4 October, 2010
Fireworks International has concluded a major deal with Fox International Channels, which has picked up exclusive rights to The Booth at the End, the new multi-platform psychological thriller produced by Michael Eisner’s independent studio Vuguru. This follows the recently announced partnership between Fireworks International and Vuguru in an exclusive two-year output deal.
Fox International Channels, part of News Corporation, has signed internet, broadcast TV, mobile, and download-to-own rights for all durations of The Booth at the End, which is delivered as 62 x 2 to 3 minutes, 10 x 10 minutes and 5 x 22 minutes. The series will be distributed across its entire international pay-TV channel network and related online networks starting early 2011, in a two-year deal which is exclusive for 18 months.
Created by writer Christopher Kubasik and helmed by veteran television director Jessica Landaw, The Booth at the End stars Xander Berkeley (24, CSI, Kick-Ass, Terminator 2: Judgment Day) as The Man, a mysterious character who sits in the corner booth at the back of a diner, granting wishes to visitors as long as they, in turn, perform tasks for him.
The property is distributed as part of Fireworks International’s ongoing partnership with leading US multi-platform studio Vuguru, recently cemented by a significant output deal between the two companies which will see the distributor acquiring a minimum of ten multi-platform projects from the company over two years. The first project in the deal, the young-adult drama Pretty Tough, will launch at MIPCOM 2010. The project is based on the popular novel by Liz Tigelaar (Dawson’s Creek), produced by Jetpack Media, Inc., directed by Stewart Hendler (Summit Entertainment’s Sorority Row), and delivered as 18 x 5-7 minute episodes or a 90-minute feature.
Jonathan Ford, Executive Vice President, Digital Acquisitions and Distribution, who brokered the deal, said today, “This is fantastic news hot on the heels of the recent announcement of our ongoing partnership with Vuguru, highlighting the huge potential of these innovative new properties. We are delighted that The Booth at the End will reach millions of viewers throughout the world through distribution by Fox International Channels, a leader in multi-platform content delivery internationally.”
Dario d’Aprile, VP Global Online Publishing at Fox International Channels commented, “The Booth at the End has proved to be a highly anticipated new multi-platform series and we are very pleased to secure rights for our audiences around the world. Featuring a renowned cast and crew, as well as an intriguing and globally relevant premise, the series lends itself equally well to distribution both by traditional FOX pay-TV networks and across mobile and web outlets.”
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is ContentFilm’s international television and digital distribution division with over 3,200 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 the highly anticipated new crime thriller THORNE; hilarious BBC comedy series WHITES; FREAK ENCOUNTERS, a unique blend of horror and reality; innovative new multi-platform drama such as PRETTY TOUGH and THE BOOTH AT THE END from leading US studio VUGURU; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS show, the prestigious BAFTA entertainment portfolio and the premiere Hollywood event THE CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS. 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.
About FOX International Channels
FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 200+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 35 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 350 million subscribing households (875 million cumulative) worldwide. We also operate a global online advertising unit .FOX (pronounced “dot-fox”) specialized in online video and display, and four TV production houses. In operation since: August 14, 1993.
About Vuguru LLC
Vuguru LLC is an independent studio that develops and finances scripted, story-driven content for digital and international platforms. Founded by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and recently backed by Canada’s Rogers Media, the studio brings premium content opportunities to advertisers and distribution partners, enabling them to connect with target audiences. Vuguru’s inaugural property Prom Queen pioneered the online serial space with its unique format and distribution. Follow-up projects have included Prom Queen: Summer Heat, Sam Has 7 Friends, The All-For-Nots, Foreign Body and two installments of the Emmy-nominated Back on Topps. Vuguru programming has been distributed in over 40 countries around the world.
Fireworks International: Debbie LawrenceThe Lippin Company
Tel + 44 (0) 20 3008 5406
www.contentfilm.com
