One of the Producers’ Workshop hosted by the ATF Development Club, Christian Vesper, Executive Director of Global Drama and Film at Fremantle, shared the company’s approach to investing in feature films and series. The executive emphasized that Fremantle seeks projects that combine local authenticity with international market appeal. ‘We’re always looking for stories that are deeply authentic to their origins but have the capacity to connect with viewers worldwide’, he said.
Fremantle relies on its extensive global network of production and post-production resources in locations such as Rome, Germany, Singapore, and North America to support its investments. Vesper highlighted the importance of leveraging these resources to maximize both the creative and commercial potential of projects.
The company is particularly drawn to narratives that balance strong storytelling with commercial viability, favoring genres such as thrillers, family dramas, and high-concept projects with exciting beginnings. ‘We’re drawn to stories that capture attention from the very beginning—projects with exciting elements that keep audiences hooked’, explained.
At the same time, Fremantle supports more artistic and auteur-driven films with smaller budgets. While these projects may lack immediate commercial appeal, they align with the company’s commitment to fostering diversity and originality.
Fremantle describes itself as a ‘modern studio’ that adapts to the changing needs of the market, talents, and trends in popular genres. Beyond commercial considerations, the company prioritizes character development and well-constructed plots. ‘Character development and a solid narrative structure are non-negotiable for us—they’re the backbone of any successful project’, said.
