Italy’s Rai 1 remakes TV3 Catalunya format ‘Merlí’ with Banijay

Un Professore

Italy’s Rai 1 has commissioned a local remake of TV3 Catalunya’s scripted format Merlí, with Alessandro D’Alatri attached to direct.

The series will be known locally as Un Professore and stars Alessandro Gassmann as a teacher who employs philosophical thinking to help his students deal with daily problems, while also exploring challenges in his own life. Filming began this week.

Massimo Del Frate is producing for Banijay Studios Italy, while Sandro Petraglia has written the screenplay alongside Fidel Signorile, Valentina Gaddi and Sebastiano Melloni.

Massimo Del Frate, head of drama at Banijay Studios Italy, said the show “combines drama and the complexity of friendships, family and romantic relationships.”

TV3’s format Merlí is distributed by France’s Lagardère.