Former HBO Europe executives Johnathan Young and Ioanina Pavel have launched a new production company, called May One, which is aiming to develop and produce high-end TV drama in Romania for both local and international audiences, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The veteran executives have a long history in the space, and were involved in several high-profile HBO productions shot in Eastern Europe – such as the award-winning Polish series Wataha (The Pack), the Romanian-German thriller Hackerville, and HBO Max’s Cold War drama Spy/Master.
Young, who served as VP of Original Production at HBO Europe, oversaw HBO’s slate of original local language series in the region.
Pavel began as a development executive at HBO Romania before moving to produce a variety of shows.
The new company will be based in Bucharest and has plans to develop, produce, and co-produce high-end series to film in Romania, with a purpose to work with both international and local talent.
“Romania is a hot-bed for creativity, and the country provides an enticing and fascinating backdrop for TV,” Young said. “With our knowledge and network in this vibrant, exciting space we want to be a hub for local talent, to attract collaborations, and create high-quality drama that brings a different flavor to international audiences.”
“Here in Romania we have ideas that won’t be found anywhere else, and the creative talent to back them up,” Pavel said. “Our aim is to elevate these for local and global audiences, tapping into our unique vision and landscape to create bold, genre shows that feel unique and distinctive, but have broad appeal.”
