Tandem eyes contemporary drama following Studiocanal deal

International producer and distributor Tandem Communications is eyeing a move into one-hour contemporary drama series following its purchase by Canal+ Group-owned Studiocanal.

The French company acquired a majority stake in Tandem earlier this month.

Tandem boss Rola Bauer, who will remain a shareholder in the company, told TBI that the deal will enable it to start producing one-hour contemporary dramas this year.

“The timing was perfect; we’d been building the company for twelve and a half years and we wanted to dive into one hour series. The steps were possible but it’s going to be a bit faster and easier with a company like Studiocanal behind us,” she said.

The company is known for producing epic historical mini-series and period television movies including The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End.

“I’ve been in 12th Century England for The Pillars of the Earth and the 14th Century for World Without End, now I want something contemporary,” she said.