This Danish crime show has been a ratings smash in Scandinavia and a handful of other territories since it debuted in 2007. But 2011 is the year "Killing" goes wide: The series is already a cult hit in the U.K. and stateside; AMC has secured the original and is making a U.S. remake.
Tine Harden/ZDF EnterprisesFive international programs likely to generate strong sales buzz at MIPTV.
The Killing: This Danish crime show has been a ratings smash in Scandinavia and a handful of other territories since it debuted in 2007. But 2011 is the year Killing goes wide: The series is already a cult hit in the U.K. and stateside; AMC has secured the original and is making a U.S. remake. With a third season in the works, Killing is set to slay the competition at MIP. Sales: ZDF Enterprises
The Sinking of the Laconia
It took years to get this big-budget period miniseries about the sinking of British ocean liner the RMS Laconia by a German U-boat during World War II onto the small screen. The wait paid off: Laconia drew raves on its British bow, particularly for its British-German cast, which includes Brian Cox, Andrew Buchan and Franka Potente. Sales: FremantleMedia Enterprises
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Benidorm Bastards
This hidden-camera format, in which senior citizens break into gangster raps, talk about sex and recount drug deals within earshot of shocked young’uns, was a surprise hit for Belgian channel 2BE last year, winning best comedy and best program at Europe’s Emmys. SevenOne International is taking Bastards wide at MIP, with about 20 territories already sold. Sales: SevenOne International
Jungle Book
India’s DQ Entertainment and Germany’s ZDF return with a second season of the 3D-animated kids series Jungle Book. The first 52×11-minute series sold out globally, with Disney picking it up in multiple territories and such marquee networks as the BBC in the U.K., France’s TF1 and Australia’s ABC pouncing on the new tales of Mowgli. ZDF and DQ are also planning new 3D versions of Lassie. Sales: ZDF Enterprises
The Hour
From the makers of Spooks, Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars comes the 1950s newsroom drama The Hour, scripted by Abi Morgan and produced by Kudos Film & Television. Set in the hustle and bustle of a newsroom as it prepares to launch a topical news program, this drama is being billed as a British Mad Men for its exploration of the ruthless sexual politics behind the social facade of 1956. Sales: Shine International
