Mediapro Studio Buys ‘Game Of Thrones’ Firm Fresco Film
The Mediapro Studio has bought Fresco Film, the Malaga-based production services company that played a key role in Game of Thrones filming in Spain, helping to establish a lucrative tax credit system in the process. Mediapro sees the acquisition as part of its strategy to attract large-scale international projects and co-productions. Peter Welter’s Fresco, founded in 1972, has a track record of working on the likes House of the Dragon, Westworld, The Blacklist, Killing Eve, Narcos Mexico, Uncharted, Spider-Man: Far From Home and Guy Ritchie’s latest film, The Covenant. Its client list includes all of the major global streamers and studios, European production groups and pubcasters, and its work attracting HBO to film part of Game of Thrones in Spain led to the government introducing incentives to tempt more overseas shoots to the country. “Their experience and professionalism have established them as a benchmark in the international industry, and their integration into The Mediapro Studio is excellent news,” said Laura Fernández Espeso, CEO of The Mediapro Studio.
Persephonica Opens In Sheffield
Dua Lipa: At Your Service podcast outfit Persephonica is opening up in Sheffield. Dino Sofos and Tom O’Hara’s company, which also makes Miss Me? with Lily Allen & Miquita Oliver and Political Currency, will forge a podcasting hub and produce shows out of the northern English city. The London office will remain open but the majority of Persephonica’s 14 staff will be in Sheffield. Sofos and O’Hara are Sheffield natives and will fund training, internships and partner with local colleges and universities to develop a new pool of podcasting talent in the region. “This is a huge boost for creativity in the North,” said Sofos. “We are very excited about starting a new chapter for British podcasting in this buzzing, creative and diverse city.” Sofos launched Persephonica nearly three years ago and was initially making popular Global podcast The News Agents but Deadline revealed several months back that Persephonica was no longer involved with the Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis-helmed daily show.
BritBox Unveils Finance SVP
A former HBO finance exec has joined BritBox to be SVP, Finance. Joe DeVito will lead a global team overseeing finance and accounting for the best-of-British streamer, reporting into Adrian Turner, Chief Financial Officer, Global Media & Streaming at BBC Studios and Robert Schildhouse, President of BritBox North America and General Manager of BritBox International. The New York-based vet was a senior member of the strategic and financial planning group at HBO for more than 15 years, where he supported the organization’s digital transformation and launches of HBO Now and HBO Max (now Max). “We are thrilled to welcome Joe to the BritBox team,” said Schildhouse. “His extensive experience in financial management and his strategic acumen will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service and bring quality British television to our global audience.” Schildhouse sat down with Deadline earlier this week for his first interview since BBC Studios bought BritBox outright.