Hulu Acquires Spanish Thriller ‘Innate’; 53 Degrees Promotes Coffey

Hulu has secured the U.S. rights to the psychological thriller series Innate, originally commissioned by Netflix Spain. The series, created by Fran Carballal and Enrique Lojo, is produced by Plano a Plano, a subsidiary of ITV Studios, in collaboration with Dynamic Television, which also holds international distribution rights. This acquisition marks a significant step in the evolving landscape of streaming, as more American networks seek European content.

Innate consists of eight episodes and delves into themes of family, trauma, and concealed truths. The narrative centers on Sara, portrayed by Elena Anaya, a psychologist haunted by her past as the daughter of Félix Garay, a serial killer known in the media as ‘the Diesel Killer’. Sara’s seemingly perfect life with her husband Aitor and their teenage son Sebas begins to unravel when Félix is released from prison, coinciding with a series of new crimes that echo his previous actions from 25 years earlier. Directors Lino Escalera and Inma Torrente lead the project, with executive producers including César Benítez and Carrie Stein of Dynamic Television. Stein expressed confidence that the compelling storytelling and top-notch talent will engage U.S. viewers.

Leadership Changes at 53 Degrees Global

In another noteworthy development, 53 Degrees Global has promoted Alex Coffey to the position of Managing Director. Coffey will partner with CEO Nick Bullen to enhance the company’s digital content initiatives and expand into new revenue streams, including branded content, corporate programming, and live events.

Coffey has been instrumental in driving the company’s focus on drama, particularly through Mill Bay Media, which recently secured a commission from the BBC for a series titled The Hairdresser Mysteries. His efforts also included securing funding for a documentary through Love Monday and contributing to the successful recommissioning of programs by Spun Gold TV.

Bullen praised Coffey’s contributions since the inception of 53 Degrees Global in 2023, noting that his leadership will be vital as the company navigates the evolving media landscape.

ZDF and Blue Ant Studios Collaborate on Historical Documentary

ZDF, the German public broadcaster, has partnered with Blue Ant Studios from Canada to produce a historical documentary titled A Kingdom in Chaos. This project, created by One Tribe TV, will air on the Franco-German channel Arte and will also be marketed internationally by Blue Ant’s sales division.

The documentary explores the tumultuous period surrounding Charles I, including Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland, the establishment of the English republic, and the eventual restoration of Charles II. It aims to provide insight into the era’s impact across Europe, covering events from the witch trials of the 1640s to revolutionary movements in France.

“A Kingdom in Chaos provides a brilliant insight into a pivotal moment of British history,” said Peter Allenbacher, senior editor at ZDF/Arte.

The documentary will be produced and directed by Mimi Templar-Gay, with executive production by Owen Gay of One Tribe TV. It is designed to engage viewers with a comprehensive look at historical events that shaped modern political thought in Western Europe.