Endemol cuts format deals for it first telenovela

Endemol Argentina is set to make a number of local versions of its first-ever telenovela El Exitoso Sr. Pells (The Successful Mr Pells). It will make versions in Mexico, Chile and Columbia after inking a number of format deals. Discussions are now taking place with broadcasters in the US.

The company will coproduce the series with TVN in Chile and as-yet-unnamed broadcasters in Columbia and Mexico.

The show was been originally commissioned by Argentinean broadcaster Telefe and produced by Endemol and La Lola-creator Underground Contenidos. It will be distributed by Endemol International and Telefe International.

The comedy follows a failed actor who is hired to work and live as Mr Pells, the most famous television journalist in the country.

Ariel Tobi, international sales director at Endemol Argentina, told TBIvision: "Telefe will handle most of the distribution but we will keep the major Endemol territories such as the US, UK and Spain. Endemol US is very interested and is already negotiating with the major broadcasters. It is the first time the major countries have taken Latin American product from Endemol with this sort of enthusiasm."

The show will bow in Argentina in October.