ViacomCBS Networks Intl. Sets TV Series on Seminal Fashion Designer Cristóbal Balenciaga

The project, which is penned by British writing duo Rebecca Pollock and Kas Graham (“The Book of Ruth,” “Betty Ford”) and marks the first biographical Balenciaga TV skein, is slated to start production in 2021. No casting details were provided.

Torresblanco (pictured, left), who currently runs New York-based Braven Films with partners Eric Laufer and Giovanna Randall, in a statement noted that Balenciaga “liberated women who were restricted in their corsets by creating a timeless, provocative and avant-garde way to live that continues to influence future generations.”

“His creations changed the face of fashion, and his story, until now, has only been told through his fashion designs,” said director James Kent (pictured, right). “I am thrilled to have the challenge of pulling from this visual, aesthetic space, and Balenciaga’s intense life, to share this glamorous story with the world,” he added in the statement.

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) which is led by JC Acosta, who is VIS president and also heads ViacomCBS Networks Americas, has been ramping up operations in Southern Europe, where the outfit recently announced a TV series on the life of Italian Renaissance painter Artemisia Gentileschi, who has become a feminist icon. This project is also slated to go into production next year and, like the Balenciaga project, is also produced by Torresblanco who is known for her work with Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro and won a BAFTA for “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

Kent is represented by CAA and United Agents. Pollock and Graham are represented by CAA, Kaplan/Perrone, Independent Talent and JAB Management.