Fremantle’s Element Pictures and Brooklyn-based outfit Sinestra are producing Mad Love (w.t.), a romantic comedy-drama set in Italy for Disney+.
The British Hulu original, created and written by playwright Kate Cortesi, tells the story of a British wedding planner and her clients in the Italian countryside over six 45-minute episodes.
“What a dream to bring Mad Love (w.t.) to life with this team that is truly the best in the business,” Cortesi said. “I can’t believe my good fortune to be working with Element, Sinestra, Fremantle, and Disney+, who have understood and supported the vision from the very beginning. And I can’t wait to introduce the world to Maddy Caruso, our wedding planner extraordinaire who is equal parts witty, wise, and wretched. Watching Maddy hurdle toward self-actualization through a string of self-destructive choices is a ride I hope will be funny, sad, and occasionally worrisome—but ultimately a celebration of how true community catches us when we fall and helps us grow up. This one is for the free spirits, the poor decision-makers, and the unapologetic lovers of life.”
Christopher Aird, EP and head of TV at Element Pictures, noted, “In Mad Love (w.t.), Kate has created a wonderfully warm and attractive world you want to spend time in. Element is thrilled to be working with Sinestra to bring Kate’s authored, comedic and characterful writing to the screen. We fell in love with Kate’s characters instantly, and we think the audience will too.”
Michael Parets, EP at Sinestra, noted, “Kate Cortesi has X-Ray vision. She sees characters for who they are, not just who they want to be. It has been so much fun to see her apply her superpowers to the world of Mad Love (w.t.), where she has crafted a messy, honest and incredibly fun playground for love and heartbreak alongside our brilliant partners at Element and Disney+.”
Lee Mason, VP for scripted at Disney+ EMEA, added, “Kate Cortesi’s writing is incisive, authentic and uproariously funny, and we’re thrilled to bring her refreshingly honest take on the romantic comedy-drama to Disney+. Together with the brilliant teams at Element and Sinestra, Mad Love is exactly the kind of bold, distinctive storytelling we want to champion as we continue to grow our U.K. originals slate.”
