ViacomCBS International Studios announced its diverse new slate of content at the virtual NATPE Miami 2021 event and confirmed the expansion of its business globally into the development and production of new formats such as documentaries, made-for-streaming movies and content from VIS Kids that will start production in 2021.
"This slate represents the vast depth and breadth of global stories and voices that represent a compelling offering to our partners and audiences," said JC Acosta, President of ViacomCBS International Studios and Networks Americas. "We continue to partner with the most diverse content creators across the globe and cannot wait to bring these stories to life."
The confirmed projects include a wide variety of genres going from documentaries to comedies, thrillers, horror, dramas, comedy-dramas, kids, and teen series. The newly announced projects are set to be produced across a wide range of territories and in alliance with proven international partners.
FICTION SERIES
Electric Years – A new coproduction between Dynamo, CBS Studios and VIS that is already in development. Electric Years is an action, heist, and adventure show set in Europe during the Spring of 1968 throughout the booming of the student revolution. At the center of it all, Campano: a wanderer, a daredevil, an unlikely, anachronistic hero, with an irreverent tone that depicts critical moments with a sense of lightness and cool. Campano will take us across the Mediterranean, from Paris to the Costa Brava and Palermo to the Languedoc, on an exciting quest for adventure and discovery. Electric Years is created by Fernando Navarro (Veronica) and Cristian Conti (Wild District), who will also serve as Executive Producers, the writing team includes Isabel Peña (Riot Police), Rafael Cobos (Plague), and Salvador Perpiñá.
The Gypsy Bride – The previously announced series by VIS and Diagonal TV (a Banijay Company) is based on the internationally bestselling novel La Novia Gitana by Carmen Mola. This story follows Elena Blanco, who is assigned to a murder case in a gypsy community. A thriller set to explore the underground gypsy world through the eyes of its main character, who invites us to learn about a culture we have not seen in many other series. This project, which is getting excellent traction with buyers, is written and directed by Paco Cabezas (director for Showtime's Penny Dreadful / Turner's The Alienist, Fear The Walking Dead, City of Angels, The Strain, and American Gods) and is confirmed to go into production in 2021.
Artemisia – Award-winning writer, director, and producer Vanessa Alexander (The Great, Valhalla, Tin Star, Love Child, The Wrong Girl) has been announced as the writer of this project, which will be the first made-for- TV series depiction of the life of Italian artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, known as the most famous female painter of the pre-modern age. Award-winning independent film and TV producer, Frida Torresblanco (Pan's Labyrinth, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, Dancer Upstairs, Disobedience) and Jill Offman, Managing Director at 66 Media are set to produce.
The Gold – An epic, international, true-crime series that tells the long story of one of Britain's most notorious criminal investigations. The Gold is written and created by award-winning screenwriter Neil Forsyth (Guilt, Urban Myths, Eric Ernie & Me).
Se Rentan Cuartos – Renewed for a new season, this Comedy Central original sitcom, follows the adventures of a wealthy family that ends up bankrupt and doesn't have any other choice but to start a new life in the only property they managed to save and turned it into a guest house.
TV MOVIES
A Very Kally's Birthday (working title) – Days before her birthday, Kally goes on an unexpected trip where she accidentally meets a celebrity musician. While she is having the time of her life, she will have to decide what to do with her heart. A Very Kally's Birthday is based on the hugely successful series, Kally's Mashup. The made-for-tv-movie is written by Peter Barsocchini, whose credits include High School Musical and High School Musical 3 - Senior Year (2006-2020) and Adam Anders known for hits Glee (2009-2015), and most recently the Netflix original musical, The Prom (2020) as well as the upcoming Road to Bethlehem (2021). Anders will also serve as Executive Music Producer for the movie overseeing its musical score.
DOCUMENTARIES
Dr. Ballí – A series based on the life of Alfredo Ballí, a doctor from Monterrey, Mexico, that was convicted for murdering his lover and has inspired the creation of one of the most chilling villains in literature and film, Hannibal Lecter.
A Woman in Black Boots – A documentary directed by Everardo Gonzalez and based on a mysterious secret operation that took place in Mexico City after the last major earthquake in 2017. A team of 45 rescue specialists were recruited by the Israel Military Forces and deployed to Mexico to complete a special mission of rescuing a maximum priority target.
Adriano the Emperor – A documentary that features the life of Adriano Ribeiro, one of the biggest stars in the history of Brazilian soccer. "Adriano The Emperor" portrays the story behind the athlete's life – his fame, personal conflicts, the relationship with his family, and the love for his country.
38 Stars – Directed by Lorena Muñoz, this documentary is based on the bestseller book by author Josefina Licitra that tells the story of "Operation Star" (Operación Estrella). An event that took place in 1971 in Uruguay, known as the biggest escape operation from a women's prison in the history of the country.
VIS KIDS
Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo – In association with Coyote Producciones Cinematográfica, VIS is developing a series based on the popular collection of books by Brazilian writer Ruth Rocha. The story follows the adventures between the past and the present of the children of the Caramelo neighborhood. The series will be directed by Duda Vaisman and Calvito Leal.
Gloria – As previously announced, the new animated children's series Gloria Wants to Know It All, is produce alongside Marc Anthony's Magnus Studios, Juan José Campanella's Mundoloco Animation Studios, and Lanugo Media Inc. Gloria Wants To Know It All is an animated series for pre-school children that tells the story of Gloria, an eight-year-old alpaca from the big city that goes to spend her vacation at her grandfather's house in Pueblo Lanugo. This tiny town is a vibrant example of Latin American culture's richness, where there is much to learn, and she wants to know everything. Gloria will feature music from Grammy-winning singer and international star Marc Anthony.
Deer Squad, Season 1 & 2 – As previously announced, this adventure show follows four lovable, enthusiastic, and heroic deer friends — Kai, Lola, Bobbi, and Rammy. Together, they protect the animals of Central Forest and the humans who inhabit Platinum City, a futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home. A collaboration between VIS KIDS, Nickelodeon International and market-leading online entertainment company iQIYI, Deer Squad will premiere in the US, January 25th on Nickelodeon.
BRAND REFRESH
As part of VIS's evolution, the studio is launching a new and innovative brand look introduced at NATPE. The new identity reflects the strength of its global content identity. VIS also unveiled its first global brand campaign, consisting of short spots that feature top talent talking about their passion. Their passion for their audiences, for telling stories on screen and behind the camera, and giving tips on their expertise – producing, directing, or acting - and how they have mastered their craft.