Studiocanal buys Tandem

BERLIN -- Studiocanal has taken a majority stake in Tandem Communications, one of the leading European producers and distributors of international primetime event TV productions.The deal marks another step in Studiocanal's European expansion and fortifies its position in the international TV movie and series market.Munich-based Tandem, a European mini studio in international TV productions, will continue to develop and produce primetime event programming for the worldwide market, and oversee international sales of its own productions as well as third-party productions.Established in 1999 by Canadian Rola Bauer, one-time prexy of Alliance Intl. in Paris, and American Tim Halkin, a former marketing exec at Disney, Tandem focuses on English-language productions, and bestseller adaptations with primetime suitability and high-production values.Recent and current productions include the Ken Follett TV miniseries adaptation ''The Pillars of the Earth'' and this year's follow-up, ''World Without End,'' both of which were produced with Ridley and Tony Scott's Scott Free, one of Tandem's regular partners.Other upcoming productions this year include ''Labyrinth,'' a two-parter based on the bestseller by Kate Mosse -- ''an action-packed adventure of modern conspiracy and medieval crusades'' --- also produced with Scott Free.Bauer, Halkin and fellow managing director Jonas Bauer will remain shareholders and continue to lead and further develop Tandem.''Studiocanal stands for excellent quality,'' said Rola Bauer, Tandem prexy and partner. ''Its brand value and strategic expertise will open new levels for growth potential in the years to come. Studiocanal has the foresight to support our entrepreneurial spirit and together we will multiply our respective strengths.''Studiocanal chairman and CEO Olivier Courson said, ''With our multi-territory distribution network, the development of our international production, amplified by our slate financing deal, Studiocanal is really now a major studio in Europe. ''As all studios have done, the next logical move is to diversify into TV minis and series. We searched for the best partner in Europe and found Tandem as the ideal one. Their television strategy is in sync with our objective. We were meant to work together. I am really glad to develop this new activity with such talented and gifted producers as Rola, Tim and Jonas.''In 2011, Studiocanal reinforced its production investments with a slate financing deal to co-finance international films. The company also operates a major theatrical distrib in Germany. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com