Starz's 'Da Vinci's Demons' To Premiere At MIPTV

David S. Goyer, co-writer of critically-acclaimed blockbusters The Dark Knight trilogy and Man of Steel, is Da Vinci's Demons' showrunner, writer, executive producer and director of some episodes. "Given that Da Vinci was the model for the Renaissance Man, these were incredibly large shoes to fill," commented Goyer. "Leonardo had to be smart, witty, and incredibly confident. He also had to be tormented, because as a true visionary and polymath he was ostracised for his ideas as much as he was celebrated. Tom came in and was able to effortlessly combine all of those elements."

Jane Tranter, Head of Adjacent Productions, added: "The young life of this incredibly complex and brilliant man had not yet been explored. With David Goyer, whose imagination has created juggernaut and iconic theatrical features, coupled with the premium presence of Chris Albrecht, Carmi Zlotnik and their Starz team, we couldn't be more passionate about bringing this story to international audiences."

Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Doctor Who) is also executive producer, along with Adjacent's Tranter (Rome, Little Dorrit). Production on the series began in summer 2012, and Starz will launch the show in the US in 2013. BBC Worldwide will distribute the series in international territories. FOX International Channels has acquired first window Pay-TV rights in all its broadcasting markets, and is planning to premiere the series in tandem with Starz US.

"We are delighted and honoured that Starz and BBC Worldwide have chosen MIPTV to premiere Da Vinci's Demons to an international audience, in the presence of its lead cast and distinguished writer," said Laurine Garaude, Director of Reed MIDEM's Television Division. "The recurring success of the World Premiere TV Screenings at MIPCOM and MIPTV confirms the event's position as a premium showcase for leading television and film companies to screen outstanding programmes to the most influential buyers, industry players, and international media from over 100 countries."