5 October, 2010
Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, has concluded a significant deal with Australia’s leading public broadcaster ABC TV, which sees the ratings-winning contemporary detective drama Republic of Doyle and the fast-paced multi-platform thriller Girl Number 9 making their debut in the territory.
ABC TV has signed season one (12 x one-hour HD) of Republic of Doyle, which is produced by CBC Canada and was recently commissioned for a second season. Starring Sean McGinley and Allan Hawco as a father and son private investigative duo, the drama will broadcast in Australia later this year. ABC TV has also licensed the 6 x 5’ HD multi-platform drama Girl Number 9, starring Joe Absolom (Doc Martin) and Tracy-Ann Oberman (Doctor Who) and written and directed by James Moran (Spooks).
The deal adds to a host of recent acquisitions by ABC TV Australia from the Fireworks International catalogue, including the third season of primetime family drama series Heartland (18 x one-hour HD), the compelling documentary special I Know What I Saw, and multi-platform content such as the Streamy Award winning HD drama Valemont (available in multiple formats including: 5 x half hours, 35 x 2-3’ and 1 x 100’ TV movie) and the critically acclaimed sci-fi fantasy series Riese (HD, 10 x 9’-14’).
Saralo MacGregor, Executive Vice-President, Worldwide Distribution at Fireworks International commented today, “We are very pleased to see these new titles heading to audiences in Australia with ABC TV, a perfect home for our leading properties. The range of content ABC TV has acquired recently is a great example of the breadth of our programming catalogue, spanning leading drama and documentary titles alongside some of the most innovative multi-platform content available in today’s market.”
Stuart Menzies, Controller ABC2 added, “We are very pleased to acquire this new content from Fireworks International – the fresh and contemporary style of Republic of Doyle is a perfect fit for our audiences and we are also excited to secure the innovative new digital property Girl Number 9.”
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.
Fireworks International: Debbie LawrenceThe Lippin Company
Tel + 44 (0) 20 3008 5406