Disney+ greenlights new romantic comedy from Element Pictures and Sinestra

The British Hulu Original series is created and written by Kate Cortesi and produced by Element Pictures and Sinestra 

Disney+ has greenlit romantic comedy-drama “Mad Love” (working title), produced by Element Pictures (“Normal People”) and Sinestra. The Hulu Original scripted series (6x45’) is created and written by acclaimed playwright, Kate Cortesi, and follows Maddy Caruso, a British wedding planner for an eclectic list of clients in the stunning Italian countryside. Everyone wants Maddy for their events. She makes the impossible possible and can read her demanding clients like a book. If only her personal life was that simple… 

Back home in London, Maddy did something unforgivable with the first man she’s ever had feelings for. She bolted to Italy in shame, leaving behind her entire life, including her sister and best friend, Evie. But Maddy can't run away forever, and her past comes crashing into her new Italian life in the most chaotic way imaginable. 

 Kate Cortesi, Creator and Writer, said: “What a dream to bring Mad Love (w/t) to life with this team that is truly the best in the business. I can’t believe my good fortune to be working with Element, Sinestra, Fremantle, and Disney+, who have understood and supported the vision from the very beginning. And I can’t wait to introduce the world to Maddy Caruso, our wedding planner extraordinaire who is equal parts witty, wise, and wretched. Watching Maddy hurdle toward self-actualization through a string of self-destructive choices is a ride I hope will be funny, sad, and occasionally worrisome—but ultimately a celebration of how true community catches us when we fall and helps us grow up. This one is for the free spirits, the poor decision-makers, and the unapologetic lovers of life." 

Christopher Aird, Executive Producer and Head of TV, Element Pictures said: “In Mad Love (w/t), Kate has created a wonderfully warm and attractive world you want to spend time in. Element are thrilled to be working with Sinestra to bring Kate’s authored, comedic and characterful writing to the screen. We fell in love with Kate’s characters instantly and we think the audience will too.” 

Michael Parets, Executive Producer, Sinestra said: “Kate Cortesi has X-Ray vision. She sees characters for who they are, not just who they want to be. It has been so much fun to see her apply her superpowers to the world of Mad Love (w/t), where she has crafted a messy, honest and incredibly fun playground for love and heartbreak alongside our brilliant partners at Element and Disney+.  

 Lee Mason, VP, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA, said: “Kate Cortesi’s writing is incisive, authentic and uproariously funny, and we’re thrilled to bring her refreshingly honest take on the romantic comedy-drama to Disney+. Together with the brilliant teams at Element and Sinestra, Mad Love is exactly the kind of bold, distinctive storytelling we want to champion as we continue to grow our UK Originals slate.”   

“Mad Love” (w/t) was commissioned by Angela Jain, Head of Content, Disney+ EMEA, and Lee Mason, VP, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA. It will be executive produced by Kate Cortesi; Christopher Aird, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures; Michael Parets and Johan Renck for Sinestra; and Hilary Martin for Fremantle.