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MD of International Production Lisa Perrin makes the case for why the most globally resonant television is rooted in local identity, creative freedom and authentic storytelling
Great stories are rooted in people, places and communities. Across 13 countries and more than 60 production labels, ITV Studios backs the creative talent and production companies producing some of the world’s most distinctive local stories, combining international scale with a commitment to authenticity that resonates with audiences everywhere.
In a crowded content market, distinctive storytelling matters. Whether it’s a crime drama set in Naples, a police procedural in Paris or a relationship drama from Australia, audiences continue to connect with stories that have a strong sense of place and perspective.
For ITV Studios, that belief has long shaped its international business. As Managing Director of International Production, Lisa Perrin explains: “The people closest to the audience are often the people with the best stories to tell. Our role is to back that talent, support those creative businesses and give them the freedom to do what they do best. Audiences connect most strongly with stories that feel authentic, distinctive and rooted in a real sense of place.”
The results can be seen across ITV Studios’ international portfolio. France’s Tetra Media Studios continues to deliver acclaimed dramas including the award-winning Paris Police, a period crime franchise that has earned recognition both in France and internationally. In Australia, Lingo Pictures’ award-winning drama After the Party captured audiences at home before travelling to international broadcasters.
Alongside internationally recognised brands such as Balthazar, Petra and Romulus, these productions demonstrate how stories that are deeply rooted in local culture can also find audiences beyond their home market. Their success comes not from trying to appeal to everyone, but from remaining true to the places, characters and communities that inspired them.
“There was a time when international success was often associated with making stories feel more universal,” says Perrin. “What we’ve seen time and time again is that audiences respond to authenticity. The stories that resonate most strongly are often those with a clear identity and a strong connection to the people and places they represent.”
Among the many success stories across the ITV Studios family, Cattleya is a powerful example of how investing in local talent and storytelling can create lasting impact.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the renowned Italian producer has become one of Europe’s most respected drama labels. At the heart of its success is Gomorrah, widely regarded as one of Italy’s most successful television exports and a landmark example of storytelling rooted in a specific place and culture.
The success of Gomorrah was built on its authenticity. Set against the backdrop of Naples and driven by powerful local storytelling, the series connected strongly with audiences in Italy before going on to achieve international acclaim with Gomorrah: The Origins most recently taking home the Golden Nymph Award for Best Creation.
That same commitment to distinctive storytelling can be seen across Cattleya’s productions. From Suburra, Netflix’s first Italian-language original series, to Citadel: Diana, the biggest global launch for an Italian original ever, the company continues to demonstrate the strength of stories grounded in local identity and creative ambition.
Looking to the future, Perrin believes “the next great television success could come from anywhere. What’s most important is creating an environment where talented producers and storytellers can tell stories that feel genuine to their audiences. That’s where great ideas begin.”
As audiences continue to seek out stories that feel relevant, authentic and emotionally engaging, ITV Studios remains focused on backing creative talent, championing original ideas and supporting production companies with strong local identities.
