Netflix has paid $15 million for a four-part series on the life and ministry of Jorge Maria Bergoglio, the Catholic priest who become Pope Francis, Variety reported Friday.
The deal allows the video-streaming service to offer the series, titled “Call Me Francis,” in 40 territories outside of Europe, Variety said. Italian production company Mediaset is retaining the rights to the series in Europe in the hopes of “pursu[ing] a pan-European over-the-top platform project,” said company CEO Pier Silvio.
An over-the-top platform is an internet-based alternative to traditional satellite or cable television programming.
Mediaset will air the mini-series in Italy on Dec. 8, Variety reported. It’s unknown if the pope might tune in out of curiosity, but it will be a busy day for him as he, along with Catholics worldwide, celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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