Wednesday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

Movistar+ drama lands on Disney+

Disney+ has picked up Movistar Plus+ original The Nameless for all territories in Latin America.

The show, created by Pau Freixas and Pol Cortecans, will debut exclusively on Disney+ in LatAm from 10 September following the deal with Movistar Plus+ International and Gloriamundi Producciones.

It is the second Movistar Plus+ original that Disney+ has picked up for Latin American, following the arrival of Marbella in July.

The Nameless is a psychological thriller about a woman who loses her daughter but years later finds out she may still be alive. It stars Miren Ibarguren, Rodrigo de la Serna and Milena Smit.

New dates for NATPE Budapest

NATPE Budapest is repositioning itself in the industry calendar and will take place 27-29 April 2026, two months earlier than in previous years.

The move is designed to position itself as “the essential spring market for international content buyers and sellers”, with the InterContinental Budapest again providing the location.

Exclusive screenings and high-level exec sessions are once again being hosted at the nearby Dorothea Hotel, with the new dates aimed to better align with buyers’ planning cycles and travel demands.

Claire Macdonald, executive director of NATPE, said: “After an outstanding 2025 edition, it became clear that moving NATPE Budapest to April gives buyers and partners a valuable head start. Buyers are the heartbeat of any sales market, and NATPE Budapest is where real dealmaking happens – not just conversation.”

The decision follows the momentum of NATPE Budapest 2025, which drew over 750 delegates from 65+ countries, including more than 400+ buyers and 100+ exhibitors and partners, further cementing NATPE Budapest’s reputation as the CEE region’s premier marketplace for international television and streaming content. 

Secuoya strikes Chris Moukarbel deal

Spain’s Secuoya Studios has struck its latest creative alliance, this with documentary filmmaker Chris Moukarbel.

The agreement includes a first-look deal for the joint development of original projects for global streamers and broadcasters.

Moukarbel is known for shows including Gaga: Five Foot Two and Me @ the Zoo. The agreement aims to expand Secuoya’s documentary production, which includes Voices of a City and Sorolla: An Unprecedented View.

Secuoya’s other international partnerships have been struck with BlackBox Multimedia (UK), Sydney Gallonde (France), 3PAS Studios (Mexico), and Act4 (Iceland).

Nelvana ends new productions

Corus Entertainment-owned animation outfit Nelvana Studios is ceasing new productions.

Nelvana, which was acquired by Corus for $540m more than 25 years ago, will continue to distribute and manage its existing shows such as Barney’s World and Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.

However, the Canadian parent - itself struggling under a debt load of $1bn and declining ad revenue - said ongoing shows would be wound down, with no word given on job losses.

Viaplay expands kids sales slate 

Viaplay Content Distribution has expanded its children’s offering with two Swedish series.

Bert was produced for SVT by FLX and is a 10 x 22-minute live action drama that follows the titular 14-year-old boy as he navigates heartbreak, bullies and embarrassing parents. Adrian Boberg (Sunny Side) and Tapio Leopold (Trouble) write.

LasseMaja’s Detective Agency has run for two seasons on TV4 and is an adaptation of the bestselling book series, which follows two best friends as they solve quirky crimes in the colourful town of Valleby. It is also from FLX and has been written by Jessica Ericstam (The Second Run) and Josefin Johansson (Love & Anarchy).

South Shore’s ad-funded fashion shows extended

ITV in the UK has ordered a second season of South Shore’s fashion series Dress the Nation.

The show, which is an AFP with retail giant Marks & Spencer, will see nine contestants compete over five episodes to secure an exclusive mentorship with the fashion retailer.

The winner will have the opportunity to see their design sold exclusively in selected M&S stories and online for the AW25 season.

The format was launched by M&S chief executive Stuart Machin, with the series created in partnership with ITV and South Shore. It is presented by Aj Odudu and Vernon Kay. Read more