Sky Atlantic has snapped up its first foreign language drama series.
The pay TV channel has sealed a deal with Arrow Films and Beta Film to pick up the exclusive UK rights to Gomorrah, the 12 episode drama series based on the Robert Saviano book which is being produced by Red Arrow for Sky Italia.
Gomorrah is the inside story of fierce Neapolitan crime organisation the Camorra, as seen through the eyes of Ciro (Marco D’Amore), the obedient and self-confident right-hand man of the clan’s godfather whose loyalty is tested to its limits. The series was shot on location in and around Naples, Barcelona, Milan & Ferrara and directed by Stefano Sollima.
The acquisition of Gomorrah, which was negotiated by Sky Entertainment’s Acquisitions Manager Sophie Judge, comes after Sky Atlantic tested the waters with foreign language drama with their co-production The Tunnel, which was a bi-lingual series in English and French.
“Following on the success of Sky Atlantic’s first bi-lingual drama The Tunnel, we’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of the channel’s first foreign language series”, said Julia Barry, Director of Sky Atlantic. “With cinematic scale and a gripping tale of conflict, loyalty and power, Gomorrah is a perfect addition to Sky Atlantic’s impressive slate of quality shows – both acquired and home-grown – which we pride ourselves on bringing exclusively to our customers.”
Alex Agran, Managing Director of Arrow Films, comments: “We are delighted to be partnering with Sky Atlantic for the broadcast launch of Gomorrah. Atlantic is the perfect home for this outstanding series and Arrow Films is proud to bring the first foreign language series to the channel. We look forward to a fruitful ongoing relationship with Sky.”
While Oliver Bachert, Senior Vice-President of International Sales and Production for Beta Film added: “Gomorrah is a milestone of new European television. Beta is delighted and proud to deliver this outstanding production to the UK audience in cooperation with Arrow Film and through such a prestigious partner as Sky Atlantic.”
