Asacha and All3MI alum Maria Ishak unveils European creative studio

Former Asacha and All3Media exec Maria Ishak has launched IP development and financing outfit Mischief International, Broadcast International can reveal.

The London and Paris-based studio will operate as a creative and production partner, specialising in IP development and financing, talent curation and franchise building, with a focus on content that blends cultural relevance with strong commercial potential.

Mischief will work closely with creators, producers and writers at every stage of development, providing expertise for strategic packaging, international co-financing, and marketing of content for the global landscape.

The nascent outfit’s slate currently includes a feature documentary with All3Media’s award-winning StoryFilms, a French-English factual drama co-produced with Fremantle’s Mintee and UK-based Indefinite Film, another feature doc with Public Square Films directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David France and a Finnish drama written by screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren.

Mischief is founded and led by international co-production and content veteran Ishak, who most recently was head of international content and co-productions at Fremantle-owned Asacha Media, which she held for three years, having joined in 2021 from All3Media International.

“Mischief is focused on backing bold ideas with a clear path to market. Whether through traditional commissioning or bespoke funding models, we’re here to get shows made,” Ishak said.

“In today’s complex and challenged landscape, the need for creatively driven strategic partnerships has never been greater. Mischief combines a story-first vision with hands-on expertise in developing, financing, and producing content that resonates with international audiences.”

At Asacha, she lead co-production and co-financing strategies for both in-house and third-party projects, playing a key role in identifying and packaging high-profile titles such as Plano a Plano’s Amazon Prime Video tentpole Cicatriz (Scar) and Freddie Highmore-starring Poe, TF1’s Edgar Allan Poe detective series.

She also helped navigate the deal that saw the Oaktree Capital-backed business be acquired by Fremantle in March 2023, after Asacha had become the fourth-largest production group in Europe.

At All3MI, Ishak was senior vice-president of North America, where she launched the company’s Americas office and was responsible for regional sales, co-productions, and strategic partnerships. During her tenure, she doubled turnover in the region and led the sale of more than 20,000 hours of programming to broadcasters, streamers, and platforms across the US and Canada.