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Both Worlds unveils ambitious projects at Mipcom
South Africa’s Both Worlds is making waves with its expansive slate of new scripted projects at Mipcom, emphasizing genre exploration and strategic IP partnerships. With adaptations of bestsellers and collaborations with Federation Studios and actor Djimon Hounsou’s Fanaticus, Both Worlds is poised for a significant impact in the industry.
Thrilling adaptations and notable partnerships
The Cape Raider, based on the bestselling novel by Justin Fox, is a standout in Both Worlds’ current offerings. This WWII naval thriller will debut at Mipcom, boasting a gripping narrative of hero Jack Pembroke, a wounded soul from Dunkirk tasked with leading an eclectic team of South Africans. This series promises to bring a fresh perspective to the war genre, with intense character development and historical drama.
Another exciting inclusion is the quirky murder-mystery series Recipes for Love and Murder. Fresh off its second season, this show stars Maria Doyle Kennedy and is already a favorite across multiple platforms like M-Net, AMC, AcornTV, and Global Screen. The series, based on the popular book series by Sally Andrew, has sold in 98 countries, showcasing its global appeal.
Expanding the slate with diverse genres
Both Worlds is not just resting on its laurels with adaptations; it is also diving into varied genres. The team has acquired the rights to Julia Kerninon’s Liv Maria and Irma Venter’s Ami Prinsloo series. These projects promise to further showcase the company’s range. Liv Maria is a six-part epic drama, co-produced with Paradoxal, focusing on a woman’s journey across continents and decades. Meanwhile, the Ami Prinsloo series offers fast-paced, female-led crime thrillers, ensuring regular engagement with its dynamic storytelling.
In the realm of fantasy and science fiction, Both Worlds is set to captivate audiences with Vodun. Partnering with Djimon Hounsou’s Fanaticus, Vodun is a modern African superhero tale deeply rooted in West African culture. Spanning regions from Benin to the American South, this series is expected to resonate with fans of genre-bending narratives. Additionally, Valindaba is in development, spotlighting an action-thriller about South Africa’s precarious dealings with weapons-grade uranium.
Innovating with original content
Further enriching their slate, Both Worlds has co-produced The Silent Zone with Federation MEAC. This show, set in the remote Karoo desert, explores the ramifications of dark matter experiments gone wrong. Such a setting offers a unique blend of isolation and scientific intrigue, promising to be a visual and narrative treat.
On the lighter side, Both Worlds’ The Morning After, a blue-sky comedy-drama set in Cape Town, has been well-received. Released on Prime Video, it exemplifies the company’s proficiency in diverse genres, from heavy historical dramas to light-hearted comedy series.
Local ventures and international prospects
Locally, Both Worlds is focusing on a variety of new projects tailored for the South African audience. Notable among these are the 13-part hour-long drama The Newsmakers, set for MultiChoice’s KykNet channel, and Tarantula, an 8×30” comedy-drama being developed for Showmax. Such projects highlight Both Worlds’ commitment to nurturing local talent and stories, while also catering to international audiences.
Robust future prospects
Founded in 1998 by Cassuto, Both Worlds has steadily built a reputation for quality and innovation in the adaptation space. Their projects, notably Recipes for Love and Murder, are a testament to this, having achieved widespread global distribution and acclaim. With strategic partnerships and a diversified slate, the production company is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory.
The inclusion of diverse genres and the adaptation of rich, narrative-driven IPs illustrate Both Worlds’ concerted effort to bring ground-breaking content to the screen. The company’s vision is not only to entertain but also to explore uncharted waters, shedding light on lesser-known historical events and integrating cultural richness in their storytelling approach.
Stay informed about the latest endeavors from Both Worlds and other exciting projects by sharing this article with fellow enthusiasts on your social media channels. Keep an eye on this space for more detailed insights and behind-the-scenes looks at cinematic advancements.
