Hulu Acquires Spanish Thriller ‘Innate’; 53 Degrees Promotes Coffey

Hulu has secured the U.S. rights to the Spanish psychological thriller series Innate, produced by ITV Studios-owned Plano a Plano. Created by Fran Carballal and Enrique Lojo, the show was commissioned by Netflix’s Spanish division. The series is being produced in collaboration with Dynamic Television, which facilitated the distribution deal with Hulu. This acquisition marks a significant trend of American streaming platforms embracing European content, breaking a recent lull in cross-continental programming.

The eight-part series, described as a “gripping exploration of family, trauma, and hidden truths,” centers on a psychologist named Sara, played by Elena Anaya. Sara’s life unravels when her father, Félix Garay, portrayed by Imanol Arias, is released from prison. Once labeled as ‘the Diesel Killer’ by the press, his return coincides with a series of crimes reminiscent of his past. The show’s direction comes from Lino Escalera and Inma Torrente, with executive producers including César Benítez and Carrie Stein. Stein, President of Global Television at Dynamic, expressed confidence that Innate will resonate with U.S. audiences, highlighting the series’ world-class talent and engaging narrative.

53 Degrees Global Elevates Alex Coffey to Managing Director

In another significant development, 53 Degrees Global has appointed Alex Coffey as the new Managing Director. This promotion comes as the company aims to diversify its revenue streams, focusing on digital content creation and live events. Coffey will collaborate closely with CEO Nick Bullen, overseeing 53 Degrees’ various TV labels, including Love Monday TV and Mill Bay Media.

Coffey has played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, particularly in drama production, securing a BBC commission for The Hairdresser Mysteries. His efforts have also led to funding for a blue-chip documentary through Love Monday and successful recommissions for Spun Gold. Bullen praised Coffey’s contributions since 53 Degrees’ inception and emphasized the need for strategic growth to seize new opportunities in the evolving media landscape.

ZDF and Blue Ant Studios Team Up for Historical Documentary

In a separate venture, Germany’s ZDF and Canada’s Blue Ant Studios have announced a partnership to produce the historical documentary A Kingdom in Chaos. This series, developed by One Tribe TV, will air on the Franco-German channel Arte and will be distributed internationally by Blue Ant’s sales arm.

The documentary will delve into the tumultuous period surrounding Charles I, exploring key events such as Oliver Cromwell’s conquests and the English republic’s brief existence. It will also examine the broader implications of these historical developments across Europe, including the witch trials of the 1640s and the early stirrings of revolution in France. According to Peter Allenbacher, senior editor at ZDF/Arte, the documentary offers profound insights into a pivotal moment in British history, urging viewers to consider the implications of executing a monarch deemed divinely appointed.

With these significant acquisitions and promotions, the media landscape continues to evolve, reflecting a growing appetite for diverse storytelling across different formats and regions.