SBS Australia & Canal+ France among global deals for Benelux thrillers ‘1985’ & ‘The Crash’

1985

StudioCanal has sold two Benelux thrillers – 1985 and The Crash – to a range of territories in deals struck at MIPTV.

The Crash, which tells the story of one of the most controversial aviation disasters and biggest cover-ups in Dutch history, has been acquired by SBS Australia, CANAL+ France, Disney+ Belgium, BeTv Belgium, MagentaTV / Telekom Germany, Free TV Israel, Cellcom Israel, RTP Portugal and Cosmo Spain.

The 5 x 60-minute drama is a Big Blue production for NPO1/KRO-NCRV, and is created and written by Michael Leendertse (Turbulent Skies), directed by Lourens Blok (Boy 7), co-directed by Edson Da Conceicao (De Sterfshow) and produced by Fleur Winters (Heirs of the Night).

Crime thriller 1985, meanwhile was the first drama to be commissioned by two Belgian public broadcasters, VRT and RTBF, and is produced by Belgian producer Eyeworks.

The 8 x 52-minute series, written by Willem Wallyn, directed by Wouter Bouvijn and produced by Peter Bouckaert, has been acquired by SBS Australia, CANAL+ France, Free TV Israel, Filmin Portugal and Spain, TG4 in Ireland and CANAL+ Czech Republic & Slovakia.

Set against the backdrop of Belgium’s most notorious unsolved crime spree, 1985 begins as three friends – Vicky, her brother Franky and his best friend Marc – begin a new chapter in their lives, when they set off from their hometown to Brussels.

But as their adulthood and careers in the big city commence, the trio risks losing their innocence and noble illusions, as they find themselves caught up in the middle of the horrifying events that shocked a generation and will come to leave a scar on the entire country.

Beatriz Campos, SVP of global sales and production financing at StudioCanal, said: “The shocking true events behind these two highly captivating dramas shook a nation which is still reeling from the events today.

“They are incredible real life stories that have been extremely well adapted to the screen and will resonate with a wider world. The performances, clever narratives, impressive special effects and premium look have been very well received and we are proud to continue selling these shows worldwide.”