MIPCOM round-up: Abacus sells Mariupol doc; Noah picks up Irvine Welsh film; Passion snags ‘Men Of West Hollywood’

Mariupol: The People’s Story (working title)

Abacus sells Mariupol doc

Abacus Media Rights has secured a raft of global sales after acquiring documentary Mariupol: The People’s Story (working title) for global distribution, excluding the UK and Northern Ireland.

Produced by Top Hat Productions and commissioned by the BBC’s flagship current affairs series, Panorama, the title available as a 60- and 90-minute feature documentary, exploring the story of the destruction of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol told with access to the people who lived there.

Abacus has sold the doc to SBS Australia, CBC Gem in Canada, Quebecor Content in French Canada, SWR in Germany, ARTE in Germany & France, RTE in Ireland, TV4 in Sweden, MTV in Finland, VPRO in the Netherlands, TV2 in Denmark, TV2 in Norway, VRT in Belgium, HBO Europe in CEE & Baltics and BBC Select in the USA.

Abacus MD Jonathan Ford said: “It is a privilege to represent this programme and to offer it to our clients around the world who agree that this shocking story needs to be shared with as wide an audience as possible.

“This is a very personal film about courageous, ordinary individuals, set against an epic backdrop of utter destruction and carnage, told by the people who lived in Mariupol and called it their home.”

Noah picks up Irvine Welsh film

Noah Media Group has taken worldwide sales rights for feature-length documentary I Am Irvine Welsh.

Produced by LS Films, the doc follows the Scotsman known internationally for his novel Trainspotting, as he reflects on his life and offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist at work and play, revealing his creative processes across literature, screenwriting and music.

The title spends a year in the company of Welsh, giving candid insight into an extraordinary period as he publishes a new novel, launches a record label, works on two television series and adapts his most famed work into a new West End musical.

Catherine Quantschnigg, head of sales at Noah Media Group commented: “Myself and the Noah team are delighted to be working with Sarah, Natasha and Paul on this fascinating study of a radical genius. I look forward to introducing I Am Irvine Welsh to global buyers at Mipcom and expanding Noah’s premium documentaries slate with this absolute gem of a film.”

Passion snags ‘Men Of West Hollywood’

Passion Distribution has acquired global rights, excluding the US and Canada, to season one of Men Of West Hollywood.

Produced by Get Me Out Productions, the 10 x 60-minute series follows six male socialites and “the most drama-filled friend group in legendary West Hollywood” as they live, work, and party. The cast, around half of whom identify as LGBTQ+, is led by “Mr. California” David Barta, a model and personal trainer; Justin Jedlica, a plastic surgery consultant, known around the world as the “Human Ken Doll”; Darren Tieste, a celebrity photographer; Murray Swanby, a club promoter and top underwear model; Brennen Taylor, a YouTube star; and Landon Wetterstrom.

Sean Wheatley, head of acquisitions at Passion Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Get Me Out Productions on this exciting new reality series lifting the lid on the lifestyles of the famous, fierce and fabulous Men of West Hollywood!“