Ben Stiller's 'Escape at Dannemora' to World Premiere at MIPCOM

The upcoming Showtime series, starring Patricia Arquette, Paul Dano and Benicio del Toro, will open the TV confab, with Stiller, who directed each of the eight episodes, in attendance.

Ben Stiller’s Escape at Dannemora will get its big break as the opening-night world premiere at MIPCOM.

The “ripped from the headlines” prison break drama stars Benicio del Toro, Patricia Arquette and Paul Dano. Del Toro and Dano’s characters are based on real-life murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat, who were on the lam in upstate New York after becoming romantically involved with prison guard Tilly Mitchell, portrayed by Arquette.

The story made headlines around the world in 2015 as the two evaded capture for three weeks, despite a massive manhunt involving more than 1,600 law enforcement officers across multiple states. Goodfellas’ Michael Imperioli plays New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Stiller directed each of the eight episodes and will attend the MIPCOM premiere.

Set to air on Showtime in the fall, the CBS Studios International series has an awards-season pedigree. Written by Mad Men’s Brett Johnson and The Player's Michael Tolkin, it is executive produced by Ray Donovan’s Bryan Zuriff and Captain Phillip’s Michael De Luca under his banner, with Nicky Weinstock executive producing under Stiller’s Red Hour banner.

"The ultra-premium programming from Showtime continues to push boundaries, delivering some of the best production auspices and most compelling stories on television today," said CBS Studios International CEO Armando Nunez.

The big opener proves MIPCOM can still draw big names amid the growing competition for world premieres and speakers among fledgling TV festivals in France, and as film festivals add TV to their lineups.

MIPCOM is set to run Oct. 15–18 in Cannes.