Former Asacha Media and All3Media exec Maria Ishak has launched Mischief International, a Paris- and London-based creative studio specialising in IP development, talent curation, financing, and franchise building.
Mischief International will operate as a creative and production partner, focusing on content that “blends cultural relevance with strong commercial potential.”
The company works closely with creators, producers and writers at every stage of the development and production process, bringing expertise that includes strategic packaging, international co-financing, and marketing.
Mischief’s slate currently includes a feature documentary with Public Square Films directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David France, a Finnish drama written by screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren, a feature documentary with All3Media’s award-winning StoryFilms, and a French-English fact-based drama co-produced with Fremantle’s Mintee and UK-based Indefinite Films.
“Mischief is focused on backing bold ideas with a clear path to market. Whether through traditional commissioning or bespoke funding models, we’re here to get shows made,” said Maria Ishak. “In today’s complex and challenged landscape, the need for creatively driven strategic partnerships has never been greater. Mischief combines a story-first vision with hands-on expertise in developing, financing, and producing content that resonates with international audiences.”
Prior to founding Mischief, Ishak was Head of International Content and Co-Productions at Asacha Media Group (a Fremantle company), leading co-production and co-financing strategies for both in-house and third-party projects. While at Asacha, Ishak was instrumental in identifying and packaging high-value titles such as Cicatriz (Amazon Spain, TVE, Telekom Serbia) and Poe (TF1, starring Freddie Highmore). She also helped navigate the deal that saw the Oaktree Capital-backed business acquired by Fremantle in March 2023, after Asacha had become the fourth-largest production group in Europe.
Before joining Asacha, Ishak served as Senior Vice President of North America at All3Media International. Based in New York, she launched the company’s Americas office and was responsible for regional sales, co-productions, and strategic partnerships. During her tenure, she doubled turnover in the region and led the sale of more than 20,000 hours of programming to broadcasters, streamers, and platforms across the U.S. and Canada.
Ishak has worked on a wide range of titles across scripted and unscripted, including It’s a Sin (Channel 4/HBO Max), Help (Channel 4/The Forge), Dinosaur (BBC/Two Brothers), The Wave (Arrow Media), RuPaul’s Drag Race (World of Wonder), and Who is Ghislaine Maxwell (Roast Beef TV). She is a juror for the International Emmy Awards, a member of WFTV UK, and a former Chair of BAFTA New York, where she remains actively engaged.
Jon Creamer
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