Tom Waes
Public broadcasters from Belgium and the Netherlands VRT and NPO jointly signed a multi-year agreement with production company De Mensen for the co-production of programs in both countries. The deal involves at least 5 titles over 3 years.
This unprecedented deal is the result of the consecutive successes De Mensen has achieved with the creation of scripted and non-scripted content with Tom Waes. Waes, a TV host and actor, has long been the most popular TV personality in Belgium and his shows have recently also soared in popularity in the Netherlands. De Mensen and Tom Waes have been working together exclusively for the past 15 years, giving rise to smash hits like "Difficult Destinations," "The Story of Flanders” and "Undercover," which have gained success in both countries.
MADE IN BELGIUM
This collaboration is the next step in De Mensen's remarkable international journey. In Belgium, the production house has been a leader for 23 years, producing the longest-running daily quiz show "Blockx", impactful documentaries like "Godforsaken", reality shows like "Surviving the Special Forces", and acclaimed scripted hits like "Undercover," "Professor T" and "Hotel Beau Séjour."
Additionally, De Mensen is recognized as a pioneer in the international market, not only through the sale of ready-mades ("Professor T", "Difficult Destinations", the telenovela "Lisa") and formats ("Professor T", "A real job: nurses", "Surviving the Special Forces") but also through creating unique content for markets outside Belgium and establishing innovative collaborations.
Currently making waves in France, the crime series "Sophie Cross," created and produced by De Mensen, has seduced 3.7 million viewers tuning in for its second episode on France 3, It is the broadcaster’s fall success. The series is a collaborative effort with FTV Studios and the creative team is already writing scripts for the third season.
On November 3, Netflix launched "Ferry: The Series" in 190 countries. This crime drama is part of the "Undercover / Ferry" franchise and has established De Mensen as the first Belgian production company to not only launch a scripted franchise but also enter the international streaming market with "Undercover Season 1," a co-production with Netflix and VRT.
"Miracle °71", a documentary series about and by director Nathalie Basteyns, also exclusively affiliated with De Mensen, was awarded the Prix Europa for the best European documentary in late October. It is a gripping and moving story in which Nathalie, an MS patient in a wheelchair, goes on a road trip, hoping to find a miracle and heal. Earlier, De Mensenhas already won two Emmys with children's content.