Angelina Jolie has entered into a three-year international deal with Fremantle to produce a slate of films, TV series and documentaries.
Oscar winner Girl, Interrupted, Mr & Mrs Smith and Changeling The actress, who is special envoy for the UN refugee agency, will produce, direct or star in each on a case-by-case basis as she seeks to tell sophisticated, powerful and internationally-focused stories, including including local language projects.
The first will be an adaptation of the international bestseller by Alessandro Baricco without bloodwhich she will produce and direct in Italy, and more will be announced soon.
Jolie said the “fthe freedom to tell important stories and present them to a global audience” is at the heart of his three-year contract.
“I am delighted to work with such a passionate and forward-looking team that has an international perspective,” she added.
The move aligns with one of Fremantle’s key growth objectives, which is to secure deals with top talent. The other, the scripted indies buy, was bolstered yesterday with the unveiling of a 70% stake in 30-year-old Italian producer Lux Vide.
At the heart of the success of the Jolie deal, which caps off a huge week for Fremantle, are Global CEO Jennifer Mullin and Global Managing Director Andrea Scrosati, along with Fremantle-backed De Maio Entertainment’s Lorenzo De Maio, who will be a strategic partner and an advisor on the slate.
Mullin said: “Fremantle and Angelina share a passion and ambition to tell compelling stories from around the world, for everyone in the world. We embrace and support the creative independence of our partners and look forward to working with Angelina to bring powerful and unique stories to global audiences.
Jolie is replaced by WME and attorneys Robert Offer and Lindsey Strasberg at Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern LLP.
