s body are found in the woods near Tallinn, buried for over 30 years. The victim had been shot. Estonian investigator Anna Petersen takes the case, despite knowing the odds of finding the killer after so many years are slim. Yet, she uncovers clues that may help identify both the victim and her murderer. In the early 90s, post-Soviet Estonia was rife with crime. Criminals from across the former Soviet Union flocked there, including Ivan, a Ukrainian athlete turned gangster. Unlike typical thugs, Ivan had a code of honor and no vices, making him seem almost heroic. Maria, the mistress of Ivan’s boss, becomes romantically interested in him. But their affair ends tragically: Maria is killed, and Ivan, who survives, is left with guilt for failing to save her.

 

Thirty years later, Ivan is a legitimate businessman in Kyiv when he encounters a young woman who looks exactly like Maria. The resemblance is uncanny, down to the smallest detail. Ivan wrestles with whether this is an elaborate hoax, a figment of his imagination, or something supernatural. Refusing to believe in ghosts, he realizes the key to the mystery lies where it all begun – back in Tallinn.

 

The storylines of Anna’s investigation, Ivan’s past, and his present encounter with the mysterious woman converge, leading to a final revelation where past and present, lies and truth, collide.

Jevgeni Supin

Jevgeni Supin embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry in 1998. For over a decade he lent the creation of formats such as Dancing With The Stars and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Since 2013 Jevgeni’s work has spanned a wide spectrum, from broadcast content to feature films and stage plays. In recent years, Jevgeni has ventured onto the international arena and is currently developing the slate of projects in co-production with Germany, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Finland.

Kateryna Vyshnevska

Kateryna Vyshnevska is a UK-based independent producer, originally from Ukraine, with a passion for co-productions. Kateryna most recently served as the Head of Development and Co-productions and a Producer at Ukraine’s largest studio FILM.UA Group. She executive produced scripted and non-scripted content across all genres and oversaw international development and co-production partnerships. Kateryna’s recent credits include political thriller MOLOCH (Czech Republic – Slovakia – Ukraine co-pro; Canal+ Original in CEE), THOSE WHO STAYED series, co-developed with Red Arrow Studios and co-produced with NRK (Norway), SVT (Sweden) and YLE (Finland), that went on to air in over 30 countries; factual series CITIZENS AT WAR (Australia – UK – Ukraine co-pro for ZDF channel in Germany); factual feature film MEETING ZELENSKYY, directed by Liev Schreiber and André Singer and distributed by Boatrocker; KOZA NOSTRA feature film (Ukraine-Italy co-pro for RAI Cinema) and HIDE AND SEEK (the break-out Ukrainian TV series selected by MIPTV Drama Buyers’ Summit, Serie Series, MIA, Black Nights FF, Göteborg FF, etc.). Kateryna is the recipient of the Honorary Producer Awards at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, is a regular speaker at all major film and television events, sits on MIA Rome Drama Selection Committee, is a series mentor for European Women’s Audiovisual Network’s EWA x Netflix Series Accelerator and has served as a juror for Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize 2024, Rockie Awards and International Emmys.

GENRE: Thriller, Drama

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Oleksii Sakhaltuev, writer – UA

Ilmar Raag, director – EE

Jevgeni Supin, producer – EE

Martichka Bozilova, producer – BG

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

FilmUA – UA
Agitprop – BG
Eesti Telefilm (part of Estonian Public Broadcasting)
Go3 – pan-Baltic VOD platform
LTV – Latvian Public Broadcasting

LOOKING FOR: Distribution partner and a Broadcaster who will close the gap

ZOLBA PRODUCTIONS is an independent Estonian production coǿpany founded in 2013. It focuses on the developǿent and co-production of TV series and feature filǿs, and also provides production services. Apart froǿ producing high quality content Zolba Productions is one of the contributors to Black Nights Filǿs Festival Industry@Tallinn events — TV Beats foruǿ conference.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Jevgeni and Martichka via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

AFTERSHAVE

Rabbit Films
Finland

Set in 1990s Finland during the country’s worst recession, Panther (29) and Ricky (25) are best friends and drag performers in Helsinki’s underground scene. Their small two-person show at a local gay bar barely pays, but they live happily in their bubble. When Ricky falls for Mikko (20) and persuades Panther to let him join the group, tensions rise. As the show unexpectedly expands beyond queer circles, success brings new problems—romantic heartbreaks, creative clashes, and betrayals.

 

Ricky eventually quits, leaving Panther devastated. However, after a heartfelt revelation of Panther’s own struggles, the two friends reconcile, vowing honesty. Ricky supports Panther in attending his estranged mother’s funeral—in full drag, shocking the crowd. Afterward, they learn Mikko and their former teammates are forming a rival drag group, reigniting Ricky and Panther’s drive to reclaim the spotlight. Determined, they make a comeback to become the most spectacular drag duo in Finland.

Anna Brotkinibo
Anna Brotkin (born 1987) is an award-winning Helsinki-based screenwriter. She created the domestic hit-series “Adults” (orig. “Aikuiset”) for Yle that received huge ratings, critical acclaim and several awards in Finland, including best comedy series, and best screenplay at the Golden Venla Awards. Brotkin has also been awarded with the Finlandia Prize by the Ministry of Culture in her home country Finland. Her debut feature Butterflies, directed by Sundance Winner Jenni Toivoniemi, premiered in cinemas in September 2024. Brotkin is best known for her characters, humour and witty dialogue.

 

Minna Haapkylä

Head of Scripted Content in Rabbit Films (2018-> )

2021 Kiosk (8×30’) broadcaster Elisa Viihde

2022 Bubble (90’) 

2022 Mobile 101 (6×50’) broadcaster MTV Finland/Cmore 2022

2022 Summer of Sorrow (10×45’) broadcaster Elisa Viihde

2024 Defiance (90’)

2024 Queen of Fucking Everything (6×50’) Broadcaster YLE

2024 Into the Dark (8×45’) Broadcaster Elisa Viihde 

As an actress (1998-> )

Winner of multiple Finnish Oscars and international awards, including a Shooting Star.

GENRE: Drama

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Anna Brotkin – screenwriter
Minna Haapkylä – executive producer
Tiina Pesonen – producer

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

Yle (broadcaster)
Finnish Film Foundation (slate development support)

APFI Audiovisual Producers Finland (material support)

LOOKING FOR:

International broadcaster, international sales agent, international co-producing partners and international investors commission or pre-sale, other pre-sales; or global commission

Rabbit Films is behind the most breathtaking tv entertainment, fiction series and feature films. Our heart beats to unique, original concepts and the best talent. Originally launched in 2001, today Rabbit Films is one of the leading production companies in the country, and distributes its content globally.

 

Rabbit Films Scripted Content, one of the company’s main departments, embarked on its journey of developing scripted content in 2017. Since then, the company has produced multiple high-end drama series and feature films, and one comedy series, with a commitment to creating top-notch content that will captivate audiences worldwide.

 

Leading the Scripted Department are a team of accomplished professionals, including Head of Scripted Minna Haapkylä, Creative Director Jani Volanen, CEO Olli Suominen and producers Tiina Pesonen and Tiina-Mari Pitkänen.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can also contact Anna and Minna via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

DEAD WOMEN TALKING

Helsinki-filmi
Finland

Late 1980’s: Two young women are murdered: a small town beauty queen and her best friend. The suspected killer is tracked down: A young man nicknamed The Lumberjack.

 

2020’s: Noora, a fiery podcast host, and Olivia, an idealistic journalist, take on the women’s case in their true crime podcast. Noora has a secret connection to the case – the victims were from her small hometown.

 

The podcast hosts receive a strange package: A cassette tape suggesting that the 1980’s case wasn’t as clear as it seems. It turns out the real killer is still at large.

 

The threat from the past becomes a threat in the present. Noora and Olivia manage to track down the real killer – and risk their own lives while exposing him.

Mia Ylonen

Mia Ylönen is the Head of Drama at the Finnish production company Helsinki-filmi, an affiliate of Aurora Studios. She manages Helsinki-filmi’s and Aurora Studios’ drama slate, works as a series producer and develops concepts as a creator & showrunner. Ylönen’s most recent projects include Icebreaker for Elisa Viihde (2025) and Codename: Annika for SkyShowtime (2023). She is also a partner at Aurora Studios.

Ylönen won the 2024 MIPDRAMA Coup de Couer Buyers’ Award in Cannes for Icebreaker, and in 2023 she was selected as the Screenwriter of the Year by the Finnish Writers’ Guild. Ylönen is a member of the International Emmy Academy and the Finnish Playwrights Guild, and she served on the board of Finnish Screenwriters Association in 2018-19.

Jojo Erholtz

Jojo Erholtz is a Helsinki based director, writer and editor with several drama series under her belt. Having studied in Los Angeles and in the U.K., her vision is internationally-oriented, with a specific focus on LGBTQ-issues. Erholtz’s recent directing credits include a Finnish drama series SOULMATES; a 10-part crime series DETECTIVE MARIA KALLIO based on the novels by the Finnish best-selling crime author Leena Lehtolainen; and the third season of a popular Finnish dramedy series LIVING WITH MY EX. 

Prior to her directing career Jojo worked as a freelance editor on a wide range of documentary, narrative and commercial projects. Jojo holds an MA in Film Editing from the National Film and Television School (UK), and is the recipient of the BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award for Best Editor. She also holds an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute where her thesis film TAPE was awarded at the Oscar-qualifying Outfest Film Festival, the Palm Springs ShortFest and the Hamptons International Film Festival.

GENRE:

Crime

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Mia Ylönen – Executive Producer

Anniina Leppänen – Producer

Tua Harno – Head Writer

Johanna Holvikallio – Writer

Jojo Erholtz – Director

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

Commissioner: YLE Finland

LOOKING FOR:

Currently seeking a distribution company, also looking for presales.

Founded in 2002, Helsinki-filmi Oy is one of the pre-eminent production companies in the Nordics. The company has produced over 30 feature films and several drama series, and its most successful productions include Tove, Ladies of Steel, Tom of Finland, Heart of a Lion and Lapland Odyssey. The company is also behind the first Finnish drama series for SkyShowtime, Codename: Annika (2023), and the upcoming thriller Icebreaker won the 2024 MIPDRAMA award in Cannes. Helsinki-filmi became an independent subsidiary of Aurora Studios in 2021.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Mia and JoJo via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

GOOD BONES

Luminous Beast
New Zealand

When his pregnant wife, Meghan, challenges him to step up to the responsibility of fatherhood, incurable procrastinator Sal decides to do the sensible thing: cash in his Lord of the Rings figurine collection, take out a barely serviceable loan, and buy the most derelict villa in Auckland.

 

Meghan is shocked. That figurine money was supposed to be their nest egg. And the house is a total dump with a seriously weird vibe. Refusing to believe Sal can deliver on his plans to renovate, she moves back in with her parents. Now Sal has to do-up this dump before the baby comes, to show he’s a changed man.

 

The only problem is that Sal’s ramshackle villa is a historic crime scene. The previous owner died in mysterious circumstances, there are strange relics hidden in the walls and a big crack in the lounge wall that just has a “rift to a nightmarish alternate reality” vibe. Yep, something truly terrible happened in this house and Sal, well unfortunately he’s going to have to solve this cold case or he’ll never get code of compliance.

 

Sal will investigate the disappearance of the original owner’s wife, a champion long distance runner. But it’s not long before his probing ruffles feathers and Sal becomes a target himself. And all the while, his DIY project looms…

 

Good Bones follows a fully-grown man in a coming-of-age story, racing to solve a crime, and get the new roof on, in time to save his marriage.

Dan Musgrove

Dan Musgrove is an Emmy award-winning writer and producer based in Auckland, New Zealand. A co-founder of Luminous Beast, one of New Zealand’s most innovative new production companies, Dan co-created the hugely successful SKY Originals series INSiDE.  The psychological thriller, shot entirely during the COVID lockdown, picked up multiple international awards, including the 2021 International Emmy for Short Form Series. Luminous Beast’s latest co-production, the one-hour drama After the Party screened last year to universal acclaim, multiple awards, and was hailed by New Zealand critics as “the best TV Drama we’ve ever made”. Other recent credits include writing the acclaimed Hulu dystopian comedy drama, Creamerie, which featured on the New York Times list of Best TV Shows on Streamers in 2021 and won the Best Drama Award at the 2022 New Zealand Television Awards.

GENRE:

Comedy

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Dan Musgrove – Writer/Creator

Shoshana McCallum – Writer/Creator

Peter Salmon – Writer/Creator

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

Sky TV New Zealand

LOOKING FOR:

A sales advance

Luminous Beast is an innovative screen production company formed in Auckland, Aotearoa, by three of New Zealand’s most in demand screen creatives. With a focus on iconic characters, off-beat narratives and fresh perspectives, the Beast is committed to telling stories that reflect our rapidly changing world. Our debut production, INSiDE, picked up an International Emmy in 2021 and our latest one hour limited-series, After the Party, co-produced with Lingo Pictures in Australia, premiered late 2023. The series has been hailed by The Spinoff as “the best TV drama New Zealand has ever produced.”

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Dan via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

THE ISLAND COOKERY SCHOOL

Black Camel Pictures
United Kingdom

When you step off the Naples ferry onto the beautiful island of Ischia, you pass through the picturesque harbour, into the bustling market, then up the volcanic Mount Epomeo, past olive trees and lemon groves, until you find Villa Edesia, a stunning cookery school run by ROSA DOYLE (66), its vivacious, mercurial, Michelin starred chef. You don’t quite need a golden ticket to take part in her week-long residential cooking course, but be prepared to sit on a waiting list, for it offers an experience to transform your culinary skills and, from the glowing testimony of graduates of the school, your life too.

 

But on the eve of the flagship summer course, Rosa’s daughter ZAFFINA (42) receives a desperate call from course manager FLAVIA (32). Her mother has gone awol – no explanation, no forwarding address. None of the local chefs feel brave enough to step into her shoes so her frazzled lawyer daughter in the UK is the only option. Culinarily rusty, home life in crisis, and curious about why Rosa bailed, Zaffina finds herself with the task of rescuing the course, and maybe unlocking something missing in her own life along the way.

Arabella Page Croft

Co-founder, Black Camel Pictures

Page Croft is a leading Scottish producer, executive producer and director and runs the award-winning independent production company, Black Camel Pictures, with her producer partner Kieran Parker.

The company is currently in pre-production with Gifted, a 10 x 30′ new kids’ action-adventure series for CBBC and ARD in Germany. They are in in postproduction with An t-Eilean/The Island (4 x 50’), the first HETV family crime drama for BBC ALBA. She executive produces both shows.

Page Croft’s executive producer credits also include Annika for UKTV and PBS Masterpiece, starring Nicola Walker, and the award-winning children’s animation series The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon, which premiered on Sky Kids and had now run to three series.

Black Camel Picture’s feature film credits include Falling for Figaro starring Dani Macdonald and Joanna Lumley, Sunshine on Leith starring Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan, Legacy starring Idris Elba and action horror trilogy Outpost (I, II, III) starring Ray Stevenson.

Page Croft executive produces and directs Float the RTS and BAFTA nominated queer YA series for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

GENRE:

Drama

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Arabella Page Croft – Executive Producer

Nick Walker – Writer
Nicole Fitzpatrick – Executive Producer

Kieran Parker- Series Producer

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

All3 Media International

LOOKING FOR:

Our new show The Island Cookery School by Nick Walker is now seeking talented and experienced co-producers and international broadcasters to board our show. The Island Cookery School is ready to pitch with a strong pilot script, beautiful deck, sizzle and route to market with our partners All3Media International who are on board.

Originating UK based executive producer Arabella Page Croft aims to attract both broadcast and co-producers for an exciting international and creative partnership. We are looking to set the show up as a UK Italian co-production.

The Island Cookery School is a UK originated production set in two countries, the UK and Italy. The show will for the most part be set on the island of Ischia and we intend to shoot in Italy. With this in mind, we are looking for an Italian co-producer to partner, raise funding and then to oversee and manage the physical production on location. We will rely on their knowledge of financing in their territory and are looking for experienced and trusted co-producers with a strong industry network to secure and anchor the project locally.

The Island Cookery School will be a genuine co-production where shooting, studio facilities and cast and crew will be found in Italy. The show originates from the UK, by UK creatives and will be an authentic UK/Italian story.

We are seeking a genuine co-production and a partner who will endeavour to work with us to bring on an Italian broadcaster, source local funding and can manage the physical production. This is not a service production but an equity partnership. We enjoy our co-productions and successful collaborating with co-producers so we are looking for a fruitful collaboration that can be mutually beneficial to both parties.

Founded by producers Arabella Page Croft and Kieran Parker, BLACK CAMEL PICTURES is one of Scotland’s leading drama production companies. With a unique combination of extraordinary entrepreneurial skills, expert editorial values, cutting-edge craft and access to diverse creative talent from around the country, BLACK CAMEL PICTURES is an energetic BAFTA award-winning film and television drama company based in Glasgow. BLACK CAMEL currently produces the hugely successful ANNIKA for UKTV & PBS, starring Nicola Walker. BBC1 and iPlayer secured the show, and it has achieved a significant network and online audience. ANNIKA season 2 TX’d throughout September to incredible viewing figures internationally. THE ISLAND COOKERY SCHOOL will bring back together the editorial and executive team of this hugely successful show. Their BAFTA-winning children’s animation series THE BRILLIANT WORLD OF TOM GATES premiered on Sky Kids in 2021, and a third season was released in 2024. A film is also in development with Sky. They also produce the queer YA series FLOAT for the BBC, which won Best Series at Series Mania 2022. Series 2 TX’d in 2024 to rave reviews. BLACK CAMEL are currently in post with AN T-EILEAN (THE ISLAND), a 4-part drama for BBC and BBC ALBA, tx’ing in 2025. Their new CBBC series GIFTED will start filming in October.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Arabella via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

THE VESPIARY

UNITED HEROES LTD
United Kingdom

A British intelligence analyst agonizing about the consequences of a lapse of judgment; A German intelligence operator suffering from PTSD since a deadly ambush in Afghanistan; A Norwegian agent with an unsolved family tragedy; …each catch a glimpse of the immense network of Russian sleeper agents and illegals spread throughout Europe. A network which spies, bribes, coerces, threatens, blackmails, kidnaps, and murders ruthlessly to weaken and destroy NATO from within. With war looming in Europe’s East and the Russian spy group succeeding in dividing Europe’s political and economic elites, the three protagonists, supported by their mentors, set out to disrupt the Russian’s plans; but the enemy, guided by a callous and seemingly clairvoyant mastermind, fights back with cruel brutality. Whichever side triumphs in this lethal struggle will define the fate of Europe for the next century.

Egor Olesov

Egor Olesov is an award winning producer, writer, director, music composer and media manager. Has more than 20-year of working experience in media and content production business. Egor Olesov is a producer of films such as “Mr.Jones” (Ukrainian Film Academy Awards 2020 / Golden Dzyga Nominee, Berlin International Film Festival 2019 / Golden Berlin Bear Nominee, Polish Film Festival 2019 / Winner), “The Battle for Sevastopol”, “Pulse”, “The Stronghold”, animated features “Mavka.The Forest Song”, “The Stolen Princess” and other projects. His approach is marked by a dedication to immersive storytelling, whether through strong historical themes or through the use of VFX to elevate the visual experience. His expertise makes him a key figure in producing drama series that blend gripping narratives with high production values. Egor Olesov is also a member of European Film Academy, Ukrainian Film Academy, Visual Effects Society, International Game Developer Association and Ukrainian Television Academy.

 

Pavlo Cherepin

Pavlo Cherepin is an award winning producer, documentary film director and creator of non-scripted formats with 20+ years of experience in the industry. Known for sports and current affairs documentaries, action reality shows and interactive edutainment films. Producer and director of documentaries “Nukemailing”, “Cyberwar 2022”, “Special Atmosphere”, “The Line of Attack”, “Five Finals”, “Inside Ukraine” and co-creator of non-scripted shows “Scarman” and “Supermatch”‘. With the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion to Ukraine, was focused on creating international documentary films that highlighted various aspects of the war for a wide international audience. In particular, the films “Cyberwar 2022” and “Hunger” have been awarded and selected for numerous international film festival programs. The film “Inside Ukraine”, created together with director Kim Yongmi, was recognized by the Hinzpeter Award jury in Rep. Korea. In 2022-2024 Pavlo Cherepin takes part as director and producer in number of documentary developments for Europe’s leading documentary broadcasters, including Arte, DW, SRF, etc. Films produced or directed by Pavlo Cherepin were recently premiered at RTL Germany, CNN Portugal, Docubay India, RTVE Spain, EER Estonia, Al Jazeera, ICTV Ukraine, etc.

GENRE:

Spy Thriller, Drama

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Writers: Terry Clark, Thomas Theirner

Producers: Lasse Hallberg, Egor Olesov, Pavlo Cherepin

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

Co-production with LGH ENTERTAINMENT

LOOKING FOR:

We aim to find a dedicated co-producer with strong international and local connections who can help us finalize the packaging and secure financing to bring the project to life. We’re particularly interested in partners from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and the Balkan countries.

Given our extensive experience in international co-production, we’re flexible in our approach and are ready to bring all our combined expertise and resources to the table. Together, we can determine the best options for the project. The series has an organic need for filming across various European locations and will require a multinational cast, with most roles and positions being adaptable.

UNITED HEROES GROUP is an International award-winning company, founded by leading Ukrainian producers, focused on production of high-quality audio-visual content and providing content-related services. It is known for their documentaries, digital/TV shows, interactive movies, premium commercials for leading Ukrainian brands and a wide development pipeline of their own IPs based on feature films, series, and animation projects. Main strategy of the company is to unite the best and motiveted creative talents, inspired artists and experienced producers around development and production of a creative content, in a partnership with worldwide industry leaders and with a strong focus on international markets.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Egor and Pavlo via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

VENDETTA

CPB Films
France
  1. 1991. In Corsica, Toussaint Natali and Lisandru Lucciani killed each other. Just before his death, Toussaint made his younger brother Anto swear that there would never be another vendetta in his family.
  2.  
  3. 1992.  True to his oath, Anto has left Corsica and become a cop in Paris. Back in his homeland for the holidays he has to face up to his father Joseph, who is threatening to sell the family estate if he doesn’t return home. Urged on by his wife Vanina, Anto agrees to stay. But shortly afterwards, a hooded man shoots Joseph and wounds Anto who falls into a deep coma…
  4.  

10 YEARS LATER, Anto wakes up. His son Santu, now a teenager, has only one thing on his mind: revenge on the Lucciani family. To protect his son, will Anto betray his ideals and the oath made to his brother to put an end to the vendetta?

Julia Schulte

Julia Schulte is SVP international Sales at France TV Distribution, the commercial subsidy of France Televisions. With 20 years experience in international acquisitions and sales, financing and coproduction of feature films, tv series, documentaries and animation programs. Through the label “Stories by” she also participates in the development of international drama series and feature films projects. Another focus she developed is the distribution of remake rights of French and European Ips. Today France TV distribution’s line-up features French hit drama series, like ZORRO with Jean Dujardin, CALL MY AGENT or the documentary series APOCALYPSE sold in worldwide territories.

 

Marco Cherqui

With over 15 years of experience as head of Chic Films, where he contributed to acclaimed projects such as Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet and the successful TV show Kaboul Kitchen, Marco Cherqui has established himself as a dynamic leader in the film and television industry. Since 2017, he has been leading the TV Drama & Cinema Department at CPB Films, a powerhouse in the global documentary and scripted content landscape. Marco has a talent for bringing ambitious projects to life, producing critically acclaimed series like Les Sauvages by Rebecca Zlotowski and the compelling TV movie series Everybody Lies, with its fourth opus set for release next year. His commitment to quality storytelling is further highlighted by the upcoming series adaptation of A Prophet, directed by Enrico Maria Artale, which promises to build on the success of the original film. 

GENRE:

Crime

WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCERS:

Written by Ange Basterga, Emmanuelle Michaux and Pierre Moscovici

Produced by Marco Cherqui (A Prophet, Kaboul Kitchen, The Savages)

PARTNERS (IF ATTACHED):

France Televisions (France 2), France Televisions Distribution (World sales)

LOOKING FOR:

We’re seeking for International prefinancing of major platforms and networks interested in a thriller taking place in the island of Corsica, a place that ”still maintains its centuries-old mythology of revenge to this day”.
Vendetta aims at being both an original mafia show and family tragedy where the hero wants to break the deadly downward spiral of revenge.

We definitively target a mainstream and international audience.

La Compagnie des Phares et Balises (CPB Films) is an independent production and distribution company, which initially built its reputation by producing documentaries. Today, its catalog boasts over 500 hours of programming.

In 2008, the company launched a Fiction & Cinema department, now headed by Marco Cherqui (A Prophet, Kaboul Kitchen, Laetitia…). The department develops and produces mini-series, TV series, and feature-length films for major French broadcasters (Canal+, France Télévisions, Arte, and M6) as well as feature films for the cinema.

CPB Films’ productions are regularly praised for their high standards and creativity, and have stood out at major French and international festivals.

[email protected]

Content London delegates can contact Marco and Julia via My Content London by CLICKING HERE.

JUDGES

Okine oversees the Australian national broadcaster’s scripted drama and comedy slates. After starting her career over 20 years ago in acquisitions at FilmFour, Okine was the first employee of Hopscotch, later becoming the acquisitions executive for eOne ANZ and head of development for Hopscotch Features.  

She moved back to Europe in 2015 to become Paris-based VP of international production and acquisitions for StudioCanal and was subsequently appointed VP of international acquisitions for STX.  

Returning to Australia in 2020, Okine was appointed managing director of Academy award-nominated production company Aquarius Films to strategically lead its film and TV operations. She joined Australian streaming service Stan in 2021 as senior commissioning editor, overseeing a slate of scripted drama and comedy, feature films and feature documentaries. 

Wim Janssen has worked at VRT, VRT 1, Canvas and VRT MAX since 2015, and was made head of drama at VRT in 2022.  

During this time he has been an executive producer for the daily soap, Thuis, as well as 1985, Arcadia, The Twelve, Tabula Rasa, Albatros, Beau Séjour, Professor T and more. 

  

Among the shows focusing on younger audiences on VRT MAX, Janssen has worked on the hit-title Knokke Off/High Tides, Season Of Sex and Roomies.  

As a member of New8, he is working on the first New8-title This Is Not A Murder Mystery (expected 2025). 

Former travel-guide, copywriter and lawyer, Zatta started his career in television as an editor of tv-movies and series.  

 

In 1994, he developed together with the Australian writer Wayne Doyle to create the first Italian soap, Un Posto Al Sole, which started in October 1996 and is still on air. He worked for 12 years as co-headwriter and producer whilst also dealing with a prime-time cop-series La Squadra that lasted 8 seasons as well as another soap, Cuori Rubati and a couple of tv-movies.  

 

In 2008, Zatta became headwriter of the soap Agrodolce. Soon after, he became an executive in this fiction department at Rai. In this position he dealt with the editorial and productive process of various projects (tv- movies, mini-series, long running series), keeping a strong focus on the narrative development.  

 

The most recent series he has worked on are La Porta Rossa, a paranormal thriller in which the protagonist has to find out who killed him, Di Padre in Figlia, an intense family saga that takes place in Italy and Brazil, the second season of Non Uccidere, the first Italian ‘Nordic- noir’ and Il Cacciatore, that won the price for the best actor at the recent Canneseries.  

 

Now Zatta is in charge of international coproductions. In this position he has worked on the series The name of the rose and on Survivors, a series that is co-developed by ZDF and FranceTv. More recently he has worked on The Sea Beyond, RaiPlay’s biggest success ever with almost 200 million views. 

Little is the co-founder of Little Bell Productions, launched in 2023 with Larissa Bell. The company was born from a desire to spotlight premium storytelling that centres unique voices, brings overlooked characters into focus, and resonates with a global audience. Little Bell currently holds a first-look deal with Universal Television.  

Prior to Little Bell, Little served as vice president of drama development at Universal Television. In this role, she oversaw the drama development slates for various studio deals including Dick Wolf, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Seven Bucks, Flavor Unit, Julie Plec, Malcolm D. Lee, Debra Martin Chase, Jenna Bans, Jessica Goldberg, Wondaland, and Monkeypaw. Little has shepherded development on multiple drama pilots and series for broadcast, premium cable, and streaming such as the critical and commercial hits Bel-Air and The Best Man: The Final Chapters for Peacock, top 10 broadcast series FBI and The Equalizer for CBS, and Almost Family for Fox.  

Prior to Universal, Little was director of drama programming at Fox where she oversaw pilots and current series for the network including Lee Daniels’ Empire and Star. Earlier, Little worked for A&E Networks, where she developed and produced scripted, non-fiction, reality series and TV movies for A&E, Lifetime Movie Network, and the BIO channel. A two-time Primetime Emmy nominee, Little began her creative career working in theatre and in production on Law and Order: SVU (NBC).  

Matthews is the content partnerships executive at Banijay Entertainment, where he acts as a key facilitator in the group’s production development process, supporting coproduction opportunities across the company’s footprint and generally building out the business’ pipeline and creative partnerships, primarily across drama. 

 

Matthews joined Banijay Entertainment from HBO Europe, where he most recently served as VP, executive producer, scripted, having joined the business in 2014. In that post, he partnered with local teams across Central Europe, Spain, and the Nordics to spearhead the development of original series and miniseries, as well as international adaptations. He worked on productions including Pustina, Umbre, Blinded By the Lights, Uspjeh, The Sleepers, Foodie Love, and Gösta. From Banijay’s footprint, he worked on 30 Coins (Pokeepsie), Beforeigners (Rubicon), and Beartown (Filmlance). 

Iwuji is an extraordinary actor of both screen and stage. He is currently to be seen opposite Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch in the Carnival TV/Peacock series The Day of the Jackal, as well as in Shane Black’s latest film Play Dirty. He also starred in James Gunn’s Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 and opposite John Cena in spin-off series Peacemaker for Max/DC. Prior to that, he appeared in all three seasons of BBC drama The Split, Netflix’s Shine Your Eyes and the thriller Daniel Isn’t Real. His other screen credits include John Wick: Chapter 2, A Woman a Part, The Girl Who Got Away, Amazon series The Underground Railroad, Madam Secretary and Doctor Who.

 

A theatre veteran, Iwuji starred in Othello for The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park in New York, while his performance in The Low Road earned him an Obie Award. An Associate Artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company, he has also received two Olivier Awards for his titular role in the RSC’s Henry VI parts I, II, and III. His other stage credits include Ivo van Hove’s Obsession opposite Jude Law and Hedda Gabler alongside Ruth Wilson, both for The National Theatre, and the Old Vic’s Richard III, directed by Sam Mendes.

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