PRODUCT NEWS
Content for sale Five exhibition floors full of multi-platform content from around the world. Where do you start? The MIPCOM Preview gives you a taste of what’s on offer in Cannes…
Sing it out VOICE coach Elaine Overholt has worked with John Travolta, Renee Zellwegger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and in Big Voice (13 x 30 mins), brought to MIPCOM by Portfolio Entertainment, she uses her talents with everyday women to help them realise their musical potential, culminating in a stage performance. The Canadian company also brings Everyday Exotic, Season 2 (26 x 30 mins) in which host Roger Mooking explains how to use exotic seasoning in everyday food.
RAI TRADE’s MIPCOM slate includes: The Rimet Trophy, a documentary telling the story of the Jules Rimet World Cup football trophy, from 1928 to the present; and new feature film I Am With You, the story of Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus, a co-production between Magda Film and Colorado Film, in collaboration with Rai Cinema. Also in development is a new thriller film, Gorbaciof, and The Lost World Cup, about the 1942 World Cup in Patagonia, unrecognised by football’s governing bodies. Elaine Overholt, Big Voice (Portfolio Entertainment)
Crime stories
MARVISTA Entertainment’s MIPCOM family roster is topped with feature film 16 Wishes, starring Debby Ryan and Jean-Luc Bilodeau. A co-production between MarVista and Disney Channel, the story features Abby (played by Ryan), a teenager who can’t wait to grow up, and when she is given the chance to make all her wishes come true, quickly learns the importance of being careful what you wish for.
ALL3MEDIA International is highlighting two new drama series at MIPCOM. The Silence, from Company Pictures, is a thriller in which a teenager’s life is under threat after she witnesses a murder. The second project, Accused, from RSJ Films, is a series in which each hour-long episode is a separate story about how one individual finds themselves accused of a crime.
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ARGENTINA’s Flor Latina brings new comedy drama Easy Money (26 x 26 mins) to MIPCOM. It is the story of Rolo, a security guard with mounting financial problems, an ex-wife who is ill, and a teenage daughter about to graduate. He finds that he has to break down his own prejudices and beliefs to achieve the welfare of his family.
Made in Italy
Making a wish
16 Wishes (MarVista Entertainment)
Money troubles
THE UK’s So TV headlines its MIPCOM slate with The Graham Norton Show, featuring the comedian’s monologues and interviews with international celebrities. There are currently 96 45-minute episodes available, with more in production. The company also brings three seasons of Sorry I’ve Got No Head, a 30minute sketch show aimed at a young audience, and Game Over (26 x 30 mins) a comedy soap set in a computer game. Also in the pipeline is a drama project with the BBC that focuses on British detectives who investigate international crime. The first series will be set in China.
Live laughs THE UK’s 4DVD, Channel 4’s wholly-owned DVD distribution arm, is at MIPCOM with its latest UK comedy project Rhod Gilbert & The Cat That Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst, a live show featuring the Welsh stand-up comedian.
White House confidential THE OBAMA White House: Through The Lens (1 x 52 mins), is a co-production between National Geographic and ProSieben, and is brought to MIPCOM by distributor NGTI. Obama’s official photographer Pete Souza follows the US President into key political and social situations — from giving speeches and hosting dinners, to playing with the family dog. The film also documents the work of the first lady, Michelle Obama.
The Obama White House: Through The Lens (NGTI)