Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, has closed a significant scripted package deal with Spain’s Movistar Plus+, the country’s leading pay TV and SVOD service.
The agreement, encompassing over 60 hours of drama content, includes several of Banijay Rights banner titles at the London TV Screenings this year. Among them are the BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning “Wolf Hall,” Steven Knight’s “This Town,” the upcoming “The Hardacres,” historical drama “Marie Antoinette,” BAFTA award-winning “The Sixth Commandment” and the coming-of-age series “My Mad Fat Diary.”
Upscale mass audience entertainment, the dramas carefully observed social context makes them a good fit for Movistar Plus+, whose auteur-driven original series enrolling often some of the best movie directors in Spain, aim to be part of Spain’s cultural conversation.
Marion Vergnaud, senior VP Iberia, Italy and Malta, Banijay Rights, who brokered the deal, said: “From the inner workings of the Tudor court to sprawling family sagas, our catalogue contains an eclectic range of premium dramas, and we are thrilled to be working with Movistar Plus+ to bring this selection to Spanish audiences.”
Sonia Salas, content manager-series, Movistar Plus+, added: “We are very happy that Banijay Entertainment’s titles will join our catalogue of international series. Together with Movistar Plus+ original productions, our acquisitions make up an offer of premium quality series, of varied genres, tackling current themes and always with a differentiating point to please our Spanish audience.”
“Wolf Hall” is a historical drama set in the Tudor court, following Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power under King Henry VIII and stars Mark Rylance as Cromwell and Damian Lewis as Henry VIII. “This Town” follows an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music.
“The Hardacres” is a family saga set in 1890s Yorkshire, chronicling the rags-to-riches story of a working-class family as they move from a fish dock to a grand country estate. “Marie Antoinette” follows the story of the young, avant-garde queen of France, portrayed by Emilia Schüle, with Louis Cunningham as King Louis XVI.
“The Sixth Commandment,” based on a true story, explores the complex relationship between teacher Peter Farquhar and student Ben Field, which led to a confounding criminal case. “My Mad Fat Diary” A coming-of-age series about an overweight sixteen-year-old girl, offers a humorous and honest look at teenage life. It stars Sharon Rooney and Jodie Comer.