BBC Studios signs scripted format deal with Palomar for “The Split”

BBC Studios has secured a scripted format agreement with Palomar for the drama format, "The Split." With production completed, the title is set to debut later on this year. “Working on one of the most successful series of another European country is always a complex and excellent challenge," Marco Camilli Head of content at Palomar said. "And with a series written by Abi Morgan and aired by BBC, this is more than just a challenge, it is a huge responsibility."

"The Split," initially produced by Sister in association with Little Chick, the six-part 60-minute Italian series will be produced by Palomar with Tempesta Film in collaboration with Rai Fiction. The launch serves as the second scripted format sale in Italy after the 2020 license of modern romantic-comedy "I Want My Wife Back," locally known as Ridatemi Mia Moglie, was acquired by Sky Italia and produced by Sky and Colorado film. Italy will be the third market to license the format, following the steps of Turkish production company, MF Yapim.

The title is one of the unscripted format titles available to international customers at BBC Studios Showcase, scheduled from 28th February to 2 March. Other scripted formats include Doctor Foster, Criminal Justice, Luther and The Office. The deal was brokered by Tommaso Muffato, Sales Executive at BBC Studios. 

Locally titled Studio Battaglia, the screenplay has been adapted by Lisa Nur Sultan and is directed by Simone Spada. “'The Split' is a moving and compelling study of the universal themes of love, marriage and divorce – all of which audiences around the world will no doubt be able to relate,” André Renaud, Senior Vice President - Global Format Sales at BBC Studios said. “It’s a privilege for us that Palomar and Rai Fiction have chosen The Split as their next project, and I eagerly look forward to how they, the key talent, and the creative teams will explore this series for Italian audiences next year.”

Originally broadcasted in the UK on BB One and co-produced with Sundance TV in the US, the show follows a divorce circuit providing the stories of three sisters, each navigating complex relationships at work and at home. In February 2021 a third and final series of The Split was confirmed. The second series, which averaged over six million and over 19 million streams, became the third most watched drama series on BBC iPlayer in 2020. In the roles of three sisters, played by Nicola Walker, Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button in the UK original, confirmed cast includes Barbora Bobulova, Miriam Dalmazio, Marina Occhionero, and Lunetta Savino, among others.