BBC Three Announces New Current Affairs Documentary Initiative
At the Edinburgh TV Festival, Fiona Campbell, the Controller of BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, revealed an exciting new initiative aimed at young audiences. Campbell announced plans to commission five current affairs documentaries from independent production companies as part of a fresh young adult commissioning scheme. She encouraged indie producers to pitch their innovative documentary concepts, which will be featured on both YouTube and BBC iPlayer.
“We are seeking up to five standout films from different indie companies that highlight compelling characters, voices, or perspectives that resonate with 16-34-year-olds across the UK,” Campbell stated. “We invite independent filmmakers to explore captivating worlds, tell gripping stories, and present challenging viewpoints that address the pressing issues facing young people in Britain today.”
‘Dead Howling’ Set for Theatrical Release in Australia and New Zealand
Rialto has secured the rights to release the werewolf horror film Dead Howling in theaters across Australia and New Zealand. Directed by John Soto, the film follows Carter, a solitary werewolf navigating a zombie-infested landscape. Driven by vengeance for his slain family, Carter spends his days hunting the undead for sport. However, his destiny takes a turn when he saves two humans seeking refuge in a rumored sanctuary for survivors. As he joins them as a formidable ally, they soon encounter new and unimaginable threats as their undead adversaries begin to evolve.
Seriesly Berlin Unveils 16 Projects for Pitch Competitions
Seriesly Berlin has announced the lineup for its Co-Production Pitch and Writers’ Pitch competitions, showcasing a total of 16 innovative projects. The Co-Production Pitch features eight projects already in development, while the Writers’ Pitch highlights early-stage ideas. Notable entries include The Life Changers, a Taiwan-South Korea crime thriller co-produced by Fu-Hsiang Hsu and Danielle Yen, along with executive producer TJ Park.
Other exciting projects include Birthright, a sweeping historical saga from Nigerian filmmaker Kaelo Iyizoba, and The Last Baroness, a Slovakian narrative penned by Biba Bohinská. German contributions encompass the musical drama Tonight: Lola Blau and Zebras, a Franco-German collaboration featuring co-writer Nicolas Ducray. Additional selections include the Italian-Danish horror comedy The People We Eat, the Dutch documentary The Promise of India, and the Nordic mystery romance Villa Hilda. Each project is seeking partners and funding, showcasing the diverse creativity in today’s serialized storytelling landscape, as highlighted by Festival Director Dennis Ruh.
MFF & Co Partners with Globo for Telenovela Adaptations
Los Angeles-based MFF & Co has announced a collaboration with Brazil’s Globo to adapt a range of daytime and prime-time telenovelas for North American audiences. With operations in both Brazil and the U.S., MFF & Co will collaborate with American writers to reimagine popular titles. Among the adaptations in the pipeline are the International Emmy-winning Empire (Império), the classic telenovela Belíssima by Silvio de Abreu, and the melodramatic thriller All the Flowers (Todas as Flores) from acclaimed creator João Emanuel Carneiro.
Miura Kite, President of Global Content at MFF & Co, will oversee the development of these adaptations. Kite brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Television at Participant, where she was the executive producer of notable projects like Hulu’s Interior Chinatown, Netflix’s Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, and the BBC’s Noughts + Crosses.
Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting projects unfold!
