Fremantle is getting into business with Fudge Park, the indie behind Aimee Lou Wood’s BBC comedy Daddy Issues.
The pair have struck a first look and development deal, which will see Fremantle become the primary home for all of Fudge Park’s upcoming scripted projects. The UK indie will also work closely with Fremantle’s global drama and International sales divisions to help develop its drama and comedy slate.
Fudge Park’s latest is Daddy Issues, which is sold by Fremantle and was recently re-upped for a Season 2. Starring Sex Education breakout Wood and David Morrissey and created by Danielle Ward (Brassic), Daddy Issues follows Stockport-based Gemma (Wood), who discovers she’s pregnant after a random hook-up. The show is the top-rated BBC Three comedy since the channel’s 2021 relaunch, according to the national broadcaster.
Fudge Park was founded a decade ago by The Inbetweeners creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris. It has since made a number of shows, mostly for the BBC, including White Gold, The First Team and Enterprice, along with a Film4 feature, The Festival.
The deal was brokered by Jill Kellie, VP Commercial Strategy, Commercial & International, with Fudge Park MD Jonathan Blyth. Blyth said: “We’ve loved working with the team at Fremantle over the last year who’ve been an outstanding partner on Daddy Issues. They really understand the DNA of Fudge Park and share our creative vision, so broadening the partnership was an easy decision to make.”
The move follows a number of similar UK deals struck by Fremantle with the likes of Stath Lets Flats producer Roughcut and I Am Ruth maker Me + You Productions. Fremantle also has deals in place with splashy talent like Kristen Stewart, Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín and Luca Guadagnino.
Rebecca Dundon, SVP, Head of Scripted Commercial, C&I and Global Drama at Fremantle, said: “Fudge Park is a rare gem, where talent-driven vision meets universal themes and sharp, original writing. They consistently deliver fresh, engaging content, and I couldn’t be prouder to kick off our partnership following the success of Daddy Issues.”
