Disney+ EMEA: A Promising Future for Scripted Originals
According to Lee Mason, the Executive Director of Scripted Originals at Disney+ for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the platform is currently thriving with its scripted offerings. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mason shared insights on how the successful original series are influencing the streaming strategy of Disney+.
“I’m feeling positive,”Mason, who previously served as the commissioning editor for drama at Channel 4, commented, reflecting on the success of notable titles like Rivals and A Thousand Blows.
Thematic Resonance in Diverse Genres
Despite their genre differences, Mason highlights a key similarity between these two shows. “My feeling has always been about not straying far from the essence of Disney+,” he noted. This essence includes compelling characters, intriguing worlds, and emotionally resonant stories, which serve as the foundation for all his team’s projects.
Rivals: A UK Hit
Rivals, which has already secured a second season, captured the UK audience upon its October release (while also streaming on Hulu in the U.S.). This series, based on Jilly Cooper’s novel, follows Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell), a wealthy and unscrupulous Member of Parliament navigating a tumultuous rivalry with Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). Set in the fictional Rutshire, a county in the Cotswolds during the 1980s, the show intertwines a love story amid a backdrop of sex and intrigue, featuring a talented supporting cast including Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) and Lizzie Vereker (Katharine Parkinson).
Addressing the show’s risqué elements, Mason remarked, “It is certainly bold for a Disney audience, but it’s not gratuitous. Those moments were thoughtfully integrated to reveal character dynamics and power relationships.” He believes that this approach broadens the perception of content that viewers can expect from Disney+.
Interestingly, Mason’s initial reaction to Rivals wasn’t overwhelmingly positive. “When Dominic Treadwell-Collins first pitched the idea, I was unsure if it fit our brand,” he recalled. “However, once I read the pilot script, I immediately recognized its potential and reached out to discuss it further.”
A Thousand Blows: A Gritty Narrative
Another notable success is A Thousand Blows, penned by Steven Knight, depicting Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican man navigating the chaotic boxing underworld of post-industrial London. The violent tale contrasts characters like Hezekiah and Mary Carr (played by Erin Doherty), leader of the notorious female gang known as The Forty Elephants, against seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham) in a fierce rivalry.
Mason described his enthusiasm for A Thousand Blows as more straightforward. “When I learned it was by Stephen Knight and Stephen Graham was attached, I was immediately intrigued. The opportunity to work with such talented individuals was unmistakable,” he stated.
Character-Driven Storytelling
The common thread through Mason’s projects is an unwavering focus on character development. “Whether dealing with true crime or romantic comedies, it’s always about the characters first,” he emphasized. This commitment to rich character arcs not only attracts exceptional talent but also fosters a deeper connection between actors and audiences. “With actors like David Tennant involved, it lends an inherent trust in the project,”Mason said.
Mason even employs a familial benchmark for casting decisions: if his diverse family—including parents, siblings, and nieces—approves of the content, it’s likely to resonate with a broader audience. “With Stephen Graham, my family will watch it without hesitation, regardless of the context,” he remarked.
Embracing Creative Risks
When it comes to the necessity of risk-taking in television, Mason reflects, “It’s about understanding what you mean by risk. I don’t think a show needs to be controversial to be impactful; rather, you can take creative risks through tone and casting.” He believes that introducing familiar actors into unexpected roles can bring freshness to the narrative.
As for the upcoming release Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, Mason, who describes it as a poignant exploration of a tragedy where an innocent man was mistakenly killed by police, aims to honor the memory of the victim rather than ignite controversy. “We want to focus on the human story of an individual who went to work one day but never came home,”he explained, acknowledging the poignant discussions it might inspire.
Building Local Connections
Mason reaffirmed the importance of local content, stating that connecting with regional audiences is crucial for Disney+. Upcoming titles such as Nicola Shindler’s The Stolen Girl, set for release on April 16, along with acclaimed productions from France, Spain, and Italy, underscore his commitment to creating widely appealing content while nurturing local narratives.
In conclusion, Mason’s team is enthusiastic about the future of Disney+ EMEA. As they navigate the complexities of audience expectations and storytelling, they remain dedicated to producing programming that resonates on both local and international levels.