Mediapro’s first English-language slate: John Turturro and Melissa Leo lead

A new era for Mediapro Studio

The Mediapro Studio is embarking on a groundbreaking journey with its first English-language slate for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Spearheaded by industry giants like John Turturro, Melissa Leo, and “24” showrunner Evan Katz, this ambitious lineup was unveiled at Mipcom by The Mediapro Studio’s CEO, Laura Fernández Espeso, alongside Juan “JC” Acosta, head of the Los Angeles-based studio.

Strategy and Vision

In 2021, Fernández Espeso laid out a strategic vision to break into the world’s most significant film and TV market. The studio aims to blend top-tier U.S. showrunners with Mediapro’s extensive production capabilities, talent pool, and co-production expertise. Headquartered in Madrid, Mediapro Studio operates across several European and Latin American markets, allowing for a rich blend of local expertise and global perspective. As Fernández Espeso noted, this approach is key to creating universal content.

Unveiling the stars and projects

Accompanied by Pam Healey, head of unscripted content, and Ran Tellem, head of international content development, Fernández Espeso and Acosta revealed the studio’s exciting new projects, each showcasing the unique storytelling prowess of Mediapro.

1. Is there no place on earth for me?

John Turturro takes the helm of this film, adapting Susan Sheehan’s Pulitzer Prize-winning reportage. The story delves into a family’s struggles with their daughter’s schizophrenia, promising a poignant and insightful narrative. With Turturro writing, directing, and starring, this film is nearly ready to begin production.

2. Witness 36

Evan Katz, renowned for his work on “24,” leads this high-stakes thriller. Created by Daniel Burman, “Witness 36” is a cat-and-mouse game with a “Killing Eve” vibe. The plot centers on a young woman in a witness protection program who encounters a man living an identity she invented. The project won the Series Mania Award at Berlinale Co-Pro Series, highlighting its potential to captivate audiences.

3. The son of the bride

Juan José Campanella, an Oscar-winning director, adapts his Academy Award-nominated film into an English-language series. The Son of the Bride is a thoughtful exploration of family dynamics and existential themes. Known for his work on U.S. series like “House” and “Law and Order: SVU,” Campanella’s adaptation is eagerly anticipated.

4. Screaming ball of chaos

Juliet McDaniel’s upcoming novel, “Screaming Ball of Chaos,” is set for adaptation by Mediapro Studio. Described as an unexpected blend of Bonnie and Clyde with cults and male strippers, this female-led comedy promises an entertaining ride. With a chaotic woman’s bank-robbing spree at its heart, the story aligns perfectly with Mediapro’s ethos of creating big, memorable characters.

5. I love the prime minister

Matt Hastings, known for his role in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” will bring “I Love the Prime Minister” to life. This romantic comedy centers on a successful female lawyer balancing her climb to become a prime minister with the challenges of modern dating. It’s a lighthearted, half-hour show reflecting Mediapro’s commitment to diverse genres.

6. Catch me if you can

Anthony Carbone, showrunner of “The Floor,” adapts one of Spain’s longest-running unscripted formats. With over 10,000 episodes, “Catch Me If You Can” is set to captivate U.S. audiences. The format’s longevity in Spain speaks of its engaging nature, promising a successful transition across the Atlantic.

7. Hollywood homicide: Robert Blake

Tom Donahue and his label CreativeChaos collaborate with Mediapro on a true-crime docu-series about actor Robert Blake. Accused of murdering his wife, Blake’s story is recounted by his son, Noah Blake. This series marks an intriguing expansion into true crime for the studio.

8. Mother wolf

Melissa Leo stars in “Mother Wolf,” directed by Suzi Yoonessi. This dark, comedic fairy tale follows a retired teacher who must suddenly care for her grandchildren. Leo’s portrayal of a woman willing to do anything for her family, combined with Yoonessi’s unique directorial style, promises a compelling watch.

Building trust and global reach

Fernández Espeso emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with talent, clients, and partners. The studio’s solid presence in Latin America and Europe, coupled with the trust of key clients and production partners, underpins its international expansion efforts. This close-knit network is crucial for Mediapro as it dedicates itself to producing high-quality English-language content.

A strategic advantage

Acosta highlighted Mediapro’s competitive edge: its ability to bring together talent, creativity, infrastructure, and a distribution arm in one comprehensive package. This synergy not only sets Mediapro apart but also maximizes investment returns by leveraging global infrastructure and local incentives.

With these exciting projects and strategic foresight, Mediapro Studio is poised to make a significant impact on the U.S. TV and film industry. Stay tuned for more updates as these groundbreaking productions come to life.

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