C O N T E N T B U D A P E S T

Outsing the Choir (format)

Producer and distributor: Tokyo Broadcasting System Television

They say: “Each contestant must sing their chosen song perfectly while not getting thrown off by the live, in-studio choir as they shift into a specially created melody that distracts even the best singers.”

We say: With a premise familiar to anyone who’s taken part in the late-night karaoke on offer in Cannes surrounded by screaming TV execs, this musical gameshow taps into the zeitgeist for gathering around the jukebox and belting out your favourite tunes.

Ruby Wax: Castaway (working title, 2x60’)

Producer: Burning Light Productions

Distributor: Abacus Media Rights

They say: “Comedian Ruby Wax experiences life as a true castaway as she documents her entire experience while being completely isolated for 10 days on a Madagascan Island.”

We say: With Wax having experienced depression for over 15 years, this series for Channel 5 in the UK comes as part of her mission to open up public discussion about mental health and promises to be an epic study of solitude and mental fortitude.

Citizens At War: A Year in Ukraine (6x60’)

Producers: GTV Docs, Tilt Media, Film.UA

Distributor: Blue Ant International

They say: “Offers rare access to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena as well as unique footage of the people who are on the front lines of the invasion in Ukraine.”

We say: Documenting the lives of Ukrainian citizens and some of its leaders, this series tells extremely powerful stories with unique and often personal archives as well as newly shot footage to detail the trauma and triumphs of the war-torn nation.

Slip (7x30’)

Producer: Boat Rocker Studios

Distributor: Boat Rocker Rights

They say: “Tells the story of a married 30-something through a fantastical journey of parallel universes, as she enters new relationships, trying to find her way back to her partner and, ultimately, herself.”

We say: Creator and star Zoe Lister Jones has made a poignant comedy in this Roku original that provides a refreshing look at the universal themes of relationships and love.

The Brigade (8x60’)

Producer: Cheyenne Federation

Distributor: StudioCanal

They say: “This action-packed drama digs into the arcane power of the Parisian police force while providing suspense, adrenaline and action.”

We say: A French-language crime drama for Canal+ featuring fiery young cops and Parisian gangsters, this topical series from novelist, screenwriter and director Jérémie Guez, will receive its world premiere at Canneseries in April.

The Change (6x30’)

Producer: Expectation Entertainment

Distributor: BBC Studios

They say: “A 50-year-old working class married mother-of-two who is having an existential crisis and is convinced she’s got early onset dementia after forgetting what a shoe is called, is informed by her doctor it is, in fact, the menopause.”

We say: Created, written by and starring the multiaward-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer Bridget Christie, this Channel 4 comedy drama boasts a brilliant cast and mines a subject in the menopause that affects more than 75% of women yet outrageously remains ignored by society.

Ride (1x85’)

Producer and distributor: WildBear Entertainment

They say: “Follows the adrenaline-fuelled, awe-inspiring journeys of two of the world’s greatest BMX riders, Olympic medallists Sam and Alise Willoughby, and explores what keeps elite athletes seeking the thrill and chasing the dream, despite being confronted by their sport’s savage consequences.”

We say: A brutal tale of love, loss and triumph, on and off the track, this documentary for ABC in Australia tracks a couple who dominated the high-risk, high-stakes sport of BMX before a career-ending injury in 2016.

The Messenger (8x60’)

Producers: Lingo Pictures, FabFiction

Distributor: All3Media International

They say: “An uplifting mystery drama about a directionless teenager who inadvertently becomes a local hero after he stops an armed robbery. Soon after, he starts receiving cryptic messages on playing cards that take him stumbling along a path of mysterious missions.”

We say: Buyers keen on alternatives to dramas that focus on violent crimes against women may have their interest piqued by this ABC Australia drama based on Markus Zusak’s bestselling novel of the same name that was a hit with young adults.

Brave Bunnies (52x7’)

Producers: WildBrain, Glowberry, Ánima, De Agostini Distributor: WildBrain

Stacey Dooley: Ready For War? (1x52’)

Producers: True Vision, Little Dooley

Distributor: Orange Smarty

They say: “With exclusive and unprecedented access to the British Army’s covert combat programme, this inspirational documentary follows ordinary Ukrainian civilians as they undertake intensive training in order to fight on the frontline against Russia.”

We say: Over five weeks, presenter Stacey Dooley follows recruits as they learn to survive and prepare for deployment in this BBC documentary, which gives viewers an insight into what it takes to sacrifice everything for your country and also the human toll of war.

They say: “Brave Bunnies is a kids’ property born of tremendous creative vision and is now a story of remarkable courage, as Olga Cherepanova and her Glowberry team have continued bravely throughout the war in Ukraine to keep the series going for its international fan base.”

We say: This inspiring Ukrainian preschool series, about two curious and adventurous bunny siblings, has a second season in production and fosters important values of curiosity, creativity, eagerness, openness and responsibility.

The New Human (1x52’)

Producer: Dreamsmith Entertainment

Distributor: Espresso Media International

They say: “Presents some thought-provoking, even startling, predictions based on what we know about evolution, adaptation and our changing way of life.” c21media.net/department/next-big-things/

We say: As technology becomes ever more advanced, discussions around both the positive and negative impact of scientific progress are louder than ever, making this Canadian documentary about future physical transformations in the human species hugely topical.