UKTV has acquired Hotel Portofino (2 x 6×60’) for U and U&DRAMA.
The first series will air this month followed by a UK premiere of the second series later in the year followed by the third. The drama, produced by Eagle Eye Drama in association with Beta Film, which also handles international distribution, has been sold to over 70 territories, including Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and North America.
The deal was secured by Jimmy Rumble, global acquisitions manager, and overseen by Melanie Rumani, global head of acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios, together with Beta’s Andreas Khevenhueller and Oliver N. Bachert.
Hotel Portofino is a historical drama about a British family who establish a hotel for upper class travellers on the magical Italian Riviera during the 1920s. In the first series, co-proprietor and moving spirit, Bella Ainsworth (Natascha McElhorne) is short of staff and ready money. Her guests, including the imperious Lady Latchmere (Anna Chancellor), are demanding and hard-to-please; and she’s being targeted by a scheming and corrupt local politician, Signor Danioni (Pasquale Esposito), who threatens to drag her into the red-hot political cauldron of Mussolini’s Italy. Bella also has her aristocratic but caddish husband, Cecil (Mark Umbers), to deal with as he obsesses over arranging an advantageous marriage for their son to secure the future of the Ainsworth family’s estate back in England and finding the money to pay for his dilettante lifestyle.
The series was written by Matt Baker and directed by Adam Wimpenny while Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino oversee the production as executive producers.
The third series of Hotel Portofino, directed by Jon Jones, is currently airing on PBS in the US.
Jo McGrath, Chief Creative Officer Eagle Eye, said: “The exploits of the Ainsworth family have gripped and delighted audiences throughout Europe and the US so I’m delighted British audiences will now be able to enjoy all three seasons of this wonderful hit series.”
Melanie Rumani said: “This deal is a fantastic opportunity and one that really solidifies our relationship with the brilliant team at Beta Film. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them on this series.”
Emma Ayech, channel director for U&DRAMA, added: “We’re excited to be adding Hotel Portofino to our offering of high-quality dramas on U&DRAMA. The beautiful setting of the Italian Riviera is the perfect antidote to those autumnal nights, so we can’t wait for our viewers to dive into this one.”
Andreas Khevenhueller, VP International Sales & Acquisitions: “At Beta we are beyond thrilled to announce that UKTV is the new “port of call” for the sensational drama Hotel Portofino. This captivating series has already won hearts around the globe, and is ready to bring a burst of sunshine, luxury, and thrilling adventures to the UK. We are confident that viewers will be swept away by the charm, intrigue, and breathtaking scenery this show offers.”
Jon Creamer
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