The Deal, a “timely drama” about last-ditch nuclear talks, has won the inaugural Series Mania Buyers Upfront.
The European co-pro, which is sold by Gaumont, is set in a fictional 2015, with Switzerland hosting last-chance nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran. Swiss diplomat Alexandra Weiss leads the mission, where rising tensions and delegates’ hidden agendas threaten fragile diplomacy. The show is a co-pro between Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Belgium.
The Buyers’ Upfront winner was selected from 10 titles, which were curated by Series Mania’s artistic team and based on both artistic merit and broad audience appeal. The winner was revealed yesterday at a Beta Film brunch, as the Series Mania forum kicks off in Lille.
Judging The Deal were acquisitions execs from Mediaset, Rai, Movistar Plus+, ZDF and Arte. The Deal came up against the likes of Germany’s Dangerous Truth, Escaping Bolivia and Iceland’s Fusion in the inaugural award.
“The jury and I were very impressed with the variety of genres and the quality of productions for the titles that were presented this afternoon,” said Katie Keenan, the group director of acquisitions at UK/ROI & Europe for Sky. “We chose The Deal as the winner as it is a very timely drama given the state of world affairs which adds to its market appeal. Alongside the dynamics of diplomacy and the tension it brings to the drama, there were also human and personal stories that we are certain will unfold,” commented Keenan.
