Strong first-look for Endemol Shine

Endemol Shine International has secured a first-look deal with Broadchurch and 11/22/63 director James Strong.

The deal will see Endemol Shine Group’s sales arm working with Strong Films, providing the indie with development funding on scripted projects in return for exclusive first-look distribution rights.

Strong formed his prodco two years ago to produce commercials and pop videos, and to develop drama and feature ideas.

The company’s first effort was doc feature Penthouse & Pavement (The Heaven 17 Story) for BBC Two in the UK, and it also co-developed BBC feature United and ITV drama Code of a Killer, both of which Line of Duty producer World Productions eventually produced.

Strong Films currently has a slate of TV and film projects in development.

Strong was directed episodes of Doctor Who and BBC Kenny Everett biopic The Best Possible Taste. He also directed the first two seasons of ITV crime drama Broadchurch (pictured), the ABC pilot Kingmakers and, most recently, CBS pilot Drew.

Endemol Shine International also has a first-look deal with drama-focused Shoebox TV.