World Screen November 2021 by World Screen

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November 2021

WWW.WORLDSCREEN.COM

THE MAGAZINE OF INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

TV Drama In-Demand / In-Demand: Korean Content & Québec Creates WorldScreenings: Banijay Rights, Entertainment One, Red Arrow Studios International, Off the Fence, Artist View Entertainment, TV Asahi, Gusto TV & NHK Enterprises

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2021 WORLD VIEW By Mansha Daswani. TV DRAMA IN-DEMAND Spotlighting new shows in the crime, blue-sky and sci-fi genres. HIT MAKERS Matt Creasey on Banijay Rights’ success with its prolific pipeline. PREMIUM APPEAL Dan Loewy talks about Entertainment One’s growth and gains. IN THE SPOTLIGHT Tim Gerhartz highlights Red Arrow Studios International’s strong multi-genre offering. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Loren Baxter on the demand for nonfiction titles across the genre spectrum and Off the Fence’s commitment to delivering results. GOING THE DISTANCE Scott J. Jones on Artist View Entertainment’s latest raft of indie gems. FROM JAPAN WITH LOVE Motoko Nakai on the momentum TV Asahi is riding across the drama, entertainment and animation genres. IN GOOD TASTE Chris Knight talks about the food-focused Gusto TV and its diverse cookery titles. VIEW FROM JAPAN Executives from NHK and NHK Enterprises discuss the value of factual programming, 4K and more. IN-DEMAND: KOREAN CONTENT Spotlighting hot new animated series, formats, rom-coms and dramas from Korea, in association with KOCCA. IN-DEMAND: QUÉBEC CREATES In association with the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), a look at new titles coming out of Québec.

Publisher Ricardo Seguin Guise Group Editorial Director Anna Carugati Editor Mansha Daswani Executive Editor Kristin Brzoznowski Managing Editor Chelsea Regan Associate Editor Jamie Stalcup Editor, Spanish-Language Publications Elizabeth Bowen-Tombari Contributing Editor Elizabeth Guider Production & Design Director David Diehl Online Director Simon Weaver Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Dana Mattison Sales & Marketing Coordinator Genovick Acevedo Business Affairs Manager Andrea Moreno Contributing Writers Steve Clarke Andy Fry Joanna Stephens Jay Stuart David Wood

TRENDING ON The most-viewed clips on our video portals for the last 30 days. Ricardo Seguin Guise President

PROGRAM LISTINGS Highlights from several distributors. WORLD SCREEN is a registered trademark of WSN INC., 1123 Broadway, Suite 1207, New York, NY 10010, U.S.A. Phone: (212) 924-7620 Fax: (212) 924-6940 Website: www.worldscreen.com ©2021 WSN INC. No part of this publication can be used, reprinted, copied or stored in any medium without the publisher’s authorization. For a free subscription to our newsletters, please visit www.subscriptions.ws.

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Anna Carugati Executive VP Mansha Daswani Associate Publisher & VP of Strategic Development

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WORLD VIEW

BY MANSHA DASWANI

Reflections on Cannes As day one of MIPCOM kicked off last month, there was a sense that the weather gods had decided to bless the market’s return. Perhaps it was just the two-year absence from Cannes, but I honestly could not remember a time when the skies had been so perfectly clear, the temperature absolutely conducive to long (and hopefully productive) lunch meetings up and down the Croisette. Don’t get me wrong—it was unsettling to see that famous stretch so very empty as I flashed back to the packed restaurants of two years ago. But being back was positively exhilarating. For those of us arriving from outside of Europe, it was indeed a headache at first: waiting for the French government to deliver our QR codes showing vaccine proof (mine unhelpfully showed up on the second day of the market), filling out an abundance of paperwork, waiting in line to get tested for Covid-19. But once there, the process was surprisingly seamless. And while it was odd to see the bunker shuttered and very light floor traffic, the overwhelming sense from those I spoke to was that being back was a truly unrivaled experience. As the event drew to a close, I caught up with Lucy Smith, director of MIPTV and MIPCOM for RX France, who told me, “It just feels like everybody had been waiting for this MIPCOM to happen. It wasn’t about exhibiting; it wasn’t about who has the big stand. It was about bringing the MIPCOM community back together and getting back to an in-person market.” And with other live events taking place through the end of this year and into 2022, it does feel like we have finally gotten one step closer back to normal. 8 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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In-Demand: Crime

Huss Commissioners: Viaplay, ZDF Producers: Yellow Bird in co-production with Viaplay, Discovery, ZDF German Television Network and ZDF Enterprises. Cast: Karin Franz Körlof, Kajsa Ernst, Anders Berg, Kardo Razzazi, Filip Berg Writers: Peter Lindblom, Jörgen Bergmark Distributor: ZDF Enterprises Description: (Drama, 5x90 min./10x45 min.) Huss follows the ambitious new graduate of Sweden’s police academy, Katarina Huss, as she is drawn into a tangled web of corruption and betrayal. Pitch Perfect: Huss brings a young perspective on how to reclaim the bond with community and transform the old ways of policing. Slot Winner: On ZDF 2.7 million viewers (13 percent market share) tuned in to see Katarina Huss and 2.83 million (14.5 percent market share) were glued to the last episode of the season. Sales Contact: zdfe.drama@zdf-enterprises.de 10 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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A French Case Commissioner: TF1 Producers: Cheyenne Federation (Aimée Buidine, Julien Madon) in coproduction with TF1, in association with STARZPLAY, in co-production with Be-FILMS and RTBF. Cast: Guillaume de Tonquédec, Laurence Arné, Guillaume Gouix, Blandine Bellavoir, Michaël Youn Distributor: Federation Entertainment Description: (Drama, 6x52 min. & format) October 16, 1984: Gregory, a 4-year-old boy, goes missing. Hours later, he’s found dead in the Vologne River, wrists and ankles bound. This series will reveal human tragedy in a small village of eastern France where the destinies of victims, suspects, journalists, investigators and judges all become entangled. Pitch Perfect: The infamous French case is finally brought to screen on TF1. Sales Contact: vendeurs@fedent.com 12 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Annika Commissioners: UKTV (U.K.), WGBH (U.S.) Producer: Black Camel Pictures Cast: Nicola Walker, Katie Leung, Jamie Sives, Ukweli Roach Distributor: All3Media International, excluding the U.K. and Ireland. Description: (Drama, 6x60 min.) Follows DI Annika Strandhed and her new team as they solve murders around the atmospheric Scottish coast. Pitch Perfect: This unique and atmospheric detective drama is led by the inimitable Nicola Walker, who stars as the enigmatic DCI Annika Strandhed. As she leads her new Marine Homicide Unit to solve murders around the stunning Scottish coast, Annika playfully breaks the fourth wall to invite audiences to unravel crimes with her and her team. Slot Winner: Alibi’s top program since 2002, and the first to pass the 1 million viewer bar. Presales to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and Cyprus, among others. Sales Contacts: Sally Habbershaw, Stephen Driscoll, Sabrina Duguet. 14 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Mediator Commissioner: START Drama Producer: START Cast: Andrey Burkovsky, Yulia Peresild, Daria Moroz, Irina Starshenbaum, Viktoriya Tolstoganova Writer: Anna Kozlova Distributor: START Drama is offering the ready-made rights to the show. Description: (Drama, 16x52 min.) Mediator introduces Andrey Pavlov, a professional negotiator trained by the Russian government to bring highpressure, threatening situations to a successful conclusion through the power of persuasion. Pitch Perfect: This twisted psychological thriller tests the limits of how far people can go to get what they want. Slot Winner: START Drama is responsible for the worldwide scripted series sales for START, a leading streaming service of premium drama in Russia. Sales Contacts: Daria Bondarenko, Ilona Romanova. 16 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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In-Demand: Blue-Sky Dramas

Agatha Christie’s Hjerson Commissioners: C More, TV4, ZDF Producers: BR·F, TV4/C More, ZDF, Agatha Christie Ltd., Nadcon Film, ZDF Enterprises Cast: Johan Rheborg, Hanna Alström, Maria Lundqvist, David Fukamachi Regnfors, Björn Andrésen Writers: Patrik Gyllström, Björn Paqualin, Jakob Beckman, Martin Luuk, Aron Levander, Agatha Christie (original story) Distributor: ZDF Enterprises for rights worldwide excluding Scandinavia. Description: (Crime/suspense, 4x90 min./8x45 min.) A modern-day Agatha Christie spin-off about Sven Hjerson, a once-renowned criminal profiler, and a TV producer who wants to develop a true-crime show that stars him. Pitch Perfect: The first-ever adaptation based on the fictional detective of Agatha Christie’s fictional writer Ariadne Oliver; a playful, meta contemporary whodunit from the producers behind Midsommar and Before We Die. Sales Contact: zdfe.drama@zdf-enterprises.de 18 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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The Larkins Commissioner: ITV Producers: Objective Fiction, Genial Productions Cast: Bradley Walsh, Joanna Scanlan, Sabrina Bartlett, Tok Stephen Writers: Simon Nye, Abigail Wilson Distributor: All3Media International Description: (Family/period drama, 6x60 min.) An exciting new adaptation of the much-loved H.E. Bates classic novel The Darling Buds of May that follows larger-than-life family adventures in the picturesque English countryside. Pitch Perfect: Pure escapism for a family audience. Set in the idyllic Kent countryside, The Larkins combines heartwarming and humorous scripts with a fantastic cast to create a feel-good drama and memorable characters you can’t help falling in love with. Bradley Walsh and Joanna Scanlan star as the iconic fictional characters Pop and Ma Larkin. Sales Contacts: Sally Habbershaw, Stephen Driscoll, Sabrina Duguet. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 19

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Love in Chains Commissioners/Producers: Seasons one and two: FILM.UA Group and Star Light Media. Seasons three and four: TVP joined as a co-producer. Cast: Stanislav Boklan, Natalka Denysenko, Sonya Priss, Mark Drobot, Taras Tsymbaluk Writers: Olga Krzhechevska, Tala Prystayetska, Olena Kosenko, Alisa Lindeman Distributor: FILM.UA Group is the worldwide distributor. Description: (Period drama, S1-3: 24 eps. each, S4: in prod.) A female character was raised as a noble lady but born a serf. Pitch Perfect: Kateryna was raised as a noble lady. But for the whole world, she is only a serf of a rich landowner. She will have to endure the deaths of her closest people, become someone else’s property and survive an uprising. Slot Winner: In Ukraine, STB TV channel became the slot leader in terms of the commercial audience of 18-54. It was the highest-rated TV drama in Poland in general for that period. The series has sold to more than 30 countries. Sales Contacts: Evgeniy Drachov, Kateryna Nahorna. 20 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Leverage: Redemption Commissioners: Electric Entertainment, IMDb TV Producer: Electric Entertainment Cast: Noah Wyle, Aldis Hodge, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Gina Bellman Writers: Katie Rorick is showrunner and executive producer alongside Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan-Wilson of Electric Entertainment. Distributor: Electric Entertainment Description: (Crime/mystery drama, 16x45 min.) The rich and powerful take what they want. In this new world, our team is back to use their collective skills to take them down! Pitch Perfect: One of IMDb TV’s first original productions, this new iteration of Leverage has taken off in the U.S. Leverage: Redemption’s theme of good prevailing over evil has no geographical boundaries. Slot Winner: Sales to Bell Media in Canada and Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland in Germany. Sales Contacts: Sonia Mehandjiyska, Nolan Pielak, Steve Saltman, Raul Pina. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 21

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In-Demand: Sci-Fi, Horror & Fant

Sherlock—The Russian Chronicles Commissioner: START Producers: START, Sreda Cast: Maxim Matveev, Irina Starshenbaum, Vladimir Mishukov, Pavel Maikov, Konstantin Bogomolov Writers: Arthur Conan Doyle (characters), Oleg Malovichko, Aleksandr Shaburov Distributor: ZDF Enterprises worldwide, excluding Russia and CIS. Description: (Horror, 8x52 min.) Sherlock Holmes arrives in St. Petersburg in chase of Jack the Ripper. Two allies help him solve a series of crimes, while a police chief stands in the way. Pitch Perfect: From major indie studios Sreda (Trigger, Gogol) and START comes an action drama set in 19th-century St. Petersburg. Slot Winner: Sales to TNT Russia, Viasat Russia & CIS, AXN Mystery in Japan, Salto in France and Paris Premiere in France, among others. Sales Contact: zdfe.drama@zdf-enterprises.de 22 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Fantasy

The Vampires of Midland Commissioners: START, START Drama Producer: START Cast: Yuri Stoyanov, Tatiana Dogileva, Ekaterina Kuznetsova, Artyom Tkachenko, Olga Medynich Writer: Alexey Akimov Distributor: START Drama with ready-made rights. Description: (Detective/fantasy, 8x52 min.) The Vampires of Midland is a new twist on the police procedural drama, bringing together the supernatural and earthly detective skills to solve a murder. Pitch Perfect: It takes a wry look at family life in a small town and the cultural and generational clashes within individuals and communities, which exist whether you’re a vampire or a regular person. Season two coming in 2022. Slot Winner: START Drama is responsible for the worldwide scripted series sales for START, a leading streaming service of premium drama in Russia. Sales Contacts: Daria Bondarenko, Ilona Romanova. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 23

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Beyond Death Commissioner: NTV Broadcasting Company Producer: WeiT Media Cast: Sergey Garmash, Svetlana Khodchenkova Writers: Oleg Antonov, Elena Rainer Distributor: NTV Broadcasting Company represents all rights worldwide. Description: (Thriller/drama/crime, 16x48 min.) The young female neuroscientist and the seasoned detective investigate cases where the line between reality and mystery is blurred. Pitch Perfect: In season one, top criminal investigator Gleb Tochilin and scientist Yulia Demina had to solve cases where reality and mysticism blended. Now they will have to crack open very unusual crimes, which can only be done if they expand their minds even further beyond traditional thinking. Slot Winner: In season one, Beyond Death’s slot share reached 17.7 percent and it gathered over 70 million views on YouTube and NTV’s website. Sales Contacts: Marina Kataya, Pavel Savin, Yulia Rybalkina. 24 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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We’re Celebrating Our

Anniversary In the January (NATPE) Edition SPACE RESERVATIONS DEADLINE: January 3 ARTWORK DEADLINE: January 5 For more information, please contact Ricardo Guise at rguise@worldscreen.com or Dana Mattison at dmattison@worldscreen.com

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Banijay Rights’ JANET.

HIT MAKERS Matt Creasey on Banijay Rights’ success with its prolific pipeline. By Kristin Brzoznowski

anijay Rights has seen substantial growth this year, both from a content and ﬁnancial perspective. “Our catalog now stands at more than 110,000 hours, and with a proliﬁc pipeline of new shows across scripted, non-scripted and formats, and the everincreasing demand for content globally, we have been able to grow our business exponentially,” says Matt 26 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Creasey, executive VP of sales, co-productions and acquisitions for the rest of the world outside EMEA. Premium content is in high demand across SVOD and linear television, and Banijay Rights is aligned with a talented group of producers worldwide who deliver on this front. Its deep catalog enables the company to have successful partnerships with key AVOD players, especially in North America and Australia.

“Our producers develop amazing stories, and from these, we find the right partners.” —Matt Creasey “Our producers develop amazing stories, and from these, we ﬁnd the right partners for that speciﬁc show,” Creasey says. The company works across an array of budgets and genres, “and partnerships are found based on the creative and writing,” he adds. The scripted pipeline from Europe includes Germinal, A Class Apart, My Ballerina, Bonnie & Clyde and The Store That Has It All. From English-language territories, Banijay Rights has SAS: Rogue Heroes, Screw and, coming soon, Marie Antoinette. Banijay Rights also boasts a sprawling format slate, with the newly launched Starstruck, alongside Drag Me Out, The Domino Challenge, One Night In… and Shop Well for the Planet? There’s also a bevy of factual, factual-entertainment, lifestyle and natural-history content to offer to the marketplace. Highlights include the Janet Jackson documentary event series JANET. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 27

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eOne’s Operación Marea Negra.

PREMIUM APPEAL Dan Loewy talks about Entertainment One’s growth and gains. By Kristin Brzoznowski

he last year has been marked by growth and evolution at Entertainment One (eOne), as the company continues to navigate how to work differently in this new world. “We’ve embraced the new digital landscape, which has given us more ﬂexibility in how we connect with our clients and showcase our content,” says Dan Loewy, executive VP of sales for the Americas and ANZ within international distribution. “As part of our commitment to providing volume and stability for broadcasters worldwide, we continue to maintain a high ratio of more than 70 percent of returning 28 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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dramas,” including the hit police procedural The Rookie and YA mystery Cruel Summer. “In addition, we’ve continued to source and acquire premium content from around the world, including our ﬁrst Spanishlanguage series, Operación Marea Negra, and a new psychological thriller from the U.K. called The Teacher,” adds Loewy. These new

“We’ve continued to source and acquire premium content from around the world.” —Dan Loewy titles complement eOne’s current acquisitions slate, which features the Canada-produced series Family Law and the Australian drama Between Two Worlds, which have sales in place and continue to perform well. Much like its strategy for scripted content, eOne aims to offer a wide range of factual programming to meet the various demands of buyers. “It’s an exciting time for our unscripted team following the consolidation of our U.K. factual business and increased infrastructure through non-scripted investments in Daisybeck Studios, Fired Up Films and Whizz Kid Entertainment, resulting in a rich catalog of programming,” Loewy says. The U.S. factual business continues to grow as well, with content such as National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, Unseamly: The Investigation of Peter Nygård, Onision: In Real Life and more. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 29

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Red Arrow Studios International’s Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late.

Tim Gerhartz highlights Red Arrow Studios International’s strong multi-genre offering. By Kristin Brzoznowski

ver the last year, and particularly the last six months, Red Arrow Studios International has seen the international TV business really bounce back from the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19. “After that initial shock, when new commissions were put on the backburner and program acquisitions were put on hold, our production partners have worked 30 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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hard—and creatively—to get back into production as safely as possible across both scripted and unscripted,” says Tim Gerhartz, president and managing director. “Producers, in turn, have also used the enforced downtime to put their energies into new developments and ideas, meaning we can look forward to an increased creative output within the Red Arrow Studios group, as well as from our network of independent producers.”

“We can look forward to an increased creative output within the Red Arrow Studios group.” —Tim Gerhartz

With its strong multi-genre offering, the company has long been a destination for buyers looking for strong commercial entertainment with broad appeal, particularly in the genres of dramas and formats. These continue to be top priorities for Red Arrow Studios International, along with a selection of premium factual content. The company’s scripted lineup is led by Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late, along with Australian Gangster and a second season of Stella Blómkvist. On the formats front, the company is touting a new family entertainment series: Who Is the Phantom? Also available are Couple Wars, #OfflineintheWild, Quizness and The Opposite Show. In regard to factual, Red Arrow Studios International presents Deadly Standoff, a history series exploring the stories behind six infamous sieges that shook the U.S. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 31

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Off the Fence’s Pythons and the Exotic Pet Trade.

SURVIVAL FITTEST of the

Off the Fence’s Loren Baxter on the demand for nonfiction titles across the genre spectrum. By Chelsea Regan

ff the Fence breaks down its catalog into the categories of Yesterday, which features titles that dive back into the annals of history; Today, a collection of natural-history, impact, travel and relationships programming; and Tomorrow, an offering of science-focused content. The company is presently seeing an interest in its nonﬁction titles across the genre spectrum. In the history space, Off the Fence has on its slate Royals: Keeping the Crown and The Secrets to Civilisation. 32 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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In travel content, Off the Fence has on offer Italy Made with Love. Science titles on the slate include The Alternative Guide to Saving the Planet. In relationships programming, Off the Fence is offering the reality series Brat Loves Judy. “Archaeology is still a big topic; anything in the history space that taps into the current day is hot property,” says Loren Baxter,

“History topics that blur into science and tell us about our past in a fresh and contemporary way are doing well internationally.” —Loren Baxter head of acquisitions at Off the Fence. “History topics that blur into science and tell us about our past in a fresh and contemporary way are doing well internationally.” Off the Fence’s upcoming natural-history slate, meanwhile, zeroes in on stories about the environment in addition to more traditional blue-chip wildlife shows. “Nature and wildlife has really matured as a genre, and whilst pretty pictures of animals are still popular, we’ve found nature documentaries with strong narratives, unique access or solution-driven conservation are the big winners,” says Baxter. Up ahead for Off the Fence is the launch of a development slate featuring projects produced by the company as well as by other international production outﬁts. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 33

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Artist View’s A Thousand Little Cuts.

Going the Distance Scott J. Jones on Artist View Entertainment’s latest raft of indie gems. By Kristin Brzoznowski

hile it has no doubt been a challenging time for the media industry, Artist View Entertainment has been quite busy as of late, picking up a raft of indie gems. Over the last year and ramping up activities on the production side of the business. “Recently, we were able to secure ﬁnancing for a new slate of product that will be announced as we go into the fall and feel fortunate that we were able to pivot into production at a time when the market’s needs have been so niche-driven,” says Scott J. Jones, president of Artist View. “Having this new slate should help keep Artist View very relevant as we move into 2022 and will help all of the feature ﬁlms we represent.” 34 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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During the last year, the company picked up a slew of independent ﬁlms, including Here Awhile, a romantic adventure entitled Navigating Love and two sexy dramedies: Paint and Plus One. The slate is rounded out with two very edgy thrillers entitled Blood Born and The Believer. The independent market has presented strong opportunities with both romantic comedies and female-driven thrillers, Jones

“Having this new slate should help keep Artist View very relevant as we move into 2022.” —Scott J. Jones notes. “There is also an appetite for holiday ﬁlms, and I believe that action titles will always have a strong place in the market.” In line with this demand, Artist View has acquired its fourth movie from producer and director Shane Stanley, Double Threat. The company acquired two new thrillers in 2021 and will have three female-driven thrillers available by the end of the year, including A Thousand Little Cuts, Black Bags and Help Wanted. In the way of romantic comedies, Artist View is highlighting Rent a Groom and Hearts Creek. The company has also been working on its development slate. “We have spent a good part of the last year developing projects from a pitch level right through treatment and script,” says Jones. “These projects were all developed with the market in mind and an understanding of what our buyers need to acquire.” 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 35

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TV Asahi’s If I ’d kissed her.

From Japan with Love Motoko Nakai on the momentum TV Asahi is riding across the drama, entertainment and animation genres. By Kristin Brzoznowski

t has been an exciting year for TV Asahi, as one of the main broadcasters of the Tokyo Olympics. Outside of its home territory of Japan, TV Asahi has made steady progress in the international market over the last year. “New interests and deals have been made, and we are now starting to feel the momentum,” says Motoko Nakai, director of international business. “Ever since the Olympics, TV ratings and domestic ad sales are improving, and we’re extremely excited with our new drama 36 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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lineups for this [fall] season,” Nakai continues. Among them, the seventh season of the medical drama Doctor-X recently returned. In the entertainment arena, TV Asahi has prepared three brandnew entertainment formats for the season—all of which are game shows. Splatter! is a physical game show that challenges contestants to avoid being splattered by colorful paints and powder. In Ninja vs Camera, ninja teams have to break into an evil lord’s

“New interests and deals have been made, and we are now starting to feel the momentum.” —Motoko Nakai manor in order to retrieve the keys to the treasure. Sneak n Shop is a new take on a drone show, taking place in a big shop. With an eye to drama remakes, Nakai says that there’s “deﬁnitely more interest in our series than before, and we are in discussions for various series.” New offerings include Tower of Justice and If I’d kissed her. TV Asahi’s latest series, The Words They Speak, is directed by J-horror veteran Masayuki Ochiai. There’s also a wealth of animation from TV Asahi available to international buyers. “The animation market in Japan is extremely diverse and ever-growing, targeting kids, family, teens and adults,” Nakai says. “TV Asahi used to be the ﬁrst stop for the kids’ and family properties like Doraemon and Shin chan, but we are now trying to fully expand the horizons into anime as well.” 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 37

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Gusto TV’s Bonacini’s Italy.

In Good Taste Chris Knight talks about the food-focused Gusto TV and its diverse cookery titles. By Chelsea Regan

ack in 2018, Gusto TV made the decision to pivot away from content sales, rolling out its own streaming channel and VOD service. Today, its titles can be viewed in English, Spanish and Mandarin across 117 countries on 42 platforms. “What makes Gusto unique is that 100 percent of the programming on our channel is created by us,” says Chris Knight, CEO and president of Gusto Worldwide Media. “Everything is done in-house, as opposed to commissioning programming or acquiring programming from other companies or producers.”

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Shifting everything in-house has given the company a competitive advantage as well. “It allows us to control the quality of programming, control the brand,” says Knight. “It also is a more costeffective way of making programming, which allows us to make

“What makes Gusto unique is that 100 percent of the programming on our channel is created by us.” —Chris Knight more of it. We’re not paying for somebody else’s overhead and somebody else’s product development. It’s all our own. The content is proprietary.” As Knight points out, food programming enthusiasts who want to catch Gusto TV content are compelled to go to Gusto TV. Another boon is not having to worry about the price of admission when it comes to title distribution. “We’ve been able to grow the business without relying on third parties,” says Knight. “Trying to get international or global rights to a program from a third-party distributor can be cost-prohibitive. When you want the rights for the entire world, that can be challenging.” With a business model like Gusto TV’s, the brand’s relationship with viewers is paramount. “It’s a brand-new world where technology has met opportunity but the challenges remain the same: revenue generation and viewer experience, maintaining the viewers,” says Knight. “When people turn Gusto on, they leave it on for a long time. We’re a sticky channel.” 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 39

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NHK Enterprises’ The 13 Lords of the Shogun.

VIEW FROM J A P A N Executives from NHK and NHK Enterprises discuss the value of factual programming, 4K and more. By Kristin Brzoznowski

actual programming has long been one of the main pillars of Japan’s NHK, and the genre has proven to be a strong seller on the global market for its business arm, NHK Enterprises. “The Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for us to maintain the volume of new titles, but this tough time has also made us eager to tell stories that need to be told,” says 40 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Noriko Aratani, executive producer for global content development at NHK. Among the latest releases is Heirs of the Red Gene: A Century of Chinese Communist Rule, a look at the workings of cell branches that reveals the unknown reality of the Chinese Communist Party. REGENERATION: From Bullets to Brotherhood focuses on a “gang pastor” in one of Cape Town’s most dangerous townships.

“This tough time has made us eager to tell stories that need to be told.” —Noriko Aratani Fukushima Monologue tells the story of a man who chose to stay behind in the no-go zone near the Fukushima nuclear plant. One of NHK’s most acclaimed factual offerings this year is Hideaki Anno: The Final Challenge of Evangelion, which follows ﬁlmmaker Hideaki Anno during the creative process for the ﬁnal installment of the legendary Evangelion anime franchise. “NHK has long been known to have a strong selection of human stories that depict ordinary people with positive messages,” says Afumi Watanabe, chief manager for the content distribution department in the content development center at NHK Enterprises. NHK has made considerable investments in 8K programming. “Creating new broadcast technologies and services is an important mission for a public media organization such as NHK,” says Hakuno Takahiko, 8K channel controller at NHK. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 41

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In-Demand: Korean Content The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) presented “Borderless Creativity: Korean Showcase” at MIPCOM, delivering top-notch TV series from Korea. Here is a selection of them.

Dali and Cocky Prince Commissioner: KBS Media Producers: KBS, Monster Union Distributor: KBS Media Description: (Drama, 16x70 min.) An unexpected romance develops between a rich but ignorant man and a sophisticated but naive woman who is struggling to save an art gallery. Pitch Perfect: Dali and the Cocky Prince have the opposite cultural, financial and educational backgrounds, and even the opposite tastes and values. But the art gallery brings them together. Sales Contact: Sol Kim.

The Masked Talent Producer: MBC (Co-developed with Hervé Hubert) Distributor: MBC Description: (Ent./talent show/music competition, 2x100 min.) Here comes a brand-new challenge of The Masked Singer global talent competition show. Pitch Perfect: Highlights the story of an ordinary contestant, and asks why this person with amazing talent had to stand masked. “Metaverse spectators” are unveiled for the first time in a Korean TV show. Sales Contacts: Junhee Koh, Jean Hur.

Taxi Driver Commissioner: Seoul Broadcasting System Producers: Studio S, Group Eight Distributor: SBS Contents Hub Description: (Thriller/crime/action, 16x70 min.) Rainbow Taxi offers a “revenge” service for clients who were not protected by the Korean legal system. Pitch Perfect: Taxi Driver is based on a famous webtoon, and the cast is made up of renowned actors. Sales Contact: Jisang Kim. 42 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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EXchange Commissioner: TVING Producer: CJ ENM Distributor: CJ ENM Description: (Dating/reality, 14x70 min.) A dating show where ex-couples live together in order to look for love while keeping their past relationship a secret! Pitch Perfect: Eight men and women gather in a house to reunite with their past lovers and start meeting with new people. Without revealing who their ex is, they will spend days in the house together doing diverse missions. Will they be able to find new love there? Or can ex-couples reunite? Sales Contacts: Diane Min, Albert Park, Jully Kim.

Misty Commissioner: JTBC Producers: JTBC Studios, Story & Pictures Media Distributor: JTBC Studios Description: (Romance/drama/revenge, 16x70 min.) A mystery melodrama where an anchor is accused of murder and her husband becomes her lawyer. Pitch Perfect: Through the investigation in this show, the female roles are essential. Sales Contact: Ha You-jun.

Still Alive Commissioner: Ch. iHQ Producers: Something Special, iHQ Distributor: Something Special Description: (Reality, 2x70 min. pilot) To go back home in one piece (and with big prize money): “Never do what the Death Rule says.” Pitch Perfect: Thirteen contestants are locked up in a Death House for a week. By collecting Dying Messages and hints earned from the challenges, they should figure out which Death Rules to avoid—otherwise, they’ll be dead immediately. If one survives, he/she will win the prize money, alive. Sales Contact: InSoon Kim. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 43

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In-Demand: Korean Animation Working with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), World Screen is putting the spotlight on the Korean animation business.

CodenameX Commissioners: Netflix, YouTube Producer: SIDE9 Description: (Spy comedy action, 52x5.5 min.) An ordinary boy named Blue has time-slipped into the past and grows into an intelligence agent. Pitch Perfect: Suddenly sucked into a world of espionage, Blue must outwit villains to complete his adventurous missions using his limited 11-year-old boy knowledge from the future or become trapped in the past. Sales Contact: SusangDo, Producer.

Dinosally Producer: Mostapes Distributor: Mostapes Description: (Preschool, 104x5 min.) In Dino Town, everything is awesome! A young pink dinosaur named Sally goes on adventures every day in Dino Town with her friends. Pitch Perfect: A peppy, plucky dinosaur named Sally and her besties Blambi and Tibo see an exciting opportunity for fun in Dino Town and Dino School. Sally is roaring fun whether in class or out on a field trip. Spectacular things will happen if she has friends to stomp along with! Sales Contact: Lucy Park, Head, Business Development.

F.I.X. Corp. Producer: Maro Studio Description: (Sci-fi action adventure, 52x15 min.) The story of Gremlin, who was only breaking down machines, meeting a human boy and setting up a company to fix machines. Pitch Perfect: Educate the composition and operation of the machine while fixing home appliances. The friendship between the Gremlin and the boy is solved in a fun way. Sales Contacts: Joon Kim, Executive Producer; Soohee Kim, Producer. 44 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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n iN:APP Commissioners: KBS, SK Btv, Tooniverse, JEI TV, JTBC Producers: ANYZAC, SKB, KBS, SBA Distributor: ANYZAC Description: (Fantasy/comedy/action, 56x7 min.) Protecting the digital world! Pitch Perfect: Meet Jackie and Robin on extraordinary duties in the digital world. Sales Contact: Jene Hur.

Little Dreamer Gguda Producers: Moggozi, SHOH Enterprise, Lotta Distributor: Moggozi Description: (Fantasy/adventure, S1: 24x11 min., S2: 24x11 min.) The special five kids who live on the island show their infinite imaginative view of the world that turns everyday lives into something extraordinary. Pitch Perfect: Five kids living on the island show boundlessness through their daily lives and imaginative world. How does the world look through the kids’ eyes? Sales Contacts: Harry Yoon, Hayden Chung.

Nabi’s Adventure Commissioner: Pixtrend Producer: Pixtrend Distributor: Pixtrend Description: (Sitcom, 26x11 min.) Nabi is a stray cat that helps weak, delicate humans who don’t even have fur. “It is not easy to be a butler for a human!” Pitch Perfect: A cute and brilliant adventure that unfolds from an omniscient cat’s point of view! Sales Contacts: Do Young Yim, Jane Lee. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 45

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In-Demand: Québec Creates Québec has a unique position in the global television market as the generator of French-language media in North America, with productions that are both distinctive and highly exportable. One of its main assets is the variety and the appeal of its dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation, children’s content and entertainment formats. In association with the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), the Québec cultural agency, World Screen is spotlighting this dynamic industry. Overseen by Québec’s Minister of Culture and Communication, SODEC promotes and supports the development of Québec’s cultural industry, at home and abroad. SODEC also coordinates umbrella operations and co-production initiatives at major international markets through the “Québec Creates” banner.

The Adventures of Li’lDoc Produced By: Gala Productions Description: (Kids, 20x11 min. in dvmpt.) A fun medical adventure that takes our world-renowned characters Li’lDoc and Geeko around the globe to reconnect with old friends, discover new cultures and their medical realities. Pitch Perfect: “In this new series, Li’lDoc and Geeko travel the world and visit many countries, where Geeko reunites with his long-lost animal friends. On each adventure, Li’lDoc uses all her medical expertise in combination with advice and knowledge from local communities. 20 episodes, 20 destinations, cultures and local health issues to be discovered.” —Philippe Régnoux, CEO & Producer Sales Contacts: Philippe Régnoux, (1-514) 592-9829; Giulia Frati, (1-514) 813-9950.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries Produced By: Muse Entertainment Enterprises Commissioner: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Distributor: Muse Distribution International Description: (Mystery, 17x90 min.) Candace Cameron Bure stars as librarian-turned-detective Aurora “Roe” Teagarden, a crime buff who unexpectedly finds herself solving real-life murders in her small town. Pitch Perfect: “Muse’s cozy-crime/mystery movies are fan favorites across all platforms worldwide. Based on best-selling crime novels, Muse’s top-rating mystery franchise Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, as seen on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel, stars Candace Cameron Bure.” —Shawn Rosengarten, VP, Distribution Sales Contact: Shawn Rosengarten. 46 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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C’est la vie! (Les moments parfaits) Produced By: Encore Television, Quebecor Content Commissioner: TVA Distributor: Encore International Description: (Series, S1-2: 12x45 min.) Follows the journey of the Thomas family, whose lives are completely upended when an unforeseen event forces each family member to reassess themselves. Pitch Perfect: “Filled with highs and lows, doubts and indecisions, viewers will witness the choices the series’ characters make in the hope of finding a better future.” —Chrystine Girard, Head, International Distribution Sales Contact: Dominique Simard.

Cracké Family Scramble Produced By: Squeeze Distributor: PGS Entertainment Description: (Animation, 52x7 min.) First-time daddy Ed loves his ostrich octuplets more than anything! Too bad his over-protective instincts and outof-control imagination turn every family activity into a ridiculous adventure. Pitch Perfect: “Cracké will have a second season available in May 2022. Ed’s eight eggs have now hatched and he must now care for eight energetic babies.” —Chantal Cloutier, Executive Producer Sales Contact: Xavi Mas (PGS Entertainment).

Critters & Co Produced By: Prestigo Medias Commissioner: Radio-Canada Distributor: Prestigo Medias Description: (Kids, 15x13 min.) Bill Critter and Emilie are living in a wooded neighborhood, which is the perfect place to discover surprising and perplexing critters. Pitch Perfect: “Critters & Co is a wonderful show for 7- to 12-year-olds about all kinds of underrated critters. In each episode, kids will learn everything there is to know about these fascinating creatures.” —Daniel Coutu, CEO & Producer Sales Contacts: Daniel Coutu, Johanna Veysset. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 47

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Destination Love Produced By: Screentime New Zealand, Incendo Commissioner: Incendo Distributor: Incendo Description: (TV movie, 1x90 min.) On a remote island in New Zealand, a young woman and local vineyard owner hope to create the perfect destination wedding for her best friends. Pitch Perfect: “With global buyers and audiences seeking much-needed escapism, Incendo presents a collection of new romantic comedy films.” —Gavin Reardon, International Sales & Co-Productions Sales Contact: Gavin Reardon.

Dex and the Humanimals Produced By: Loomi Animation, Epic Storyworlds, Epic Story Media, Société Radio-Canada Commissioners: Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Ville de Quebec Distributor: Epic Story Media Description: (Animation, 6x11 min.) In a futuristic world where transgenic beings—half-human, halfanimal—mingle with the human population, Dex, a young boy with an extraordinary power of mutation, fights the forces of Cybortech laboratories. Pitch Perfect: “Dex and the Humanimals contains all the elements to captivate and delight kids from ages 7 to 11. Set in a futuristic universe populated by human-animal hybrids, the show centers around the unbreakable bonds forged between Dex and his friends.” —Steve Couture, Executive Producer Sales Contacts: Steve Couture, Jessica Labi, Ken Faier.

Entitled (Les Petits Rois) Produced By: Zone3 Commissioners: TOU.TV Extra, Radio-Canada Distributors: Radio-Canada/CBC Distribution, Zone3 Description: (Teen drama, 6x43 min.) The story of a gang of arrogant friends who rule their high school until a collateral victim of their egotism decides to play anonymous avenger. Pitch Perfect: “A fresh, modern, non-heteronormative take on teen drama series, tackling powerful themes like privilege, manipulation and the blurred lines of sexual consent.” —Mélanie Ratté, Managing Director, Creation & Business Relations Sales Contact: Mélanie Ratté. 48 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Je voudrais qu’on m’efface (Wipe Me Away) Produced By: Babel films Commissioner: ICI TOU.TV Distributor: Radio-Canada Description: (Drama, S1: 8x20 min., S2 in dvpmt.) The everyday lives of children who live in a tough neighborhood of Montreal. Pitch Perfect: “An instant success, Wipe Me Away’s power resides in the stories told through the eyes of three amazing young actors and how universal they are. It could happen anywhere, and it is happening.” —Philippe-A. Allard, Executive Producer Sales Contacts: Eric Piccoli, Philippe-A. Allard, Mia Desroches (Radio-Canada).

Jenny Produced By: Productions Avenida Broadcaster: TV5-Unis Distributor: Attraction International Distribution Description: (Kids, S1-3: 20x13 min. each) Over three seasons, follows the story of a young girl whose life is completely turned upside down by a leukemia diagnosis. Pitch Perfect: “International Emmy Kids-nominated and award-winning series about a young teen girl who has to overcome leukemia to go back to the dance floor, and to live again!” —Xiaojuan Zhou, President, Attraction Distribution Sales Contact: Xiaojuan Zhou.

Just for Laughs Stand Up Produced By: Just for Laughs Commissioners: CBC, Crave, Bell Distributor: Just for Laughs Distribution Description: (Comedy, S1-15: 125 eps.) Top comedy names and rising stars. Pitch Perfect: “The world’s largest comedy festival brings you the top comedy names and rising stars, with new shows in English and French, from Howie Mandel (1x90 min.), Jon Dore (8x30 min.), Rick Mercer (4x60 min.), Laurent Paquin (1x60 min.) and Simon Gouache (1x60 min.), to name a few. This year, Just for Laughs also brings you some of the top one-woman shows, with Aisha Brown (1x45 min.) and Wanda Sykes (1x60 min.); two new specials with DeAnne Smith and Sophie Buddle (2x30 min.) and many more.” —Fred Joubaud, Director, Content & Strategic Partnerships Sales Contacts: distribution@hahaha.com. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 49

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Punch Club Produced By: St Laurent TV International Commissioners: Z, Noovo, Crave (Bell Media) Description: (Comedy, 8x22 min.) Allows players to compete in a one-on-one formula in a high-spirited competition featuring improvised performances from the province’s top comedic talent. Pitch Perfect: “Street battle improvisation and the excitement of a rap show coupled with the excitement of the UFC.” —Lou Bélanger, Producer Sales Contact: Audrey Paquette.

Seekers in India (Seekers en Inde) Produced By: No Water Studios Commissioner: Quebecor Content/Groupe TVA Description: (Factual, 4x30 min.) Three FrenchCanadian social media influencers with unbalanced digital lives travel to India in search of balance. Pitch Perfect: “Seekers immerses us in the spiritual quest of three well-known and appreciated FrenchCanadian social media influencers—Jessie Nadeau, Lucie Rhéaume and Claudine Langlois— who travel to India to find meaning in their lives. In the process, they discover forms of meditation and yoga and immerse themselves in their own cultural activities.” —Colin Riendeau, Producer Sales Contact: Colin Riendeau.

The Sketch Artist Produced By: ALSO Productions Commissioner: Club Illico (TVA) Distributor: Attraction International Distribution Description: (Crime thriller, 10x44 min./5x86 min.) A crime thriller seen through the lens of a young forensic sketch artist, capable of “reading” people, who helps solve a laundry list of sordid crimes. Pitch Perfect: “A gripping crime thriller series with a diverse cast of engaging characters, cinematic production value and twisty plots! Season two is greenlit.” —Max Oliveras, VP Sales Contacts: Max Oliveras, Xiaojuan Zhou, Sylvia Kocman. 50 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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Super Agent Jon Le Bon! Produced By: Happy Camper Média Broadcasters: Radio-Canada, CBC Distributor: Zodiak Kids Description: (Kids, 80x7 min.) On Earth A, the Agency is responsible for protecting the world from supervillains. Luckily, the famous and unusual Super Agent Jon Le Bon is always ready to save the world from impending doom. Pitch Perfect: “We are confident that children around the world will fall under the charm of this oneof-a-kind Super Agent following its huge Canadian success.” —Delphine Dumont, SVP, Sales, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Zodiak Kids Sales Contacts: Zodiak Kids: Delphine Dumont, Cécile Cau, Julia Rowlands.

Tom’s Tiny Toys Produced By: Syon Media, JY Animation Distributor: Syon Media Description: (Upper preschool, 52x11 min.) Tom’s life was turned upside down the day he found a box of five tiny robot toys left for him in the attic by his grandfather. Pitch Perfect: “His toys are alive—and his life is about to get crazy! Imagine if toys were more than just toys. Imagine if they could walk, talk and do anything you asked them to. For one 6-year-old boy, his toys can do that and much, much more.” —Danny Bergeron, President & Producer Sales Contacts: Danny Bergeron, Johanna Veysset.

Virage (Veer) Produced By: KOTV Commissioner: Bell Media’s Noovo Distributor: KO Distribution Description: (Drama, 8x60 min.) Frédérique, a triple Olympic medalist in speed skating, retires. Faced with this void, she must learn to live without performing. The fall will be brutal. Pitch Perfect: “Inspired by the life of Marianne St-Gelais (short track speed skater/triple Olympic medalist), Virage/Veer sheds light on our society, which prizes achievement at any cost. It tackles the void that professional athletes struggle with when they end their careers.” —Barbara Vallant, Head, Formats, Sales & Acquisitions, aroma-TV Sales Contacts: Barbara Vallant, Louis-Philippe Drolet. 11/21 WORLD SCREEN 51

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Who Was the Real Neanderthal? Produced By: Idéacom International Commissioners: CBC, Idéacom International, Cineflix Rights Distributor: Cineflix Rights Description: (Factual, 1x49 min.) Neanderthals have long been thought of as brutish and dim-witted. But new archeological discoveries, combined with cutting-edge science, are revealing that they were much closer to us than we ever imagined! Sales Contact: Josette D. Normandeau.

Woolly Woolly Produced By: PVP Media, Normaal Animation Commissioners: France TV, TVOKids, SRC, Knowledge Network Distributors: Festivaal Distribution, PVP Media Description: (Animation, 52x11 min.) A CGI animated series that follows the adventures of a tight-knit community of woolly, teensy forest gnomes through an enchanted universe. Pitch Perfect: “Woolly Woolly is a tightly knit community of forest gnomes whose dayto-day is tinged with wacky obstacles and frenemies that they confront with courage and creativity. What more? Their stories are fueled by two real kids’ massive imaginations, having a blast in their playroom. Imaginative play at its best!” —François Trudel, VP & Executive Producer Sales Contacts: Marc Dhrami (Normaal Animation), François Trudel.

Wuhan Wuhan Produced By: SA Inc., Starlight Media Distributor: WaZabi Films Description: (Doc., 1x90 min.) An intimate look at real people and how their lives have been impacted by this recent change in their way of life. Pitch Perfect: “With incredible access, the award-winning documentary filmmaker Yung Chang provides an intimate look into the lives of ordinary people impacted by Covid-19 in China’s Wuhan Province. A sense of hope drives each of the subjects, despite not knowing what the future may hold.” —Lorne Price, Co-President Sales Contacts: Anick Poirier, Lorne Price; sales@wazabifilms.com. 52 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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TVLISTINGS WWW.WORLDSCREENINGS.COM

NOVEMBER 2021

THE LEADING SOURCE FOR PROGRAM INFORMATION

House worldscreenings.com_red.qxp_Layout 1 11/12/21 10:16 AM Page 1

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TV LISTINGS

ARTIST VIEW ENTERTAINMENT

IN THIS EDITION 3 Artist View Entertainment 4 Banijay Rights 5 FILM.UA Group 6 GoQuest Media 7 Gusto TV Inter Medya 8 KOCCA

O (1-818) 752-2480 m scott@artistviewent.com w www.artistviewent.com

Contact: Scott J. Jones, pres.; Jennifer Dillon, dir., dist. services; Rachel Jones, sales & acq. asst.; Lani Jones, accounting. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Double Threat (Action/adventure, 1x90 min.) After skimming money from the mob, a beautiful young woman finds herself on the run with a kind stranger on a pilgrimage across the country to scatter his brother’s ashes. Black Bags (Female thriller, 1x90 min.) On a lonely Greyhound bus, a chance encounter between two women with identical black travel bags sets off a deadly game of cat and mouse.

9 Off the Fence 10 Red Arrow Studios International 11 Russia Television and Radio/Sovtelexport 12 TAICCA 14 TV Asahi Corporation

Black Bags

Help Wanted (Female thriller, 1x90 min.) A young woman returns home after inheriting her grandfather’s theater. At first, it is her intent to sell to ruthless investors, but things become dangerous after she changes her mind. A Thousand Little Cuts (Thriller, 1x87 min.) A strange series of events puts a beautiful young THE LEADING ONLINE DAILY NEWS SERVICE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA INDUSTRY. For a free subscription, visit subscriptions.ws

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TV LISTINGS

woman in the hospital and now a psychologist must take her back through the traumatizing event to learn the truth about what really happened. Rent a Groom (Romantic comedy, 1x90 min.) To fulfill her grandmother’s last wishes, a successful book editor contacts Rent a Groom, an agency that provides a convincing young man to play the role of her fiancé. Hearts Creek (Romantic comedy, 1x90 min.) After having a small car accident, a young event planner finds herself lost in the Rocky Mountains only to be rescued by a handsome mountain guide on horseback. Navigating Love (Romantic drama, 1x85 min.) A talented, beautiful woman finds herself riding the ups and downs of her rocky romantic love life. Plus One (Romantic adventure, 1x107 min.) When a young married couple becomes involved with another woman, they must learn to navigate a three-way relationship. Saving Paradise (Holiday drama, 1x98 min.) A successful corporate raider is forced to return to his small-town roots when he suddenly inherits his father’s nearly bankrupt pencil factory. Paint (Drama, 1x94 min.) Three friends from art school try to start their careers in the competitive NYC art world.

acq., EMEA; Jane Rimer, SVP, Canada; Michelle Wasserman, SVP, LatAm finished tape & formats; Rashmi Bajpai, EVP, Asia; Chris Stewart, SVP, U.K. & Eire; Andrew Dickens, VP, press. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Screw (Drama, 6x60 min.) The diverse gang of officers in charge at Long Marsh men’s prison each have their own unique take on the job. Countrymen (Drama, 8x60 min.) Sees four men with dubious plans move to a farm in the rural Norwegian countryside. They end up as the founders of Norway’s first halal cheesemaking business. Bonnie & Clyde (Drama, 4x30 min.) Inspired by the true story of Antonio Marcos van der Ploeg and Enise Bircan, renamed Bonnie & Clyde in the press, who captivated the Netherlands in February 2014. Germinal (Drama, 6x60 min.) The story of a miners’ strike during the Second Empire, recounting their passion, suffering, rebellion and comradeship.

Bonnie & Clyde

Teen Mum High (Factual, 8x60 min.) Six ambitious teen mums and their children move into a residential O (44-870) 333-1700 summer school that aims to help them take their first m sales@banijayrights.com steps toward launching their own businesses. w www.banijayrights.com Daisy Maskell: Insomnia & Me (Factual, 1x60 Contact: Matt Creasey, EVP, sales, acq. & coprod. min.) Radio DJ Daisy Maskell tackles her insomnia, (world, excluding EMEA); Claire Jago, EVP, sales & revealing emotional insights into her own mental

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TV LISTINGS

health. She meets experts and some of the thousands of young people who can’t sleep. Dementia & Us (Factual, 2x60 min.) Follows four people with dementia and their families over the course of two years. Lost for Words (Factual, 3x60 min.) Based on the U.K. format The Write Offs, a series presented by actor and singer Jay Laga’aia exploring Australia’s staggeringly low adult literacy rates. Landmark (Ent., 7x60 min.) Every episode spotlights three brilliant artists who compete to create local landmarks for their home region. The Great British Photography Challenge (Ent., 4x60 min.) The search is on for an exciting new name in British photography. Six talented photographers from across the U.K. embark on the photographic masterclass of a lifetime with Rankin.

FILM.UA GROUP

O (380-44) 501-3971 m info@film.ua w film.ua/en/ Contact: Igor Storchak, CEO, FILM.UA Distribution; Evgeniy Drachov, intl. sales. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Love in Chains S1-2 (Period drama, 48x45 min.) The plot unfolds around a female character who although was raised as a noble lady was born a serf. Love in Chains S3 (Period drama, 24x45 min.) On the day of Kateryna’s wedding, a stranger stabs her fiancé in the chest and a joyful day turns into a nightmare.

The Sniffer

The Sniffer (Detective drama, S1-4: 8x52 min. each) They call him The Sniffer. This guy can solve a mystery by having a single sniff, but what happens when all these myriads of smells force their way into his private life? Phantom (Detective drama/psychological thriller, 16x52 min.) In a mental health facility, an unknown man comes to his senses. He doesn’t remember anything. Only the director of the clinic knows the truth, but he mysteriously dies the same day an “unknown” regains consciousness. There Will Be People (Period drama/family saga, 12x46 min.) Depicts the turbulent periods of the beginning of the 20th century—the First World War, the revolution, the emergence of the Soviet regime—through the eyes of ordinary people. Friendmates (Comedy, 10x25 min.) Wanting to raise money on their own for the upcoming wedding, Olga and Stas decide to rent out two of the three rooms in their apartment. Pulse (Drama/action, 1x100 min.) Based on the real story of Oksana Boturchuk, a Ukrainian track and field athlete, who after a car accident loses her eyesight almost completely. Despite all difficulties she becomes a Paralympic champion.

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TV LISTINGS

The Rising Hawk (Action/drama, 1x136 min.) The Mongol Empire had grown to the largest the world had ever known. A small village, led by one family, fights for freedom in the frontier landscape of the Carpathian Mountains.

GOQUEST MEDIA

between order and anarchy shatter for a naive young drug dealer and an ambitious female cop. Mother’s Choice (Family drama, 16x45 min.) A young schoolteacher decides to rescue her favorite 7-year-old student from her negligent mother. They plan to flee the country, but a chain of deadly events will put a stop to their desperate escape.

O (91-22) 495-591-00 m contact@goquestmedia.com w www.goquestmedia.com Contact: Vivek Lath, fndr. & CEO; Jimmy George, VP, sales & acq.; Harshad Wadadekar, GM, content sales; Akshit Sandhu, mgr., content acq. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Traitor (Espionage/spy thriller, 6x58 min.) Driven by umbrage and personal gain, an official at the Estonian Ministry of Defense becomes an agent for Russian intelligence when Estonia joins NATO. Divorce in Peace (Dramedy, 20x28 min.) A couple who want to end their 20-year-long marriage consult a therapist to devise a divorce plan so they can part on good terms. Civil Servant (Espionage thriller, 24x50 min.) A young, ambitious Serbian Secret Service agent negotiates the dangerous rules of the moderncentury international spy game. Debt to the Sea (Mystery/thriller, 11x50 min.) The arrival of a mysterious stranger triggers an unstoppable wave of events for the unsettled inhabitants of a beautiful but deadly Montenegro coastal village. Rats (Crime thriller, 6x55 min.) In the world of the Czech-Vietnamese meth syndicates, the lines

Traitor

What the F***?! (Hidden-camera/wish-fulfillment format, 10x45 min.) Members of the public secretly spend weeks training in a skill that neither they nor their loved ones ever expect of them. Three Days Before Love (Romantic drama, 16x45 min.) When Dana Romanova and Pavel Soldatov’s paths cross accidentally, their mutual despair leads to an unusual business deal—she offers to pay off his business debt if he spends three days of his life with her. Queen (Biopic/historical drama, 11x50 min.) Inspired by true events, follows the life of Shakti Sheshadri from her days as an ordinary diligent student to her rise as a reluctant yet wildly successful film star to her final ascent into political prominence. Ek Thi Begum (Action thriller, 14x30 min.) When her gangster husband Zaheer is tragically murdered by his ex-boss, Maqsood, in 1980s Mumbai,

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TV LISTINGS

housewife Ashraf transforms herself into Sapna, Argentinian, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Lebanese, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Greek. the temptress to avenge her husband’s death. The Urban Vegetarian (Food/cooking, 15x30 min.) Set in an upscale kitchen, urbanite host GUSTO TV Desiree Nielsen transforms everyday veggies into O (1-613) 730-1728 delightful dishes and bakes up decadent desserts.

m sales@gustotv.com w gustotv.com

Contact: Chris Knight, pres. & CEO; Carrie Gillis, VP & GM. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS CombiNation Plates (Food/cooking, 16x30 min.) Chefs Bianca Osbourne and Craig Wong take a trip around the world, exploring two cultures and two cuisines and combining them to create one stunning plate. Cook Like a Chef (Food/cooking, 20x30 min. 4K UHD, 152x30 min. SD) Inspires how to cook as opposed to what to cook. Featuring talented young chefs, watch as they explore the arcana of cooking. DNA Dinners (Food/cooking, 16x32 min.) Takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride of selfdiscovery, with delicious dishes along the way. Bonacini’s Italy (Food/cooking, 30x30 min.) An elegant food series featuring celebrity chef Michael Bonacini as he cooks sumptuous Italian fare. Flour Power (Food/cooking, 26x30 min.) Set in a retro-style kitchen, host Jessica McGovern inspires viewers with simple to extravagant baked treats. Fish the Dish (Food/cooking, 30x30 min.) Follow Chef Spencer Watts as he celebrates sustainability while demystifying how to cook some of his favorite seafood dishes. One World Kitchen (Food/cooking, 82x30 min.) A high-style cooking series featuring nine cuisines:

CombiNation Plates

Spencer’s BIG 30 (Food/cooking, 34x30 min.) Features healthy, family-style meals made in around 30 minutes for around 30 dollars. The Latin Kitchen (Food/cooking, 15x30 min.) Exploring three Latin cuisines (Mexican, Venezuelan and Spanish) with three hosts, showcasing entertaining cooking techniques and irresistible dishes.

INTER MEDYA

O (90-212) 231-0102 m info@intermedya.tv w www.intermedya.tv Contact: Beatriz Cea Okan, VP & head, sales & acq. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Sooner or Later (Drama) A family that was murdered 15 years ago left behind two sisters who disappeared. After journalist Murat Guven gets involved, they find each other.

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TVLISTDIG_1121.qxp_LIS_1006_LISTINGS 11/12/21 9:32 AM Page 8

TV LISTINGS

Destiny (Drama) Ezo grew up in darkness and learned to fight in it. Who can beat her in darkness? The Trusted (Drama, 74x45 min.) Marashli is an ex-soldier who has left the special forces to open up a secondhand bookstore and spend more time with his sick daughter, Zelis. His life changes when the beautiful Mahur Turel walks into his bookstore. Scorpion (Drama, 91x45 min.) Ferda’s stubbornness and Perihan not wanting her causes a great war between the mother and daughter.

accident but is given a second chance and comes back to life in the body of Kadir. Synchronous (Drama, 6x50 min.) One couple, three parallel worlds. One night, lightning strikes and they find themselves in the same universe. My Brother (Drama, 1x120 min.) Two brothers, one a 30-year-old rock star, the other a 28-year-old pop star, are brought back together by their father’s funeral. As they plan on accomplishing their last duty and going their own way, their father’s will changes everything.

KOCCA

O (82-61) 900-6236 m mint@kocca.kr w www.kocca.kr

Sooner or Later

A.Riza (Drama, 101x45 min.) After his father dies, Ali Riza is forced to give up his dreams and focus on supporting his family as a taxi driver. But a chance encounter in his car draws him into a vicious mafia feud. Last Summer (Drama, 93x45 min.) An idealistic prosecutor agrees to protect Akgun in exchange for testimony from the young man’s father, an imprisoned mob boss. Respect (Drama, S2) We follow the story of a psychopath, Ercument Cozer, and we delve into his obsession against disrespect and its reflections on the community. Interrupted (Drama, 8x60 min.) Ozan, a young and idealistic journalist, dies in an unfortunate traffic

Contact: A+E Networks Korea: Joongbum Sung, head mgr.; Hyeyoung Kim, content partnership dir.; Eonyoung Park, Studio Dalla brand mgr.; Chosunbiz: Lee Kyung Shin, mgr.; FormatEast: Fay Zhang, producer; Iljoong Kim, exec. dir.; ISLANDSTORY: Justina Chang, creative dir.; JTBC Studios: Kim Jungae, mgr.; Kim Yoonsang, asst. mgr.; Ko Jungjin, deputy GM; Kakao Entertainment: Christina Seo, mgr.; KBS Media: Hyewon Hyun, snr. sales mgr.; Hansang Jo, head, intl. business dept.; Byeongsan An, rep., U.S. branch; Hanbyul Kim, sales team leader; Sol Kim, sales mgr.; KOCCA: Hayeon Park, project mgr.; Min Production: Lan Han, producer; Yoon&Company: Jaebahk Han, mgr.; Hyuntae Kim, mgr. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Third Person’s Love Point (Web drama, 3x12 min.) A romance with a girl who only I can see. Distributor: Yoon&Company

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TV LISTINGS

Dali & Cocky Prince (Drama/rom-com, 16x70 min.) The romantic comedy of a man who has nothing but money and a woman who has everything but money. They happen to run an art museum that’s about to go out of business. Distributor: KBS Media The Song We Loved, A New Singer (Singing competition, 10x90-110 min.) The songs from the ’70s to ’90s that once made us happy and warmhearted come back to us with a new voice in this music competition show. Distributor: KBS Media The Praise of Four Seasons—NAMUL (Doc., 10x50 min.) The simple but fascinating world of NAMUL, a Korean seasoned vegetable dish. It contains the wonder of life and represents the philosophy of Korean food. Distributor: Min Production Discover Mystery Cave (Doc., 1x50 min.) Yongcheon Cave is the only precious treasure in the world. An unsolved mystery remains. Distributor: ISLANDSTORY

yourself on the human stock market under your name and prove your value! Distributor: FormatEast season B season (Ent., 1x10-15 min.) The glamorous world star Rain, who now has a friendly image due to the “Gang” reverse running syndrome, starts a YouTube channel for communications. Distributor: JTBC Studios/Studio Lululala Milanonna (Fashion, 2x5 min.) What if an old lady, who has dominated the fashion world for 30 years, goes to a SPA brand? Listen to her story of completing the luxury brand look with SPA brand clothes. Distributor: Chosunbiz The King of Negotiation (Reality, S1-2: 25x17 min.) From the mouths of the consumers to the ear of the CEO. With questions people don’t dare to ask, identifies rumors and their sources to the company. Distributor: A+E Networks Korea/Studio Dalla No, Thank You (Drama, 12x20 min.) The realistic drama for women portrayed by Sa-rin in her newly wedded life. The story deals with the daughter-in-law’s lifestyle, which any married woman may undergo. Distributor: Kakao Entertainment.

OFF THE FENCE

O (31-205) 200-222 m info@offthefence.com w www.offthefence.com Dali & Cocky Prince

DNA Singer (Music show, 2x60 min.) A new conceptual music show based on the family’s singing ability delivered through DNA. Distributor: FormatEast Blue Chip Stars (Reality, 20x15 min.) To the celebrities with unexpected and hidden charm: list

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Contact: Stefanie Fischer, mng. dir., sales; Rebeca Fernandez, sales dir.; Oliver Taprogge, dir., digital sales; Antoine Paul, sales mgr.; Monica van den Burgh, sales mgr.; Jia Zhao, dir., coprod. & sales, Asia; Klara van Doorn, sales exec.; Iryna Romanchuck, sales exec.; Loren Baxter, head, acq.; Dylan Casella, acq. exec.

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TV LISTINGS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The Alternative Guide to Saving the Planet (Science, 1x60 min.) A world-famous host unveils some of the unexpected and unconventional things we can do to help stop climate change and save the world. Royals: Keeping the Crown (History, 6x60 min.) This series charts the rise, fall and rebranding of royal families across the globe from the First World War to the present day. Eyes of the Orangutan (Nature/wildlife, 1x60 min.) Discover the dark side of the wildlife tourism industry. Aaron Gekoski takes us on a journey to discover the orangutan’s part in this multibilliondollar industry. The Secrets to Civilisation (History, 3x60 min.) Discover how cutting-edge science is changing the way we think about ancient history, revealing how the environment has been a key driver of human history. The Great Way (Travel/adventure, 4x60 min./1x90 min.) Explore the world’s greatest hiking and pilgrimage trails to reveal why these magnificent routes attract so many people from around the world. Hell on Earth: WWII (History, 8x60 min.) Uses international resources and experts to uncover the global perspective of the deadliest and most devastating event in human history. The Tourist (Travel/adventure, 46x60 min./96x30 min.) Join Cesar Sar, “The Tourist,” as he embarks on a spectacular trip around the world, taking us to 60 countries and across every continent. Viking Empires (History, 2x60 min.) Filmed in 4K UHD, discover an exciting new perspective on the Vikings as we explore the lives of these medieval warriors and traders.

Hell on Earth: WWII

Voices of Earth (Nature/wildlife, 6x60 min.) Meet the people who are preserving a pact of coexistence with nature’s wilderness, as modern civilization threatens to destroy the remaining paradises on Earth. Who Killed Malcolm X? (Crime, 6x60 min.) Decades after the assassination of African American leader Malcolm X, an activist embarks on a complex mission seeking truth in the name of justice.

RED ARROW STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL

O (49-89) 9507-7303 m sales@redarrowstudios.com w redarrowstudios.com/international Contact: Tim Gerhartz, pres. & mng. dir.; Shirley Bowers, VP, sales & acq., North America, U.K., ANZ; Tobias Schulze, VP, sales, French- & Germanspeaking Europe, Benelux; Maria Arroyo, snr. sales mgr., Iberia, Italy, Turkey, Israel, LatAm; Joyce Dröse, sales mgr., Asia, Nordics, Africa, inflight; Victor Ukmar, sales mgr., CEE, CIS, Greece, Middle East; David Barber, VP, format dvpmt. & prod.; Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia, snr. acq. & coprod. mgr.,

Video interviews with leading players in the media business, industry analysis and a recap of the week’s events—delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

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TV LISTINGS

scripted; Lavinia Cirstea, formats & non-scripted acq. mgr. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late (Thriller, 6x45 min.) As a sudden blackout plunges Europe into darkness, the past catches up with a former hacker in this ambitious new international thriller. Who Is the Phantom? (Ent. format) Celebrities attempt to guess the identity of the mystery Phantom— a famous face hidden behind a mask—in this fun, prime-time entertainment format.

and the Instagram generation collide with Sydney’s glamorous social elite. Deadly Standoff (History, 6x60 min.) The stories behind six extraordinary standoffs that shook a nation, from the early tensions that sparked these confrontations to their deadly conclusions. Quizness (Ent. format) An entertaining and innovative new TV quiz show in which the more answers the contestants know, the sillier they have to look to prove it. The Opposite Show (Ent. format) In this entertaining prime-time game show, nothing is as expected; right is left, yes is no, loud is quiet and every win is a loss. Married at First Sight Australia (Reality/format, S8: 32x90 min.) Season eight of the hit Australian version of Married at First Sight, the world’s leading relationship show.

RUSSIA TELEVISION AND RADIO/SOVTELEXPORT

Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late

Stella Blómkvist (Crime, S2: 3x90 min./6x45 min.) The hit crime series returns, taking us deeper into the dangerous, stylish and sexy world of contemporary Icelandic noir. #OfflineintheWild (Format/reality) Social media stars battle it out to survive offline and off the grid in this competitive and definitive digital detox format. Stealing the Show! (Ent. format) Audacious new format turns the quiz show on its head by giving contestants the chance to literally steal the show. Australian Gangster (Crime, 2x90 min./4x45 min.) A wild tale of ruthless ambition and revenge, set within the Sydney underworld, where gangsters

O (7-495) 955-8920 m ref.ste@vgtrk.com w sales.vgtrk.com

Contact: Julia Matyash, dir., Sovtelexport; Maria Dorokhina, head, intl. sales (worldwide, ex. CIS & Baltic states); Ekaterina Grigorieva, head, sales (CIS & Baltic states); Elizaveta Shcherbakova, mgr., intl. sales (worldwide, ex. CIS & Baltic states); Nadezhda Kobzeva, mgr., intl. sales (worldwide, ex. CIS & Baltic states); Karina Soldatova, mgr. intl. sales (CIS & Baltic states). PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Elsa’s Land (Drama/romance, 1x95 min.) Retired geography teacher Leonid and recently widowed Elsa

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TV LISTINGS

meet and fall in love. Both are in their 70s. Their friends and family do not approve of this relationship. Cloister (Drama, 8x52 min.) Late 1920s. Solovki. In the Solovetsky concentration camp, a passionate love story between a prisoner and a Cheka officer unfolds. The Lockdown (Detective drama, 8x52-53 min.) A series of unexplained deaths shakes a small resort. An epidemiologist from Moscow demands to shut it down in order to find the source of infection and stop the epidemic. The Emerald Curse (Drama, 16x52-53 min.) The father of young Alena finds rare Ural emeralds in the mine. The treasure is cursed and will destroy the fate of whomever wants to possess it. The Son (Detective drama, 8x52 min.) Alexandra loses interest in life when her 4-year-old son disappears without a trace. After many years of unsuccessful searching, a story on the news gives her new hope—she sees a boy who looks just like her son. The Optimists: Caribbean Season (Spy/detective drama, 8x52 min.) The Cuban Missile Crisis is in full swing. Spy star Dmitry Nesterov is urgently sent back to the Foreign Ministry in Moscow from his post in New York. Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes (Drama, 8x53-55 min.) Zuleikha, a quiet and obedient Muslim wife, is living in a remote Tatar village in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. When her husband is murdered by communist soldiers for hiding grain, she is arrested and sent to Siberia. The Highest Point (Space doc., 1x44 min.) The first human space flight was a game changer, allowing people to see our beautiful planet from the highest point.

The Son

Homo Sperans (Lifestyle/psychology, 1x73 min.) A portrait of a Russian person made up of many images. The heroes of the film are ordinary people who meet their requirements for eternal questions. The Wall (History, 2x45 min.) A film by Russian journalist Andrey Kondrashov about the destruction of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.

TAICCA

O (886) 2745-8186 m global.event@taicca.tw w en.taicca.tw Contact: Choco Media: Adrianne Chan; Each Other Films: Tiffany Yu-chia Chen; Greener Grass Production: Patricia Yen-huei Chen; Hakka TV: Wen-yuan Hsieh; Sanlih E-Television: Vivian Hsieh; Screenworks Asia: Derek Lui; Studio2 Animation Lab: Chelsea Lu; Studio76 Original Productions: Dennis Yang; Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation: Lynn Wu; Wildfire Entertainment: Josie Liu; Vision Creator: Ching-pai Lee. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 2049 (Sci-fi/family drama, 18x25 min.) Comprises three stories that imagine life in the future and

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TVLISTDIG_1121.qxp_LIS_1006_LISTINGS 11/12/21 9:32 AM Page 13

TV LISTINGS 13

reflect on the traditional values of Asian women. Distributor: Greener Grass Production You Have to Kill Me (Crime drama, 4x25 min.) On the eve of his marriage proposal, Detective Zhou Hsin discovers that his girlfriend has been murdered. The evidence suggests that she volunteered to be killed. Distributor: Studio76 Original Productions Gold Leaf (Period drama, 12x60 min.) A Hakka period drama that reproduces the glorious 1950s era of the tea trade in Taiwan. Distributor: Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation Heaven on the 4th Floor (Drama/fantasy, 10x60 min.) An anthology series centered around “tui na” (Chinese medical massage). Distributor: Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation Show On: An Influencer’s Rise to Her Hot Hot Fame (Comedy/romance, 13x24 min.) When Red’s boyfriend dumps her for her new boss, she begins ranting about him on Instagram. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her posts go viral. Distributor: Each Other Films Girls Win (Sports drama, 12x48 min.) A former Division II girls’ high school basketball team is tested to their physical and emotional limits after joining Division I for the very first time. Distributor: Hakka TV Piggy’s Counter-Attack (Drama/family/romance, 70x60 min.) When a wealthy father who built his fortune from nothing goes bankrupt overnight, his three children struggle to face the reality of the new life that awaits them. Distributor: Sanlih E-Television Friends by Food Truck (Cooking/reality, S1-2: 22x45 min.) Places two local Taiwanese celebrities

and a foreign guest in a food truck to travel around Taiwan, sharing mouthwatering dishes and making friends along the way. Distributor: Choco Media

2049

36 Questions (Talk show/ent., 119x60 min.) Three hosts will ask celebrities and public figures questions to test the hypothesis of whether intimacy between strangers can be accelerated through asking 36 personal questions. Distributor: Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation All Star Sports Day (Sports competition/ reality/ent., 34x120 min.) Idols and talented artists gather to tackle events such as sprinting, long jump, swimming and archery. Distributor: Sanlih E-Television Aqua Challenge (Reality/competition/ent., 13x90 min.) The first-ever reality show that combines freediving and photography, pitting competitors against one another for the final prize. Distributor: Vision Creator Dancing Diamond 52 (Talent show/ent., 13x96 min.) Fifty-two female trainees, divided into four groups according to their style, take on various challenges to compete for a spot in a new idol girl group. Distributor: Wildfire Entertainment

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TVLISTDIG_1121.qxp_LIS_1006_LISTINGS 11/12/21 9:32 AM Page 14

TV LISTINGS

Dee’s Talk (Talk show/ent., 10x30 min.) Everything you wanted to know about the celebrity guests but were afraid to ask, Dee Hsu is there to push their buttons! Distributor: Screenworks Asia Master Chef’s Scientific Kung-Fu (Education/ kids/cooking, 35x30 min.) A program for children and youths to learn about cooking and science. Distributor: Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation Pigsy Express (Kids/animation, 26x12 min.) In a future world of machines, lazy Pigsy is transferred to the useless HR department of a logistics company. Distributor: Studio2 Animation Lab

TV ASAHI CORPORATION

Sneak n Shop (Game format, 60 min. eps.) Contestants sneak into a large store and carry all the goods they want to the checkout counter while trying to avoid being caught on drone cameras. Salaryman’s Club (Animation, 12x23 min.) A new anime featuring a millennial rookie and seasoned veteran partnering up both at work and in badminton to overcome their pasts. Barangay 143 (Animation, 26x22 min.) The firstever Filipino anime series inspired by the country’s love for basketball. Tower of Justice (Drama remake, 30 min. eps.) Tense drama about the ferocious career battle for the position of Police Commissioner. Underneath the surface ambition, one man’s dark revenge is brewing.

O (81-3) 6406-1952 m ml-international@tv-asahi.co.jp w www.tv-asahicontents.com Contact: Mayumi Nakamura, head, format sales; Miyuki Nakasone, sales exec., formats; Setsuko Yoda, sales exec., formats; Maiko Sumida, head, animation sales & dvpmt.; Sachiko Yoshida, sales exec., animation. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Ninja vs Camera (Game format, 60 min. eps.) A team of ninjas must sneak into a mansion to steal the hidden treasures without being detected by the state-of-the-art surveillance cameras. Splatter! (Game format, 60 min. eps.) The contestants in white costumes must get through devices that try to put colorful paint on them. If they get stained with colors, they’ll be disqualified.

Tower of Justice

If I’d kissed her (Drama remake/romance/comedy, 60 min. eps.) Hilarious comedy and romance ensue when Momochi, a lonely shop worker, finds out that his girlfriend’s soul is now trapped in a middle-aged man’s body. The Words They Speak (Drama remake/horror, 30 min. eps.) From J-horror director Masayuki Ochiai comes the story of a female-only mansion where the inhabitants find out that the words they utter come true.

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Trending On The most-viewed clips on our video portals in the last month.

Odd Squad (Kids 4-8 live-action/CGI, 114x22 min./or 11-min. eps.) A math comedy about a high-tech organization run by kids. Distributor: Sinking Ship Entertainment

Agatha Christie’s Hjerson (Crime/suspense, 4x88 min./8x44 min.) In Stockholm and the islands of Åland, Sven Hjerson solves mysteries with TV producer Klara Sandberg. Distributor: ZDF Enterprises

Life’s Punchline (Dramedy scripted format, 10x60 min.) Follows the three “masters of comedy” who decide to give up on pursuing their dreams and break up. Distributor: Nippon TV

Damon Albarn: A Modern British Tale (Art/culture/music, 1x52 min.) Walk down memory lane with pop icon Damon Albarn. Distributor: ARTE Distribution

The Game Catchers (Preschool 2D/3D, 52x7.5 min.) Five friends are on an interstellar journey to learn about, play and collect playground games. Distributor: GoldBee 68 WORLD SCREEN 11/21

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