12 April, 2010
Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, has signed a landmark deal with Michael Eisner’s leading US-based multi-platform studio Vuguru, securing international distribution rights to the highly-anticipated new digital drama series The Booth at the End.
Showcased during Michael Eisner’s Keynote speech at the recent NATPE conference, The Booth at the End is a 62-part multi-platform psychological thriller created by writer Christopher Kubasik and helmed by veteran television director Jessica Landaw. Xander Berkeley (24, CSI, Terminator 2) stars as a mysterious character who sits in the back of a restaurant, granting visitors their various desires, as long as they in turn perform various tasks for him.
The acquisition represents Fireworks International first deal with Vuguru and the distributor will launch the series to the global marketplace at MIP-TV 2010. The series adds to the company’s growing portfolio of digital productions, which include fast paced thriller Girl Number 9, directed by award-winning feature director Dan Turner; Riese, the critically acclaimed and award-winning sci-fi fantasy series and Splatter, the internet video debut from renowned horror filmmaker Roger Corman starring Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys).
The Booth at the End was developed by Vuguru, the multi-platform studio founded by leading industry executive Michael Eisner and recently backed by Canada’s Rogers Media. Launched in 2006, Vuguru develops and finances world-class, story-driven content for current and emerging media platforms. The studio has seen major success with made-for-digital series including the Emmy nominated original online series Back on Topps, which premiered exclusively on FOXSports.com, and its smash-hit debut series Prom Queen, now distributed in over 40 countries.
Jonathan Ford, Executive Vice-President, Digital Acquisitions and Distribution at Fireworks International commented today, “We are delighted to announce this deal with Vuguru – the company is a pioneer in the development of content for emerging platforms, creating innovative, marketable product for global audiences across multiple platforms. Working with Vuguru and adding fantastic series such as The Booth at the End to our portfolio continues our strategy of being the go-to destination for leading multiplatform properties in the international marketplace.”
“Fireworks International is a leader in distributing cross-platform content all over the world and we’re excited to add our upcoming series The Booth at the End to its already impressive portfolio,” said Larry Tanz, President of Vuguru. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship together.”
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is ContentFilm’s international television and digital distribution division with over 3,000 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include detective drama series, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE, primetime drama series, THE BORDER and heart-warming family drama series, HEARTLAND; non-fiction primetime documentary specials HUNTING THE LOST SYMBOL and I KNOW WHAT I SAW; U.S. tween comedy THE ASSISTANTS; high definition multi-platform thriller series VALEMONT; children’s programmes HALF MOON INVESTIGATIONS and FAMILY BIZ as well as the classic anime series, ROBOTECH; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS show. This new product is combined with the large and valuable Fireworks library catalogue which is complemented by a raft of formidable television shows including Gene Roddenberry’s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X and RELIC HUNTER.
Fireworks International: Debbie LawrenceThe Lippin Company
Tel + 44 (0) 20 3008 5406
www.contentfilm.com
