Aby Media and Globo forge new paths in African television
A groundbreaking partnership
In a significant move for the African television landscape, Aby Media and Brazilian media giant Globo have announced a new production-distribution agreement. This collaboration will see Aby Media producing local versions of several popular Globo scripted titles and distributing their original versions across the African continent.
Both companies will be showcasing their exciting slate of formats at this year’s MIP Africa in Cape Town, from September 2-4. This event promises to be a pivotal moment for the partnership, highlighting the innovative content set to captivate African audiences.
A diverse slate of shows
Among the shows set to be adapted or distributed by Aby Media in Africa are Pantanal, Total Dreamer, Shades of Sin, and The Other Side of Paradise. By producing local versions of these shows, the partnership aims to meet the increasingly diverse demands of African viewers.
Bernard Azria, co-founder of Aby Media, expressed his enthusiasm for the new deal, stating, “Having distributed Globo finished content in Africa for almost three decades, I’m particularly happy and proud to initiate with Globo this unprecedented landmark venture. This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to excellence in storytelling and represents a significant step forward in bringing high-quality, engaging content to African audiences.”
Kimberley Azria added, “Our alliance with Globo highlights the importance of creativity and adaptation in today’s media industry. Together, we are dedicated to producing content that resonates with local viewers while upholding the highest production standards.”
Bridging cultural divides
Aby Media is committed to working with and developing local talent by producing both scripted and unscripted content that bridges cultural divides. The company focuses on telling diverse stories that can appeal to global audiences. Its current pipeline includes a local adaptation of SIC Portugal’s Lucky Break, a drama series about a fictional football club titled Legends, the politically charged missing person drama Echoes, and a contemporary music-fueled series titled Afrobeats.
Fábio Mauro, Globo Content Distribution and Partnership boss, emphasized the importance of these global partnerships: “This partnership reinforces our sales strategy for formats, as was the case with Brazil Avenue, which will be adapted in Turkey. We believe in the strength of our productions, in the universality of our plots, and with the sale of formats, it will be possible to bring Globo’s DNA and our Brazilianness and combine it with local production.”
Angela Colla, Head of International Business and Coproductions at Globo, added, “This initiative comes at a pivotal moment in today’s dynamic media landscape. As the demand for new, captivating shows intensifies, there is a simultaneous need to mitigate risks and optimize resources. Adapting international scripted formats is, therefore, a strategic business and creative approach to navigate these complexities.”
A new era for African television
This partnership between Aby Media and Globo marks a new era for African television, bringing high-quality, engaging content to a diverse audience. By producing local versions of popular Globo shows, Aby Media is not only meeting the demands of African viewers but also showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the continent.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to experience beloved Globo shows through a new cultural lens. The local adaptations promise to bring fresh perspectives and resonate deeply with African audiences.
For more information on the shows mentioned, you can check out their trailers and information pages:
Personal reflections
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, this partnership excites me for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the growing importance of cultural exchange in the media industry. By adapting Globo’s popular shows for African audiences, Aby Media is fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Secondly, the collaboration underscores the power of storytelling. Great stories transcend borders, and this partnership is a testament to the universal appeal of compelling narratives. Whether it’s the lush landscapes of Pantanal or the dramatic twists of Total Dreamer, these shows have the potential to captivate viewers across the continent.
this partnership is a reminder of the dynamic nature of the media industry. As the demand for new content continues to grow, media companies must find innovative ways to meet these needs. By adapting international formats, Aby Media and Globo are not only providing fresh content but also ensuring that these stories are told in a way that resonates with local audiences.
the partnership between Aby Media and Globo is a significant step forward for African television. It promises to bring high-quality, engaging content to a diverse audience, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the continent. For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to experience beloved Globo shows through a new cultural lens.