Veteran international TV executive Maria Ishak has announced the launch of Mischief international, a creative studio based in Paris and London. The studio will focus on intellectual property growth, talent management, financing, and franchise creation.

According to a statement, Mischief international will operate as a creative and production partner, emphasizing content that combines cultural relevance wiht strong commercial appeal. The company aims to collaborate closely with creators,producers,and writers throughout the development and production phases,offering expertise in strategic packaging,international co-financing,and marketing.

Mischief’s initial projects include a feature documentary with Public Square Films directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David France, a Finnish drama penned by screenwriter Camilla Ahlgren, a documentary in collaboration with All3Media’s StoryFilms, and a French-English drama co-produced with Fremantle‘s Mintee and U.K.-based indefinite Films.

“Mischief is focused on backing bold ideas with a clear path to market. Whether through traditional commissioning or bespoke funding models, we’re here to get shows made,” said Ishak. “In today’s complex and challenged landscape, the need for creatively driven strategic partnerships has never been greater. Mischief combines a story-first vision with hands-on expertise in developing, financing, and producing content that resonates with international audiences.”

Ishak brings over 25 years of experience across the U.S., U.K., and continental europe, with expertise spanning content development, co-productions, sales strategy, and deal negotiations.

Ishak’s Background and Previous Roles

“Mischief is focused on backing bold ideas with a clear path to market.”

Before establishing Mischief, ishak served as head of international content and co-productions at Washed Media Group, part of Fremantle, where she spearheaded co-production and co-financing strategies for both internal and external projects. Mischief noted that during her time at Asacha, Ishak played a key role in identifying and packaging high-value titles such as Scar (Amazon Spain, TVE, Telekom Serbia) and Poe (TF1, starring Freddie Highmore).She also facilitated the acquisition of the Oaktree Capital-backed business by Fremantle in March 2023, which positioned Asacha as the fourth-largest production group in Europe.

Ishak’s portfolio also includes work on various scripted and unscripted titles, such as It’s a Sin (Channel 4/HBO Max), Help (Channel 4/The Forge), Dinosaur (BBC/Two Brothers), The Wave (Arrow Media), RuPaul’s Drag Race (World of Wonder), and Who Is Ghislaine Maxwell (Roast Beef TV).