STARZPLAY AND FREMANTLE JOINT FORCES FOR HIGH-END DRAMAS IN MENA

The SVOD platform Starzplay has closed a partnership with Fremantle for a collection of premium high-end dramas to launch en MENA region. The agreement includes Fremantle’s Euston Films bold crime series "Baghdad Central", written and created by the BAFTA-nominated writer Stephen Butchard and based on the novel by Elliott Colla. Set in 2003, when Baghdad was occupied by US-led coalition forces for six months, the authentic thriller follows Iraqi ex-policeman Muhsin al-Khafaji who finds himself embarking on a wider quest for justice in a society that’s become truly lawless.

The deal also features the epic drama "The Luminaries", starring Eva Green and Eve Hewson. Based on the Man Booker prize winning novel by Eleanor Catton, the series tells an epic story of love, murder and revenge, as men and women travelled across the world to make their fortunes. Both series will be available on Starzplay in MENA in 2020.

Additionally, the psychological thriller "Dublin Murders", is now available on Starzplay in MENA. Adapted from Tana French’s first two novels in the Dublin Murder Squad crime series, the show is from Fremantle’s Euston Films and is written and created by Sarah Phelps (“And Then There Were None”, “The Casual Vacancy”).

Maaz Sheikh, Co-founder and CEO, Starzplay, said: “Since we first launched, we have always retained a focus on the provision of in-demand, watchable content for our subscribers and this latest partnership is testament to that commitment. Responsible for some of the most viewed content in the world, we are excited about our latest partnership with Fremantle and look forward to unveiling future shows on the platform over the course of the year and beyond.”

“Starzplay is one of the leading platforms in the MENA region for showcasing premium and in-demand programming, so we are proud to be partnering with them on these world-class dramas” said Anahita Kheder, SVP Middle East, Africa & South Eastern Europe, International, Fremantle. “At Fremantle, bringing bold and cutting-edge shows to the forefront has long been at the very core of what we do, and in this sense, we are very much aligned with Starzplay’s goals, making them the perfect home for these high-end titles. Their audiences will soon be able to enjoy the compelling characters and powerful storylines that these series offer.”

Available in 20 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, with more than 10,000 hours of content including premium movies, exclusive and Arabic series, Starzplay has also secured its place as the number one player in the MENA region.