The Story Lab joined a TV drama deal for a Spanish Spotify podcast “XREY” which is created and produced, which is being adapted as an international TV drama series. The move serves as part of a wider company strategy toward launching IP into the TV marketplace via audio platforms. “We are proud to be partnering with the great talent at Weekend Studio to bring 'XRey' to screens around the world as a premium TV drama,” Toni Garrido, Producer of “XRey" said. “The overnight success of the podcast series on Spotify has highlighted the powerful appeal of this incredible story, which is immersed in secrecy, scandal, and tragedy.”
“XRey” is produced by Toni Garrido, with direction, narration, and script by veteran El País reporter, Álvaro de Cózar. The podcast has frequently ranked among Spotify’s top three most listened to podcasts in the Spanish market since its launch last month and is now being adapted for television by drama producer, Weekend Studio, who worked on Netflix’s 1960s crime thriller, “Hache”.
The interviews are conducted by Eva Lamarca and Álvaro de Cózar, its sound design is monitored by Yago Mendívil, and its original music score is chosen by Ale Acosta. Several other podcasts with international TV potential are being produced by The Story Lab for other leading audio platforms, with themes ranging from Winston Churchill’s diaries to the life of legendary football agent, Jorge Mendes, for which The Story Lab has retained all rights to and is negotiating similar deals for TV adaption. Further details will be released at a later time. “Toni and his team at The Story Lab Spain have brought the XRey story to life in a brilliantly creative way to deliver a breakout hit on Spotify that has the pace of a political thriller,” Michael Iskas, Global President at The Story Lab said. “With continuing rapid change across the industry, we are pursuing new ways to launch IP into the global marketplace, creating podcasts that build excitement around stories with terrific potential to cross over to TV drama and other genres.”
“XRey” is a forensic investigation into unsolved questions surrounding King Juan Carlos de Borbón I of Spain, whose sudden and unexplained abdication in 2014 after 50 years of rule, was the source of international intrigue. Since launching last week, the first 4 episodes of the 10- part series has received widespread Spanish media attention and critical acclaim. “''XRey' has a potent mix of intrigue, royalty and international power play,” Tomás Cimadevilla, President of Weekend Studio said. “This fascinating story, which is captivating listeners on Spotify, is ideal for adaptation as a major TV drama.”
Featuring over 40 testimonies from royal aides, former prime ministers, leading historians, investigative journalists, and more, “XRey” delivers a gripping account of the events leading up to one of Spain’s greatest political mysteries. The narrative includes King Juan’s former Head of the Royal Household, Rafael Spottorno, and ex-Head of Communication Javier Ayuso, breaking their silence for the first time to reveal the truth of what took place behind the scenes. Using groundbreaking artificial intelligence, “XRey” also brings back to life the voice of the late General Franco, Spain’s notorious former dictator who restored the monarchy before his death in 1975, appointing Juan Carlos as his successor and King of Spain. The 10-part exposé also includes previously unpublished reports revealing the Nixon administration’s secret involvement with Juan Carlos and key players including Franco, casting a new light on the monarch’s rise to power.
With continuing rapid change across the industry, we are pursuing new ways to launch IP into the global marketplace, creating podcasts that build excitement around stories with terrific potential to cross over to TV drama and other genres.” Michael Iskas Global President, The Story Lab
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