ITV

Tag: SBS

  • GoQuest Media inks deal with SBS to air spy thriller ‘Traitor’

    GoQuest Media inks deal with SBS to air spy thriller ‘Traitor’

    Mumbai: Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has signed a deal with Australian broadcaster SBS for the award-winning series Traitor, produced by multi-service provider Elisa Estonia and Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

    With this deal, SBS has acquired the exclusive AVOD rights for the gripping thriller directed by Ergo Kuld and written by prize-winning playwright and screenwriter Martin Algus (best screenwriter award at Estonian Film and Television Awards 2019). The series stars Tambet Tuisk (The Little Comrade, O2, Zero Point, The Poll Diaries). The actor is also the Best Actor Award winner for Traitor at the Estonian Film and Television Awards 2020 (EFTA)  

    Inspired by recent spy scandals in Estonia, Traitor'(6 x 58’) is a captivating thriller that begins in 2004, just before Estonia joined NATO and became a top target for Russian intelligence.  Greed and the need for recognition leads new recruit Alfred Vint (Tambet Tuisk) to cooperate with Russian intelligence, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with determined young Estonian counterintelligence officer Marko Arrak (Veiko Porkanen) as they navigate the challenges faced in their personal lives.

    Commenting on the deal, GoQuest Media VP of sales and acquisition Jimmy George said, “Traitor makes an important statement on what it means to put oneself before the well-being of others.  Alfred Vint needs money and recognition, and he gets both from the Russians. But somewhere, the thin line between ambition and greed disappears, and he finds himself in a situation he can’t walk away from.  The story fits perfectly with the unique programming style of SBS.  Rats, another series from our catalogue was introduced to Australian audiences by SBS last year, and we are excited to see how this thrilling espionage drama will be received.”

    SBS On Demand & World Movies channel manager, Haidee Ireland said, “Estonia is emerging as a new territory in the premium drama space, and we are so excited to bring this thrilling Estonian series to Australian audiences as part of our offering of the world’s best dramas on SBS On Demand.”

  • SBS inks deal with GoQuest Media to air Czech crime thriller in Australia

    SBS inks deal with GoQuest Media to air Czech crime thriller in Australia

    Mumbai: Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media on Tuesday announced that it has concluded an exclusive deal with Australian national pubcaster SBS. The deal sees SBS acquiring the AVOD rights for the Czech crime thriller ‘Rats’.

    The fact-based drama was aired in 2020, during primetime on Ceska televize to unprecedented critical acclaim and multi-generational rating success. Made in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Centre of the Czech Republic (DEA), Rats is created and written by Czech screenwriter Miro Šifra (Rédl) and directed by Viktor Tauš (Vodnik, Clownwise, Dom) of production company Heaven’s Gate and Matěj Chlupáček (Terapie) of Barletta Productions, in association with Czech TV and MD4. 

    Boasting a stellar Czech cast including Cyril Dobrý, Lenka Krobotová, Václav Neužil, and new-comer Miloslav Pechácek, Rats has won the Czech Lions and Czech Film Critics’ Awards in 2021 for Best TV series and was nominated at the International Zurich Film Festival and Serial Killer (festival).

    SBS On Demand, channel manager, Haidee Ireland said “Rats is a thrilling and stylish series, and we are excited to have it join our collection of world-class dramas from all over the world, handpicked and curated for local audiences on SBS On Demand.”

    Commenting on the deal, GoQuest Media, VP – sales & acquisitions, Jimmy George added, “We are delighted to have SBS introducing Rats to Australian audiences. The series has a one-of-a-kind approach to the traditional worldview of drugs both in terms of its protagonist’s story as well as the physical world it is set in. This is a new and extremely interesting universe that viewers will be introduced to, and we can promise they won’t be disappointed.”

  • Viu brings best of korean shows to india

    Viu brings best of korean shows to india

    MUMBAI: Viu, the premium video-on-demand service by Vuclip and PCCW today has launched popular Korean dramas for their viewers in India. After successfully rolling out Korean TV Shows in other Asian markets, Viu has now expanded its Korean content library to the young digital consumer in India. Viu continues to be a trendsetter in offering digital entertainment that popularizes the global phenomenon of Hallyu among the Indian millennials.

    Shows available on the service include hits like ‘Come Back Alive’, ‘Heirs’, ‘My Love From Another Star’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’, ‘Sweet Stranger and M’, ‘Doctors’, ‘Poet Warrior Youth’. The plan is to launch 20 more shows by March 2018. The entire library can be accessed at https://www.viu.com/ott/in/korean-en/korean_dramas.

    Speaking on the launch, Viu India, Country Head – Vishal Maheshwari said, “We have witnessed a very healthy uptake by young viewers, aged 18 to 24 years, who are watching Korean TV shows with English subtitles. The youth of India today are looking for world class TV shows. Korean TV shows deliver on all aspects from story to production which makes it such a success. The trend of watching Korean content is picking up rapidly across the country.“

    Viu has approximately 4,000 hours of the latest Korean drama and variety shows telecast from SBS, KBS, MBC and CJ E&M for all regions. All of this content can be accessed at https://www.viu.com or by downloading the Android app from Google Play or the iOS app from the Apple App Store.

  • FremantleMedia signs Europe deals for factual reality series ‘The Lie Detective’

    CANNES: FremantleMedia has secured five new commissions for the highly entertaining factual reality series The Lie Detective. Devised by True North, the format, which sees a human lie detector put couples in the hot seat to test their honesty, has been picked up by SBS (Belgium), Antenna (Greece), STV Pirma! (Latvia), RTL 5 (Netherlands) and TV2 (Norway). FremantleMedia holds the global rights (excluding the US) for the format.

    FremantleMedia Head of Global Entertainment Production Chris O’Dell said, “We are delighted at the fantastic reception The Lie Detective has received from the international broadcasters. We’re excited to work with them to deliver local versions of the entertainingly honest and distinctly frank format.”

    True North executive producer Fiona O’Sullivan said, “It’s great to see The Lie Detective take off in so many territories so quickly. It’s a completely captivating concept with so many universal themes, it will be amazing to see all the hard work everyone has put into its creation and production manifest in these international series.”

    The highly-charged series, which launched on Channel 4 (UK) in Autumn 2016, sees current couples, wannabe couples, and ex-couples engage in heart-to-heart and compellingly candid conversations with their loved ones to find out whether they’ve always told it like it is, or whether their relationship has been based on lies. Dan Ribacoff will return as the Lie Detective in the Netherlands version of the show where he will use his incredible ability to read body language with genuine polygraph tests to give the couples answers to their long running problems.

    Meanwhile, the local versions will be presented by new experts, who will lend their own unique and extensive knowledge to the format.

  • Bomanbridge Media to bring Korean dramas to Mongolia

    Bomanbridge Media to bring Korean dramas to Mongolia

    MUMBAI:Singapore-based production/distribution agency, Bomanbridge Media has acquired  several popular Korean dramas to bring into Mongolia. The production house has closed deals with major Korean broadcasters like KBS and SBS to get broadcast rights of dramas like The Producers, Unkind Ladies, The Mask and The Gang Doctor, among others.

    “Bomanbridge is strategically moving into developing Asian countries and we strongly believe in the growth of the Mongolian television landscape.  Korean broadcasters such as KBS and SBS are well recognized brands, and increasingly around the globe, as top Korean producers of drama. As Mongolians have an increasing appetite for well-produced content, we are happy to deliver the best,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

    KBS sold the Mongolian rights to dramas The Producers starring Soo Hyun Kim, IU and Gong Yo Jin, Unkind Ladies: a drama series about four women of three generations trying to live their lives together, The Man in the Mask : a Korean version of The Legend of Zorro; and Who Are You – School 2015: A realistic teen drama.

    SBS sold rights for four of its popular shows including Heard It Through the Grapevine, A Girl Who Can See Smell, The Mask, and The Gang Doctor.

  • Mongolian broadcaster acquires telecast rights to Korean dramas

    Mongolian broadcaster acquires telecast rights to Korean dramas

    MUMBAI: Singapore based international distributor and production agency, Bomanbridge Media, has signed several deals with broadcasters while renewing the contracts with their old partners in the Asian region. 

     

    The move also allowed Mongolian Education Channel TV to buy several popular South Korean dramas like Hyde The Jekyll and Temptation produced by Seoul Broadcasting Systems (SBS); and Secret Love and Spy  produced by Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) from Bomanbridge Media.

     

    “Bomanbridge Media is very excited to announce several deals with many of our long-time broadcast partners as well as new clients from the ever-expanding Asian region. We are pleased to deliver many top quality programs which are sure to entertain and attract many viewers,” said Bomanbridge Media, CEO Sonia Fleck. 

     

    “These deals demonstrate our continued growth in program offering for the region,” she further added.

     

    What’s more, the acquisitions didn’t stop at that. Bomanbridge Media also signed deals with Vietnam Television and KBS in South Korea to acquire 34 hours and 7 hours, respectively, of documentary programming while Shanghai Media Group’s Channel ICS bought the popular sports series Epic TV. 

  • Australian broadcaster SBS to produce local version of BBC’s ‘Top Gear’

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has concluded a deal with Australian free-to-air network SBS to license the rights to a local version of Top Gear. This is the first such a deal is done globally.

    Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce the local version, which will transmit on SBS next year. Eight episodes are planned.

    BBC Worldwide has identified Top Gear as one of its top priority brands across all platforms.

    Top Gear MD at BBC Worldwide Adam Waddell said, “This is an incredible step forward for the brand in one of our most important territories. With the UK series viewed in more than 100 countries worldwide, and BBC Top Gear magazine licensed in 19 countries, our focus is very much about expanding the brand through areas such as local production and localised online content.”

    SBS has also extended its commitment to the UK version. Top Gear has aired on the network since 2005, and is its highest-rating non-sport show.

    BBC Worldwide Australasia’s head of sales Julie Dowding sales, “It is very exciting for us to have done this deal with SBS. We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia.”

    UK Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson says, “I’m delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could be Jonny Wilkinson.”

    BBC Top Gear magazine is licensed in many countries including India, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Dubai, Syria, New Zealand and Singapore.

  • Rive Gauche Television to slate array of reality, docu shows at Natpe

    Rive Gauche Television to slate array of reality, docu shows at Natpe

    MUMBAI: Rive Gauche Television SVP sales Dorothy Crompton, has announced that its slating out a catalogue of reality and documentary programming to international broadcasters at Natpe.
    Crompton said, “We look forward to bringing our ever-growing line-up to global broadcasters at Natpe because it reflects Rive Gauche’s commitment to refreshing the content level and quality of our properties. Rive Gauche has experienced tremendous growth over the last year and we anticipate continued success for our entire catalogue in 2007.”

    Entertainment and Reality Series:

    The Dog Whisperer, season three (20 x 60’) is hosted by canine psychologist Cesar Millan. Millan teaches dog owners to become the pack leader to resolve their pet’s behavioral issues. The series follows Cesar as he visits homes, and works with dogs and their distraught owners to solve the behavior problems.

    Produced by MPH Entertainment, The Dog Whisperer is already sold in 15 territories, including BskyB (UK); NHK B.F. (Japan); TV4 (Sweden); SBS (Netherlands); TV2 (Denmark) and TVNZ (New Zealand) and UBC (Thailand), asserts an official release.

    Is That A Nail In Your Head? (6 x 60’) showcases the shocking, true stories of medical science – all caught on tape. The series features patients who cope with real-life medical battles, facing staggering odds of recovery. Featuring video coverage of medical procedures, Is That a Nail In Your Head? allows viewers to explore the extremes of medicine and health conditions. The series is produced by LMNO.

    Beyond The Badge (10 x 60’) showcases footages of catastrophic crashes, shootouts and attacks on officers captured from police cruiser dashboard-mounted cameras, helicopters and television news crew. The series is a co-production of Matchlight Entertainment and Rive Gauche Television.

    Outrageous Home Videos (3 x 60’) captures the hilarious, candid action of kids in Crazy Kids Clips, Party Fouls and bizarre holiday moments in Holiday Bloopers from unique home video footage. The series is produced by Discovery.

    Documentary Specials:

    Dino Lab (1 x 60’) combines the latest scientific technology with a cast of living, breathing digital dinosaurs created by the same electronic animators who first brought the creatures to life in the Discovery Channel’s Dinosaur Planet. A wide variety of prehistoric creatures are dropped into a modern, controlled laboratory setting where lab technicians attempt to assess the creatures’ abilities with a variety of experiments.

    Outside the lab, technicians put the digital dinosaurs through “real-life” trials, demonstrating their colossal size and strength. The testing space – part Olympic training facility, part obstacle course— is designed to illustrate paleontologists’ latest insights about these creatures in a dramatic and highly entertaining way. Dino Lab is produced by Quiet Motion and is distributed by Rive Gauche Entertainment.

    Cuba: A Lifetime of Passion (1 x 60’) looks at the current reality of the Cuban revolution and its uncertain future. This documentary highlights present-day Cuba, its revolutionary past and its impending changes. After four decades in power, Fidel Castro remains the central divisive figure in a decades-long struggle over what Cuba is, the meaning of the Cuban experience and the country’s future.

    With perspectives from the nation’s citizens, those within the exiled Cuban community in Miami, and American officials in Washington, this documentary reveals how Cuban-Americans and native Cubans are at odds about the country’s future.

  • GlobeVISION forges IPTV distribution agreement with Korea’s CGN TV

    GlobeVISION forges IPTV distribution agreement with Korea’s CGN TV

    MUMBAI: The Los Angeles-headquartered digital media service provider GlobeVISION, Inc. has inked an agreement with CGN TV, Korea’s largest Christian programming broadcaster, to carry content from the network on GlobeVISION’s PIE Service, an on-demand Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service for Asian-Americans and Asian-Canadians.

    The deal will bring CGN TV’s Christian-valued programs directly to Asian-Americans and Asian-Canadians throughout North America when GlobeVISION’s PIE Service launches on 1 July.

    The PIE service will launch with thousands of Korean titles ranging from moves to television series to news and sports. It will quickly expand to include programming from all over Asia including China and India, states an official release.

    CGN TV is the latest in a string of high-profile content providers to jump onto the GlobeVISION bandwagon. Korea’s two largest private broadcasters (MBC and SBS), largest cable media group (CJ Media) and top movie studio (CJ Entertainment) have signed deals positioning GlobeVISION and the powerhouse distribution channel for Korean content in North America, adds the release.

    “We are pleased to be able to add these values-based programming options to GlobeVISION’s already announced lineup of news, culture, sports and entertainment,” said Edward Bach, founder and CEO/president of GlobeVISION. “GlobeVISION recognizes how important family and faith-based programming is, especially considering what a hot topic it has been in the U.S. lately.”

    The deal also forms a strategic marketing and promotion partnership to boost awareness of CGN TV’s subscription satellite service. CGN TV’s 24 hour satellite service currently beams Christian-themed programming, including culture, worship and educational programs into 123 countries.

  • DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package

    DirecTV expands Intl programming platform with Korean language package

    MUMBAI: DirecTV is continuing to grow its international programming platform, WorldDirect, with the addition of three leading Korean-language networks – MBC, YTN, and Christian Television Systems (CTS).

    In addition, DirecTV also offers the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network, which launched on the WorldDirect platform last year.

    SBS, MBC and YTN will be available as part of the new DirecTV KoreanDirect package, which is currently available to DirecTV customers nationwide for $26.99 per month. CTS will be available on an a la carte basis for $4.99 per month, according to an official release.

    DirecTV International VP Aaron McNally said, “DirecTV is offering the Korean community living in the United States not only the best Korean-language programming lineup, but also the leading English-language program offering as well. We are truly a one-stop shop for the best television viewing experience available. By partnering with the leading networks in Korea, DirecTV is able to provide a superior programming lineup compared to its competitors, and deliver a programming package that keeps the Korean community informed, entertained and connected to their homeland.”

    SBS, a top-rated Korean network, has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. MBC

    MBC is a top-rated, 24-hour Korean network. “M” stands for “Munwha” in Korean, which means “culture” in English. MBC offers programs such as news, sports, cultural programs, variety shows, drama, comedy and documentaries.

    YTN is the only 24-hour a day, comprehensive Korean news channel. The network, encompassing local branches and 100-plus foreign correspondents bringing news from over 50 major cities around the world, provides Korean-Americans with up-to-the-minute news and events coverage from Korea and around the world.

    Founded by the Korean Primary Christian Denomination, CTS is a gospel broadcasting channel serving Christian Koreans in the United States. For more information on how to receive KoreanDirect, customers should call (800) 378-3309.

    The DirecTV WorldDirect platform has launched 39 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian and Ukrainian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States.

    DirecTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.