FremantleMedia inks raft of first look deals

FremantleMedia Enterprises has inked a raft of first look distribution deals with top producers including Shameless creator Paul Abbott and Smallville exec producer Mike Tollin.

The RTL-owned company has also agreed first look deals with Winker Films, formed by Irwin Winkler, producer of feature films including Rocky and Raging Bull, and Landscape Entertainment, run by former Dreamworks exec and Mr Woodcock producer Bob Cooper.

Paul Abbott set up his own indie Abbott Vision last year and is currently developing a number of commissions for the BBC and ITV. His political thriller State of Play is set to launch soon as a major Hollywood movie starring Russell Crowe.

FremantleMedia Enterprises has also extended a deal with Australian filmmaker Roger Simpson, producer of racy drama Satisfaction, who is currently developing a range of projects for US networks.