Mediawan Secures Major Licensing Deals for Epic Series “The Count of Monte Cristo”
Mediawan has recently announced a series of significant licensing agreements for the highly anticipated epic series, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bille August. The series, a lavish adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic masterpiece, is set to have its gala premiere on the closing night of Canneseries, where it will be screened out of competition at the prestigious Lumière Theatre. August, along with key cast members Sam Claflin and Ana Girardot, will be in attendance for the premiere.
Produced by Palomar and DEMD Productions, both subsidiaries of Mediawan, “The Count of Monte Cristo” has already attracted major broadcasters such as PBS Masterpiece in the U.S., UKTV in the U.K., TVE in Spain, RTS in Switzerland, and the Nordic PSB alliance comprising SVT, NRK, DR, YLE, and RUV. The series will also be aired in Eastern European countries including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, with negotiations ongoing for additional territories.
In the series, Sam Claflin portrays Edmond Dantes, a young sailor who is wrongly accused of treason and imprisoned in the Château d’If. After escaping from captivity, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo and embarks on a quest for revenge against those who betrayed him.
“The Count of Monte Cristo” has already made a significant impact in Italy, where it premiered on Rai1 to record-breaking ratings. With nearly 6 million viewers and a 30.5% market share, the series marked Rai’s highest ratings for that time slot in the past three years. The show was commissioned by France Télévisions and RAI, with distribution handled by Mediawan Rights in collaboration with CAA for North America and Entourage Ventures.
Valérie Vleeschhouwer, Managing Director of Mediawan Rights, highlighted the show’s global appeal and emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting top talent and compelling intellectual properties. Nicola Serra, CEO of Palomar, praised the exceptional work of the series’ cast and crew, noting their contribution to making the show a worldwide success.
Bille August, renowned for his acclaimed films such as “Pelle the Conqueror” and “Les Misérables,” filmed “The Count of Monte Cristo” on location across Europe over a five-month period. The series represents a significant milestone for Mediawan, being the first international production of its caliber fully financed and distributed by the company in collaboration with Entourage.
Overall, “The Count of Monte Cristo” promises to be a captivating and visually stunning adaptation of Dumas’ classic tale, with a stellar cast and crew bringing the timeless story to life for a global audience.
