MIPCOM 2018: TF1 BOARDS ÁLEX PINA’S “THE PIER”
MIPCOM 2018: TF1 BOARDS ÁLEX PINA’S “THE PIER”
Boulogne, October 14th 2018
MIPCOM 2018: TF1 boards Álex Pina’s “The Pier”
In advance of MIPCOM, Beta Film has closed the first major European territory for the Movistar+ original series The Pier by acclaimed showrunner-duo Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato (Casa de Papel/Money Heist) and produced in collaboration with Atresmedia Studios and Vancouver Media.
French broadcaster TF1 boarded the romantic thriller, set in Valencia and the surrounding spectacular Albufera National Park and starring Álvaro Morte (Money Heist), Irene Arcos (Under Suspicion) and Verónica Sánchez (Morocco).
The main cast, co-director Jesús Colmenar and the producers will be present when The Pier celebrates its red carpet world premiere on MIPCOM Tuesday, Oct 16, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Numerous additional deals are already in negotiation.
Fabrice Bailly, Head of Program and Acquisitions TF1 Group: “As the leading channel, TF1's role is to create events and to work with the best talents and partners. The Pier and the work of Álex Pina meet our requirements. After the excellent performances of "Good Doctor" and "The Handmaid's Tale" on our channels this year, we are sure that The Pier will add to our success. We are delighted about this collaboration with Beta Film.”
Jérôme Vincendon, Beta’s VP International Sales: “We are thrilled to welcome TF1 as first broadcasting partner on this unique and innovative show, which clearly distinguishes itself within the general market. The fascinating storytelling of Álex Pina and Esther Martínez makes The Pier a must-see for a broad prime-time audience.”
Christian Gockel, EVP International Operations: “The Pier has already been met with overriding interest internationally. In this specific case however, we believe that despite its origin as a platform series, The Pier has the potential to capture and fascinate virtually all traditional female prime-time audiences of large-scale European and international channels, slots traditionally filled with pricey local productions.”
The sensual romantic thriller The Pier (8 h) is the story of a strong, accomplished woman confronted with the alleged suicide of her husband. Investigating on her own, she discovers the secret double-life he had led with another woman.
The Pier, written by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, is directed by Jorge Dorado, Jesús Colmenar and Alex Rodrigo and produced by Movistar+ Spain in collaboration with Atresmedia Studios and Vancouver Media. Beta Film, which also distributes the Movistar+/Telefonica series La Zona and The Velvet Collection, handles all international rights.
About the TF1 Group
The TF1 Group is the leading private-sector television broadcaster in France, with five free-to-air channels (TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films and LCI) and four pay-TV theme channels (TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaïa and Serieclub, the last of which is 50% owned). The Group is adding a high-powered digital dimension to its channels on MYTF1, and video-on-demand offers via MYTF1VOD and TFOU MAX.
Also present in the production and distribution of content, the TF1 Group acquired Newen mainly to accelerate international expansion of its production and distribution activities.
In 2018, the TF1 Group extended its digital footprint with the acquisition of the aufeminin Group, Neweb and Doctissimo.
The TF1 Group has created a large range of complementary businesses in key entertainment and leisure fields, with TF1 Entertainment (board games, music and live show production, licences and publishing); the film industry with TF1 Films Production and TF1 Studio; and home shopping with Téléshopping.