Australian distributor Escapade Media has partnered with newly launched Welsh prodco Mermaid Pictures on two upcoming titles. The agreement covers Wedding Dancers (10×52’), a factual entertainment format, and Deadly Messages (8×60’), a cosy crime drama, both of which Escapade will introduce to international buyers at MIPCOM 2025.
Mermaid Pictures, based in Monmouthshire, was founded earlier this year by Welcome to Wrexham producer Sara Gibbings and Call the Midwife director Jo Southwell, both alumni of Creative UK Female Founders. It aims to create shows for UK and international audiences, championing female and under-represented creatives.
Wedding Dancers sees celebrity choreographers working with couples and their wedding parties to create bespoke dances to transform their big day.
Deadly Messages is an eight-part drama that was written by Omar Khan and directed by Southwell. It follows the sleuthing skills of a former Delhi detective who becomes a UK social media icon and cracks cold cases uncovered online.
Natalie Lawley of Escapade Media said: “Jo Southwell and Sara Gibbings are a formidable creative force, and Escapade is honoured to be working with them.H aving already spoken to a number of high-profile clients, we are building interest for these projects which appeal to the trends and needs of current buyers and commissioners.”
Mermaid Pictures’ Southwell and Gibbings added that they are ”in discussions with some interesting talent” on Wedding Dancers and Deadly Messages, with further details to follow.
