Zodiak Rights Clinches Pre-Sales on ‘Versailles’ Second Season
CANNES, France – Zodiak Rights has scored a raft of pre-sales on the anticipated second season of “Versailles,” Canal Plus’ hit period drama starring Georges Blagden (“Vikings”) as the Sun King Louis XIV.
Unveiled at Mipcom, the deals were signed with BBC Two and Amazon Prime (U.K), C More (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland), DirectTV (Latin America), Movistar+ (Spain), RTBF (French speaking Belgium), RTP1 (Portugal) and Universal, which has a worldwide pan-entertainment pact.
Created and exec produced by Simon Mirren and David Wolstencroft, “Versailles” was commissioned by French pay-TV group Canal Plus and produced by Capa Drama, Zodiak Fiction and Canada’s Incendo.
“‘Versailles’ has proved a resounding success on the international stage, offering a breathtaking and ambitious primetime drama that generates a real buzz wherever it airs,” said Caroline Torrance, head of scripted at Zodiak Rights. “Its acclaimed creative team and cast have vividly brought to life this landmark moment in history, redefining period drama for today’s audiences, and we’re looking forward to delivering this exciting new chapter to our global broadcasters.”
Blagden stars opposite Alexander Vlahos (“Merlin”) and Anna Brewster (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”).
The first season of “Versailles” was an international sales hit – it traveled to more than 135 countries around the world – and it also broke a three-year ratings record for Canal Plus’ Creation Originale label.
In the UK, on BBC Two, “Versailles” attracted almost 2 million viewers for each episode – one of the best rated drama acquisition in recent years, according to Zodiak Rights.
The series recently premiered Oct. 1 in the U.S. to strong ratings on Ovation TV.
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