Beta Film announced its line-up for this year’s MIPCOM, taking place between October 21 and 24. This year’s line-up is headlined by the epic ten-part series “Rise of the Raven,” which will have its world premiere on October 22 at 6pm at the Grand Auditorium of Cannes Palais des Festivals. Just ahead of the market, Beta acquired Finnish motorcycle sports TV series “Last to Brake” based on the true story of Jarno Saarinen, an underdog who challenges an unbeatable champion in motorcycle Grand Prix racing in the early 1970’s. Produced by Funfar in co-production with Fireframe and YLE, the series is written by Sami Keski-Vähälä (“Gracious Night,” “Brothers”) and directed by Simon Kaijser (“Spinning Man,” “Before We Die”).
Beta’s “The Beach,” which quickly became the most-watched show on Greece's ERT1 and streaming platform ERTFLIX, has not only been sold to Israel but also doubled in size from 144 to 288 episodes. Produced by Foss in co-production with ERT, the series will be presented in an International Screening on MIP Monday October 21 at 11am at Auditorium A.
Among the highlights of Beta’s MIPCOM line-up is “Patience” (6x1h), in which young autistic police archivist Patience Evans, played by Ella Maisy Purvis (“Kind of Spark,” “Malpractice”), and experienced sharp-witted Detective Bea Metcalf, played by Laura Fraser (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul”), form an unlikely duo solving unusual crimes in surprising settings. The series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama for PBS (US) and Channel 4 (UK). Eagle Eye also produces the stylish and colorful crime drama “Bookish” (6x1h, for UKTV), set in London in 1946, created by as well as starring Emmy Award winner Mark Gatiss (“Sherlock,” “Doctor Who”). The NRK/ZDF drama “A Better Man” (4x1h) by multi-award-winning writer/director Thomas Seeberg Torjussen, circles around an Internet troll’s redemption, taking viewers on a surprising journey from hatred and isolation to intimacy and reconciliation, and starring Norwegian superstar Anders Baasmo Christiansen (“Kon-Tiki,” “The King’s Choice”).
“Iconic Empress Sisi” returns for a fourth season, while both Nordic crime “Helsinki Syndrome” and Italian YA hit series “Prisma,” have been renewed for a second season.
“Rise of the Raven” will have its world premiere on October 22 at 6pm at the Grand Auditorium. The world premiere screening is open to the public and will be attended by internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded producer Robert Lantos (“Sunshine,” “The Sweet Hereafter,” “Barney’s Version,” “Eastern Promises,” “Crimes of the Future”), along with international cast and crew promising a packed and illustrious red-carpet appearance. Produced by Serendipity Point Films, Twin Media, HG Media, MR Film, and Beta Film, the ten-part series tells the story of János Hunyadi, a brave army commander who defends Europe from Ottoman invasion amidst political intrigue and scandal in the 15th century.