ITV Studios Unveils a Dynamic Lineup at Mipcom
ITV Studios is making waves at this year’s Mipcom with an exciting array of new productions, including the crime caper Frauds, featuring acclaimed actors Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker, the compelling spy thriller Betrayal, starring Shaun Evans, and the intense relationship drama Two Weeks in August, with Jessica Raine in a leading role.
In an insightful conversation with Variety, ITV Studios executive Ruth Berry shared the essence of their Cannes market offerings, emphasizing the presence of “brilliant new IP.” She remarked, “It’s been quite tough to break new IP in the last couple of years, but we seem to have them coming thick and fast.”
Spotlight on Key Titles
Frauds
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Southern Spain, Frauds tells the story of two female con artists pulling off a high-stakes art heist. Berry highlights the show’s unique blend of dark humor, commenting, “It’s done in a really fun way. I don’t think we’ve seen anything on television quite like that for some time.”
With six hour-long episodes, Frauds will premiere in the U.K. on October 5 via ITV. The series is produced by Monumental Television for ITV, in association with ITV Studios and co-produced with TeamAkers. Berry describes the show as “just fun… shot in Spain… beautifully sunny” with complex characters involved in “some pretty nasty porky pie [London slang for ‘lie’] telling.”
Betrayal
Betrayal is a riveting four-episode spy thriller that stars Evans as an MI5 operative grappling with familial and professional pressures while unearthing serious national threats. Berry remarks, “He is leading for us as that slightly complicated spy that we all know and love… battling to get credibility with all parts of his life.”
Two Weeks in August
Produced by Various Artists Limited, this eight-episode drama follows a woman’s holiday in Greece, which turns chaotic following an unexpected romantic encounter. Berry describes the narrative as a chill-inducing exploration of friendship and family, saying, “A spiral of neurotic and sinister behavior starts to unfold.”
Additional Offerings
Among the notable shows is A Taste for Murder, a crime procedural set on the scenic Amalfi Coast, featuring a tantalizing fusion of crime and culinary themes. This six-episode series promises both intrigue and charm, with Berry remarking, “There is that blend of crime and food, and that beautiful Amalfi Coast.”
On the entertainment format front, ITV Studios introduces two exciting new shows: Celebrity Sabotage and Nobody’s Fool. The former features contestants unknowingly sabotaged by celebrity guests, while the latter requires contestants to navigate both intelligence and deception in a unique game format.
Engaging Audiences Across Generations
An offering that focuses on intergenerational connection is Worlds Apart, launching October 7 on Channel 4. This treasure hunt series pairs teens with older adults, fostering understanding and collaboration despite their differences. Berry expresses her affection for the show’s sentiment, highlighting its power to spark intergenerational conversations.
In the realm of non-scripted programming, the premium access crime series Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text dives into the substantial efforts law enforcement undertakes to combat global organized crime. Berry emphasizes how critical these narratives are, stating, “It’s comforting to know that there are people who know how to penetrate those organizations.”
Exploring Nature’s Wonders
ITV’s natural history slate includes Extreme Earth and Secret Garden, each shedding light on environmental resilience and local wildlife stories. Berry points to the adaptable nature of wildlife as depicted in ‘Extreme Earth,’ where lizards evolve to survive increasingly harsh conditions. She emphasizes the series’ role in provoking thought about our relationship with the environment without alienating viewers.
Conclusion
Berry concludes with a statement of intent for ITV Studios: “All of those shows… are really about moments that are happening now in the world.” As audience engagement and cultural relevance remain at the forefront of content creation, ITV Studios aims to deliver compelling narratives that resonate with viewers today. The reaction from buyers at Mipcom will certainly reflect the market’s anticipation for such innovative programming.
