ABC acquires Tandem’s Impact

US network ABC has acquired 2x90mins disaster mini series Impact from German distributor Tandem Communications.

This marks the latest move by a US terrestrial broadcaster to acquire a big budget international series following NBC’s purchase of FremantleMedia’s British drama Merlin and CBS’ acquisition of a number of Canadian series.

NBC Universal-owned cable network Sci Fi has also picked up the secondary rights.

The disaster series, which has a budget of US$14 million, stars Species’ Natasha Henstridge and Jag’s David James Elliott as part of a team that is fighting to save earth from a collision with the moon after a meteor impacts it.

The show was produced by Impact Films, Jaffe / Braunstein Entertainment and Muse Entertainment and Tandem Communications hold international distribution rights.

Tandem has already presold the mini series to Japan’s NHK, France’s TF1, Spain’s Cuatro and Germany’s ProSieben.