The unprecedented deal marks the first time the three Chinese giants have acquired a European non-English language drama at the same time.
The second season of Italian-language drama My Brilliant Friend: The Story of a New Name is going to launch to an audience of over 250 million in China after global producer and distributor Fremantle signed a deal with three of the country’s leading platforms.
Following the popularity of season 1 among Chinese audiences, iQIYI, Youku (Alibaba) and Tencent Video have all bought the second season of the drama, as well as re- licensing the first. This marks the first time that a non-English language European drama has sold to all three platforms simultaneously.
Based on the second book of Elena Ferrante’s bestselling series and published in the U.S. by Europa Editions, My Brilliant Friend: The Story of a New Name recently launched on Italy’s Rai 1 as the nation’s highest rated drama in almost a year and had a successful launch on HBO in the US.
“Ferrante’s masterful story has been enjoyed by Chinese readers for years. The first season was a huge hit for audiences across the country and it is clear that the genuineness and delicacy of the friendship between the two female characters resonates with millions across borders.
The fact that the series has sold to the biggest platforms in the region at the same time non-exclusively is testament to its popularity and to the growing appetite for globally renowned drama.” said Haryaty Rahman, SVP, Distribution Asia, International, Fremantle.
My Brilliant Friend: The Story of a New Name is an HBO and RAI FICTION series, produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Fremantle’s The Apartment and Wildside and by Domenico Procacci for Fandango, in collaboration with RAI FICTION and HBO Entertainment, in co-production with Mowe and Umedia.
The series is directed by Saverio Costanzo (Private, The Solitude of Prime Numbers, Hungry Hearts) who directs 6 episodes and Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro, Le Meraviglie) who directs 2 episodes. Story and screenplays by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers. Fremantle are the international distributor in association with Rai Com.
