Sony Pictures Television Studios to develop an adaptation for the US market in addition to distributing the original, record–breaking Italian version alongside local language remakes
Lux Vide, one of Europe’s leading independent TV producers has today announced that Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) has picked up the exclusive format and distribution rights to their hit Italian prime-time medical drama “Doc – Nelle Tue Mani”.
The deal is the second major scripted format collaboration between Lux Vide and SPT, who have just wrapped production on the international drama “Leonardo”, starring Aidan Turner.
Praised by Italian media as a mix of “Doctor House” and “The Good Doctor”, Lux Vide’s “Doc” is based on a true story. The series stars Luca Argentero (“Eat Pray Love”) as Dr Andrea Fanti, who suffers a memory loss of the last 12 years of his life following a serious head injury, but still finds a new way to practice his profession.
The series premiered March 26 during the pandemic on Rai-1, and was a massive success drawing nearly 8 million primetime viewers and a 30% audience share, marking “Doc” as the most-watched show on Italian TV in the last 13 years.
Luca Bernabei, Lux Vide CEO, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this series and it is a shining example of Lux Vide building its alliance with SPT as we continue to expand our storytelling in major markets around the world. We feared that some people might turn away from medical storylines amid the pandemic but the opposite was true. This is a remarkable story of a doctor who has an ability for transforming his illness into a force for good. Medical stories that explore real-life heroes who step up on behalf of society when the worst things imaginable happen, have never been more relevant.”
Mike Wald, EVP, Distribution & Networks, Sony Pictures Television, said:
“Our passion at SPT is great stories – – stories that really connect to an audience. At its core, Doc is a human story with truly universal appeal and the success and acclaim it received in Italy, in this most unprecedented of years, is a testament to its uniqueness and quality. We can’t wait to bring this Italian original to the global marketplace, as well as to work with partners around the world, including here in the U.S., to develop local adaptations. We immediately loved this series when we saw it, and we are pleased to continue our collaborative relationship with Luca and all the team at Lux.”
