Netflix and The International S�mi Film Institute enter into a new partnership

Sep 1, 2022 | Business

WEBWIRE –



Today, the International Sámi Film Institute and Netflix announced that they have entered into a partnership to support and further develop Sámi voices in the Nordic region. 


The partnership between Netflix and the International Sámi Film Institute is part of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, which aims to help create new opportunities to support diversity and representation within the entertainment industry through training and up-skilling initiatives.


The program will support talent through investments in education and training, with the mission to open up more behind-the-camera opportunities and support new Sámi creatives to break through in the industry. “We are excited to announce our partnership with a leading global company like Netflix. This will create new opportunities for our filmmakers in the Sámi community. We want to tell our own stories with Sámi creatives, and this collaboration will emphasize that. Hopefully, we can also reach international audiences with Sámi stories through this collaboration with Netflix. This demonstrates that Sámi and Indigenous stories have global relevance and are attractive in the international film and streaming industry”, says Anne Lajla Utsi, Managing Director, International Sámi Film Institute.


“We could not be more thrilled about the partnership with the International Sámi Film Institute; with such a rich storytelling tradition, we look forward to seeing how we can contribute to developing these stories further. At Netflix, we want to support communities in the regions we operate in, including up and coming creators, to give new voices a chance to be heard”, says Claire Willats, Director of Film Netflix Nordics. 


About International Sámi Film Institute:


The International Sámi Film Institute is dedicated to providing Sámi people with the skills and economic opportunities in developing, producing, and distributing Sámi films in the Sámi language. Through our own stories and films, we fight for the survival of Sámi culture, values and languages. By telling our stories we create our future.

Netflix Reveals Title for the Korean Adaptation of ‘La Casa de Papel’: ‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’

Jan 19, 2022 | Business

WEBWIRE –



Netflix has confirmed to release the Korean adaptation of global hit La Casa de Papel – Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area. A special teaser was together released with the exciting announcement, bringing new hype and sneak peeks to the final visuals. 


Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area narrates a genius strategist and his talented crew – composed of top-class thieves – attempting to pull off an unprecedented heist in the Korean Peninsula. The story portrays unexpected twists and turns as the crew stage a hostage while facing inexplicable challenges. All eyes are focused on the background and definition behind the title Joint Economic Area.  


The special teaser illustrates the Professor – performed by Yoo Ji-tae – in front of a wall filled with unique masks, including traditional Korean and the iconic Salvador Dali mask from the original Spanish series. As he reaches out to choose the symbolic mask for the heist, the scene transits, unrevealing the Professor’s final choice to the viewers. Furthermore, along with Seon Woojin – Team leader of the Crisis Negotiation team performed by Kim Yunjin – the attractive visuals of each eight heist members along with their city-name alias are introduced: Berlin (Park Hae-soo); Tokyo (Jun Jong-seo); Moscow (Lee Won-jong); Denver (Kim Ji-hun); Nairobi (Jang Yoon-ju); Rio (Lee Hyun-woo); Helsinki (Kim Ji-hoon); and Oslo (Lee Kyu-ho).


The special teaser ignites curiosity and hype about how the global hit series La Casa de Papel will translate into the Korean context. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area will be released in 2022, only on Netflix.




Production Information 


Title: Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area


Original Series: La Casa de Papel


Directed by: Kim Hong-sun


Written by: Ryu Yong-jae, Kim Hwan-chae and Choe Sung-jun


Starring: Yoo Ji-tae (Professor), Kim Yunjin (Seon Woojin), Park Hae-soo (Berlin), Jun Jong-seo (Tokyo), Lee Won-jong (Moscow), Park Myung-hoon (Cho Youngmin), Kim Sung-o (Cha Moohyuk), Kim Ji-hun (Denver), Jang Yoon-ju (Nairobi), Lee Joobeen (Yun Misun), Lee Hyun-woo (Rio), Kim Ji-hoon (Helsinki), Lee Kyu-ho (Oslo) etc.


Produced by: BH Entertainment and Zium Content


Distributed by: Netflix


VIDEO: Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area | Title Announcement | Netflix

BBC and Netflix Form Partnership to Develop and Co-Produce Shows From Disabled Creatives

Sep 5, 2021 | Business

The BBC and Netflix have formed a groundbreaking partnership to develop and fund new, ambitious dramas featuring disabled creatives both in front of and behind the camera. 

Building on the existing commitments of both the BBC and Netflix, the five year partnership has been designed to increase representation of disabled talent both on-screen and off-screen, to widen the range of stories produced and give disabled writers and creatives greater choice when it comes to the sort of stories they wish to tell.

The BBC and Netflix will consider projects from UK producers that have been created or co-created by writers who identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent. All projects are to be created or co-created by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers. Pitches can draw imaginatively on any genre, precinct or world. We are looking for ideas which feel ambitious and elevated, and which challenge the limits that the industry might unconsciously put on disability. The intention of the partnership is to firmly place the shows alongside our most talked about and original dramas already being developed.

All projects will be assessed and developed jointly, but the BBC will be the point of entry for all project submissions and pitches for the initiative. The BBC and Netflix will issue a creative brief and outline of the process which will be made available to all producers, alongside a webinar.

Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama, says: “Jack’s powerful, memorable MacTaggart has shone a revealing light onto the extent of the challenges faced by disabled creatives. We recognise the need for change and we hope that in coming together the BBC and Netflix have created a funding model which will help level the playing field for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creators in the UK. We would like to thank Anne and her team for the readiness and vision they have shown in coming on board to develop this initiative with us.”

Anne Mensah, Netflix Vice President, Series, UK, said: “Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creators are some of the least well represented groups on television in the UK.  Put simply, we want to change that fact.  Together with the BBC, we hope to help these creators to tell the biggest and boldest stories and speak to the broadest possible British and Global audience.  It’s been hugely exciting to develop this project with Piers Wenger and the BBC Drama team and we are incredibly passionate about the creative possibilities of this partnership.” 

Creative Brief

Our intention is to co-commission dramas which will place disability front and centre. We want to level the playing field in terms of opportunities available to deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent, and to increase the range, scope and ambition of stories featuring disability.  

Drawing imaginatively on any genre, precinct or world, we are looking for ideas which feel fresh and elevated and challenge any limits that the industry consciously or unconsciously puts upon disability. Returnability is desirable but not essential to all of the ideas – not least because the intention is to firmly place these shows at the core of our content and our audience’s hearts. 

We would like the pieces to be written, created or co-created by deaf, disabled or neurodivergent talent. Disability has been under-represented on screen and disabled talent under-represented off screen, for too long. This initiative is part of the wider work both Netflix and BBC are doing to deliver entertaining, celebratory work that is game-changing for representation and a must-see for our audiences.  

Please note this opportunity is open to eligible UK based production companies only (please see eligibility criteria below). If you are a writer with an idea or script or would like to find out more about how you can work with BBC drama, please see the working with writers page.

Submissions should be sent to BBCNetflixIdeas@bbc.co.uk 

All submissions will be reviewed by BBC Drama and Netflix and responses and feedback will be made jointly. 

This opportunity is for UK based independent production companies who have either had:

(a) A BBC TV commission in the last three years (including BBC Films shown on a BBC UK platform).

(b) A TV commission for original content from another major UK broadcaster or SVOD platform available in UK in the last three years.

Further details of a webinar briefing will be announced in due course.

Netflix announces the main cast of Hold Tight, the second Polish series based on Harlan Coben’s best selling book

Jul 5, 2021 | Business

Magdalena Boczarska and Leszek Lichota will play the main roles in the Polish original – second adaptation of Harlan Coben’s book. The actors play the role of a happy marriage, Anna and Michał Barczyk. Their son, Adam, will be played by Krzysztof Oleksyn (Rojst’97).

Agnieszka Grochowska and Grzegorz Damięcki, known from the previous Polish adaptation of Harlan Coben, The Woods, will also return to their roles. The series will also feature Jacek Poniedziałek, Justyna Wasilewska, Wiktoria Gorodeckaja and Bartłomiej Topa. Young Polish talents will also appear in the series: Agata Łabno, Marta Piętka, Jakub Pruski and Mikołaj Śliwa. 

Hold Tight is another Netflix title based on the novel by Harlan Coben. The directors are Michał Gazda and Bartosz Konopka. Script is written by Agata Malesińska and Wojtek Miłoszewski. ATM Group is responsible for production. The launch of the series is planned on Netflix in 2022. 

Harlan Coben, the author of the Hold Tight novel – I’m very excited to be collaborating again with Netflix and these talented Polish creators. I hope viewers in Poland and around the world will be gripped by the twists and turns in Hold Tight and I am delighted that they will not only meet the new protagonists played by Magdalena and Leszek, but also find out what happened to Laura and Paweł after The Woods.

Series synopsis:

The six-episode series is set in a wealthy housing estate, where the local community leads a quiet life with close relationships. Everything changes when 18-year-old Adam disappears without a trace. The danger escalates quickly, and the worried parents do everything they can to protect their children who, on the verge of adulthood, have decided to take matters into their own hands. Hold Tight is a dynamic, twist-filled thriller that, while not a sequel to The Woods, will feature the fate of several protagonists of Harlan Coben’s first screen adaptation.

Netflix and Shondaland Announce Exciting ‘Bridgerton’ Spinoff & Welcome Jess Brownell as Showrunner for Seasons 3 & 4

May 17, 2021 | Business

Season 2 is Currently In Production with Showrunner Chris Van Dusen at the Helm

  • The Bridgerton-verse is expanding! Netflix and Shondaland today announced plans for an all-new limited series based on the origins of Queen Charlotte — the reimagined and beloved character who captivated 82 Million households around the world in Season 1. While the series will center on the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte, it will also tell the stories of young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. Shonda Rhimes will write the series and serve as executive producer alongside Betsy Beers and Tom Verica. An official title and more details will be revealed at a later time.

  • Additionally, Netflix and Shondaland are proud to welcome Jess Brownell (Bridgerton S1 & S2, Inventing Anna, and Scandal) as Showrunner for Seasons 3 and 4.

  • Showrunner Chris Van Dusen who brilliantly brought Season 1 to life is currently in production on Season 2.

  • Based upon the series of novels by Julia Quinn, season 2 focuses on Anthony Bridgerton’s quest for love. 

Quotes:

  • Bela Bajaria: “Many viewers had never known the story of Queen Charlotte before Bridgerton brought her to the world, and I’m thrilled this new series will further expand her story and the world of Bridgerton. Shonda and her team are thoughtfully building out the Bridgerton universe so they can keep delivering for the fans with the same quality and style they love. And by planning and prepping all the upcoming seasons now, we also hope to keep up a pace that will keep even the most insatiable viewers totally fulfilled.”

  • Shondaland:  “As we continue to expand the world of Bridgerton, we now have the opportunity to devote even more of the Shondaland fold to the Bridgerton-verse,” says CEO of Shondaland, Shonda Rhimes. “We’ve worked with Jess Brownell for over a decade and have long wanted to find the right project to place in her hands. When it came time to pass the baton, I knew this unique voice was vital to the future of the show.” Betsy Beers added, “Chris has been part of the Shondaland team for his entire entertainment career, and Shonda and I are very proud of all he contributed to help create this series for fans around the globe.”

  • Chris Van Dusen:”With Bridgerton, I set out to make the period show I always wanted to see.  I never could’ve anticipated how much the rest of the world also wanted to see it.  I’m deeply proud of this remarkable cast and incredible crew, and I’m so grateful for the enduring support of Shonda, who I’ve worked alongside for 17 years.  Shondaland is where I learned how to make TV, craft incredibly complex characters and how to tell stories.  And while it’s been an incredible journey, I have my sights set on a few new stories to tell.  To that end, I’ll continue as showrunner — writing and producing season two of Bridgerton — and look forward to seeing Jess continue the magic in seasons three and four.  I’d also like to thank Julia Quinn and her passionate fans — for embracing my vision for bringing these beloved books to the screen.  See you in Grosvenor Square!”

  • Jess Brownell: “It’s been incredibly rewarding working alongside Shonda, Betsy, and Chris Van Dusen on the first two seasons of Bridgerton,” says Brownell. “And now, as these beloved characters are entrusted to me, I cannot wait to lend my unique vision to the next two seasons. I feel so fortunate to have found a home at Shondaland and to have the support of Shonda and Betsy as I move forward into this new chapter.”

Jess Brownell Bio & Headshot:

13-year Shondaland veteran writer/producer Jess Brownell has worked on several Shondaland series, including Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2, and the highly anticipated upcoming series Inventing Anna. Additionally, Brownell co-hosted Shondaland Audio’s “Bridgerton: The Official Podcast”, giving fans more insight into the makings of the reimagined world. Most recently Jess has served as a writer on Bridgerton S1, writer/producer on Bridgerton S2, and writer/producer on Inventing Anna. Notably, Brownell was a staff writer on Scandal.  She is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.       

About Bridgerton:

Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and quick-witted series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all. The series stars Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Bridgerton), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton”), Simone Ashley (“Kate Sharma”), Charithra Chandran (“Edwina Sharma”), Shelley Conn (“Mary Sharma”), Nicola Coughlan (“Penelope Featherington”), Claudia Jessie (“Eloise Bridgerton”), Ruby Barker (“Marina Thompson”), Adjoa Andoh (“Lady Danbury”), Golda Rosheuvel (“Queen Charlotte”), Luke Thompson (“Benedict Bridgerton”), Luke Newton (“Colin Bridgerton”), Ruby Stokes (“Francesca Bridgerton”), Will Tilston (“Gregory Bridgerton”), Florence Hunt (“Hyacinth Bridgerton”), Ruth Gemmell (“Lady Violet Bridgerton”), Bessie Carter (“Prudence Featherington”), Harriet Cains (“Philipa Featherington”), Polly Walker (“Lady Portia Featherington”), Calam Lynch (“Theo Sharpe”), Rupert Young (“Jack”), Martins Imhangbe (“Will Mondrich”), Lorraine Ashbourne (“Mrs. Varley”),  Jessica Madsen (“Cressida Cowper”), Kathryn Drysdale (“Genevieve Delacroix”) Joanna Bobin (“Lady Cowper”), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) and Julie Andrews (“Voice of Lady Whistledown”).