Global production and distribution company Fremantle has announced a strategic alliance with Israeli-based IBI Investment House at the Venice Film Festival. The partnership involves the establishment of a 150 million euro ($163 million) fund dedicated to financing a range of high-quality scripted TV and film projects.
Over the course of four years, Fremantle will submit a variety of projects from its network of studio companies to the IBI fund, expediting the production process for each title. Additionally, the projects will benefit from the creative oversight of Fremantle’s global drama team, led by CEO Christian Vesper. Vesper will collaborate with the fund throughout the lifecycle of each production. All TV projects approved by the fund will be distributed by Fremantle International.
Fremantle Group CEO Jennifer Mullin expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the company’s dedication to innovation. Mullin called the agreement with IBI Investment House an exciting and timely opportunity. The collaboration was spearheaded by Fremantle’s group COO and CEO for continental Europe, Andrea Scrosati, and Guy Hameiri, co-founder of Fremantle company Abot Hameiri. Hameiri will assume the position of CEO of the new fund and oversee the selected portfolio of projects.
Hameiri shared his excitement about the venture, expressing his delight at working closely with the talent and producers to finance new projects. He sees the partnership as an exciting opportunity for the market and the industry as a whole.
The initial wave of projects set to be funded by the alliance includes three Fremantle projects. The first is “Maria,” directed by Pablo Larrain and starring Angelina Jolie as the world’s greatest opera singer, Maria Callas. The second is a six-part revenge drama titled “Shelter,” created by Jim Keeble and Dudi Appleton, with Jeremy Webb as the director. The final project in the lineup is a four-part mystery thriller titled “Generation Loss,” written by Sarah Dollard and based on the bestselling book series by Elizabeth Hand.
IBI Investment House CEO Dave Lubetzky highlighted the unique opportunity the partnership presents for investors. He stated that it allows them to participate in funding international productions featuring top talents for the first time.
The strategic alliance between Fremantle and IBI Investment House at the Venice Film Festival marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. The establishment of the 150 million euro fund demonstrates Fremantle’s commitment to innovation and their dedication to supporting quality scripted TV and film projects. This partnership will not only expedite the production process for a portfolio of diverse projects but also provide talent with access to international opportunities. Through this collaboration, Fremantle and IBI Investment House aim to contribute to the growth and success of the global entertainment industry.
