Ruth Franco Signs First-Look Deal with MGM to Develop More Spanish-Language Originals

Ruth Franco is looking to develop more Spanish-language projects in Hollywood.

The Spanish talent manager has signed a first-look deal with MGM to help them ramp up Spanish originals.

Ruth Franco

The multi-year deal will see Ruth Franco Talent and the Hollywood studio develop Spanish-language and English-language scripted series across platforms internationally and in the U.S.

Franco represents a slew of some of Spain’s biggest actors, directors and screenwriters and will develop shows under the deal in partnership with Talent on the Road and World Talent House.

It comes as MGM International Television Productions bolsters its global production slate, which includes projects like Michael Hirst’s Billy the Kid, John Griffin’s sci-fi horror series From, Amazon YA pilot order Shelter from Harlan Coben and The Reunion, an adaptation of French author Guillaume Musso’s novel La Jeune Fille et la Nuit.

Franco said that the deal would be a “turning point” for Ibero-American talent and would create “synergies with the American market”.

Diego Piasek, SVP, Head of Development & Current Series, MGM International Television Productions, said, “In today’s highly competitive market, our partnership with Ruth Franco will give MGM unparalleled access to some of the most prestigious writers, directors and actors from Latin America and Spain, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Together with Ruth we will not only develop local-language originals, but also look to provide a pipeline to Hollywood and beyond for her clients. This is a key strategic partnership for us as we continue to expand our content capabilities and talent relationships on both a local and global scale.”