Mipcom 2023: Fremantle makes its presence felt in Cannes

Fremantle announced new sales deals for acclaimed and uplifting reality TV format “The Piano” with RTL4 in the Netherlands and TV2 in Denmark. The format, which debuted on Channel 4 in the UK, was the number one new entertainment show of the year, and the channels best-rating new format launch since 2017. The show has also won Best Reality Format at the C21 International Format Awards at Mipcom 2023.

“The Piano” sees talented amateur pianists invited to play on public pianos, sharing their personal stories and music with the general public. Passers-by are stopped in their tracks as heartfelt, emotional and captivating performances take place. However, what the pianists do not know is that two superstar judges are secretly watching, and one pianist from each episode will be chosen to play on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.

“‘The Piano’ is one of the most authentic reality shows in the market right now, taking the talent search genre out of studio and into a completely new direction. We are delighted to announce our first round of sales for this very special original format. It is so exciting to witness ordinary people from all walks of life perform flawlessly amongst the public, without knowing they are in a competition. We cannot wait to continue the success of ‘The Piano’ internationally with RTL4 in the Netherlands and TV2 in Denmark,”  said Andrew Llinares, Director of Global Entertainment at Fremantle.

●  “THANK GOD YOU’RE HERE”

Fremantle is handling international production rights for the hilarious comedy format “Thank God You’re Here,” from Australian prod-co Working Dog Productions. The format, which has returned from a 14-year hiatus, is one of the headliners on the company’s entertainment Mipcom slate.

“Thank God You’re Here” returned to TV screens down under for a fifth season in July 2023, receiving strong ratings on Australia’s Network 10. In each episode, the comedy guest walks through the blue door into an unknown situation, greeted by the fateful catchphrase "Thank God You're Here…". The countdown is then on. Can they survive through the most outrageous scenarios imaginable?

Chris O’Dell, Head of Global Entertainment Production at Fremantle, declared: “‘Thank God You’re Here’ is a hilarious, unique comedy format, where the only thing audiences can expect, is the unexpected! We are extremely excited to be presenting this brilliant format at Mipcom. Back in 2006, it quickly became the world’s highest selling comedy entertainment format, and now it is back and funnier than ever, which is a testament to the skillful team at Working Doc productions. We cannot wait to see who opens the iconic blue door next.”

●  ANDREA RISEBOROUGH ATTENDS THE LAUNCH OF “ALICE & JACK”

Award-winning actress Andrea Riseborough joined producers at Mipcom Cannes for the launch of Fremantle’s new original drama series “Alice & Jack.” The Oscar-nominated actress was in town to support the international premiere screening of the series at the Grand Auditorium in Les Palais Des Festivals, alongside Executive Producers Richard Yee and Krishnendu Majumdar, co-founders of Me+You productions; and Lorenzo De Maio, of De Maio Entertainment.

“Alice & Jack” is a love story for the ages. When Alice (Andrea Riseborough) and Jack (Domhnall Gleeson) first meet, they are bound by a connection so powerful it seems nothing can break it, but will their path lead them to a place of happiness and togetherness? Or will life and their own emotional complexities get in the way? Honest, intimate, and surprisingly funny, the series shows love in all its unexpected, technicolor, kaleidoscopic beauty.